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If you are a pro gamer, you know how Steam Deck has overtaken the gaming industry ever since its release. Being a competitor to the staple Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck has offered a lot more flexibility to gamers and lived up to its hype and reputation.
The next question is, “How do I fix the Steam deck that can’t reach the Steam servers” error? It is a lot common, but the relief is that there are effective resolutions that you can try to fix the issue immediately.
This article will address all the potential reasons behind the Steam Deck error message and the troubleshooting guide.
Why Is The Steam Deck Not Connecting To Steam Servers?
To be fair, no “one standard” issue’s contributing to the Steam Deck’s error. There could be multiple reasons why you are struggling with the issue.
That said, the following are some of the common reasons you should be aware of:
Server maintenance – Steam has millions of active users each month, meaning their servers go through a lot and need maintenance occasionally. This is one of the reasons why you are likely not noticing the Steam Deck error message.
Outdated Steam client – If your Steam client installed in the Steam Deck is outdated, that’s another reason why you can’t connect the device to the servers. Check and fix the issue.
Random bug or account-related issues – Sometimes, there is no proper explanation as to why you aren’t able to log into your Steam account besides the fact that it could be a random bug. Besides that, improper login information could also contribute to the error.
Hardware issues – If the Steam Deck (a handheld device) has prominent hardware issues, that could be why it is showing an error while connecting to the Steam servers.
Connectivity issues – Weak Wi-Fi signals, poor internet connections, etc., are other reasons you can’t connect your Steam Deck to the servers.
Understanding the potential causes is crucial to fix the error without any complaints. We hope this clears up the basic.
Also read: The Best Social Media Channels for Gamers
Troubleshooting Tips For Steam Deck Not Connecting To Steam Servers.
Once you have identified what’s contributing to the error message when connecting the Steam Deck to the servers, the next step is to find and implement the relevant troubleshooting tips.
Since connectivity issues are the main factors leading to the error, most troubleshooting fixes are centered around that.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Force Reboot The Steam Deck
If your Steam Deck isn’t connecting to the Steam Servers and instead showing an error, the easiest way to fix that is by force rebooting the steam deck.
Follow the steps mentioned:
- Press and then hold down the power button of the Steam Deck for a minimum of 12 seconds.
- Next, press the power button again to turn on the device.
- Wait until the console restarts, and then try reconnecting to the Steam servers to see if it’s working.
If it’s working, it was likely a software glitch inhibiting the connection. If it’s not working, you must move to the next fix.
2. Restart The Router
Restarting your router is the most effective fix if the error related to your Steam Deck is occurring due to a network issue. Sometimes, bugs deter the ISP connection, leading to the inability to connect to the servers.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Turn off the router by pulling out the plug from the power socket.
- Let it remain disconnected for up to 2 minutes, then plug it in again.
- Once done, you can connect the Steam Deck to the internet and see if you can connect to the servers again.
This is an effective way to eliminate potential bugs preventing the connection. The server-related issues are fixed effectively as well after the connection is restored.
3. Disable Wi-Fi Power Management
While the Steam Deck comes with various amazing features and the latest functionalities, we can’t deny that it also comes with a few downsides. One of the biggest issues is the battery management on Steam Deck.
Hence, disabling the Wi-Fi power management is crucial when using Steam Deck. Here’s what you need to do:
- Press on the Steam button and then navigate to Settings.
- Under that, enable the Developer Mode.
- Return to the Settings menu page.
- Scroll to the bottom until you find the “Developer Settings” option.
- Under that, navigate to Miscellaneous settings.
- From there, you have to disable “Wifi Power Management.”
Once done, you have to restart the Steam deck and try to connect it to the Steam servers. See if that helps.
4. Update Your Steam Deck
We discussed the importance of updating your Steam deck with the latest Steam client. If not, that can interfere with the usability of the handheld gaming device.
If the SteamOS isn’t updated to the latest version, that’s another potential reason why your device cannot reach the Steam servers.
Here’s how you can check whether you need to update the Steam Deck or not:
- Click on the Steam button on the sidebar of your screen.
- Navigate to settings.
- Next, scroll down and find System.
- You have an update available if you find a yellow icon on the screen.
- Click on Apply and then click on Restart.
You might have to repeat the process multiple times if multiple updates are pending to be installed.
5. Update The Router’s Firmware
Not just the Steam Deck’s operating system, sometimes an outdated routed firmware could also be why it isn’t connecting to the servers.
One of the major issues with an outdated server is poor internet connectivity, which could be why you can’t connect the Steam Deck to the Steam servers. To fix that, here’s what you have to do:
- Open the router login page.
- Sign in and then navigate to the Software Update section.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the update process.
Once you are done updating the router’s firmware, we’d suggest restarting the router. Following that, try reconnecting the Steam deck and see if that works.
6. Contact The Steam Deck Support
If none of the above-mentioned fixes are working, the last route is to rely on the professionals. You can contact them via their official webpage.
Once done, discuss the issues and how long you have been experiencing them. Once that’s out, let them run the troubleshooting steps and see if that fixes the errors.
Read: 7 Tips on How to Be a Better Gamer
Tips For Preventing Future Connection Issues
Once you have experienced the “Steam Deck not Connecting to Steam Servers” error, chances are that’s the last thing you want a repeat of.
In that case, following some prevention tips is e best way to work around the issue. Following are a few you can check out:
Firmware and Drivers Up-to-Date – Sometimes, the biggest issue with the Steam Deck not connecting to the Steam servers is an outdated firmware or driver in the system. Always cross-check and keep everything up to date.
Use a Wired Connection – If connectivity becomes an issue, avoid relying on wireless connections and switch to wired ones for ease of use.
Avoid Overloading the Network – The Wi-Fi you are connected to should not be overloaded. This means that when using your Steam deck, avoid connecting multiple devices to it. This could affect internet speed, which, in turn, leads to the error.
Monitor Steam Server Status – Sometimes, you see the error due to a Steam server upgrade happening in the background. Instead of panicking and thinking something is wrong, check the server status and fix it as needed.
These preventive measures should reduce or eliminate the chances of encountering the common Steam Deck error message you are experiencing every time you connect the device to the Steam servers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while encountering connectivity issues with the Steam Deck, not being able to reach the Steam servers can be frustrating; there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Remember to always start with the basic troubleshooting steps and then shift to the advanced resolutions, as mentioned in this article.
