Steam Deck Buttons Not Working: Troubleshooting and Repair Guide

Is your Steam Deck’s touchscreen not responding as it should? Are you experiencing issues with buttons not working, making some games unplayable? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the troubleshooting process to identify and potentially fix the problem.

First Steps

If your Steam Deck is frozen, crashed, or not responding, try calibrating it. Also, ensure that the game you’re playing is fully compatible with the Steam Deck. If you’ve experienced a liquid spill, inspect the device for any damage.

Causes of Button Failure

There are several reasons why your Steam Deck buttons may not be working. Let’s explore some of the common causes:

Debris in Buttons

During long gaming sessions, it’s easy to get tempted to snack. However, crumbs, grease, and other debris can get lodged in your buttons, leading to inconsistent or absent button responses.

Inspect your buttons and clean them gently to remove any debris. If the issue persists, you may need to replace the front shell or the button mechanism.

Game Not Fully Compatible

If your button issues only occur in certain games, you might have compatibility problems. Steam’s button layout is unique, and current translations for controllers are not always perfect.

Check the game’s compatibility with the Steam Deck and ensure that you’ve configured it correctly. You can also try updating the game or seeking support from the game developers.

Software or Firmware Corruption

Data corruption can occur due to various reasons, leading to nonresponsive buttons. If you’re not concerned about your settings or have a good backup of your data, perform a system reset using Valve’s OS Recovery Instructions.

Drop Damage

Accidental drops can cause damage to the Steam Deck’s buttons, especially the triggers, bumpers, and thumbsticks. Inspect the device for any signs of physical damage.

If you’ve identified damage, you may need to replace the back cover or the affected buttons. Our team at Salvation Repair can help you with the repair process. Schedule a repair at https://salvationrepair.com/repair.

Button is Worn

The Steam Deck’s buttons are prone to wear and tear, especially the triggers, bumpers, and rear buttons. If you’ve used your device extensively, it’s possible that the buttons have worn out.

Inspect the buttons and clean them gently. If the issue persists, you may need to replace the buttons. Our team at Salvation Repair can assist you with the repair process.

Liquid Spill or Dirty Contacts

Spilling a drink on your Steam Deck can cause damage to the buttons. Inspect the device for any signs of liquid damage or dirty contacts.

Clean the device gently and inspect the buttons. If the issue persists, you may need to replace the affected components. Our team at Salvation Repair can help you with the repair process.

Failed Button Board or Cable

If you’ve tried the above steps and the issue persists, you may have a problem with the button board or cable. Inspect the device and identify the affected component.

Our team at Salvation Repair can help you diagnose and repair the issue. Schedule a repair at https://salvationrepair.com/repair.

Motherboard Failure

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s possible that the motherboard has failed. This is a