Enable SSH on Steam Deck: A Guide

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• Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

• How To Use SSH To Connect To The Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is a powerful and versatile device that not only caters to gamers but also to users seeking a portable PC experience. With its desktop mode, the Steam Deck allows for much more than just gaming, including the ability to access internal storage files remotely for various purposes.

Running on a version of Linux, the Steam Deck supports Secure Shell (SSH), a protocol that enables secure and remote data access. However, many Steam Deck users are unaware of how to enable and utilize this feature. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of enabling and using SSH on the Steam Deck, along with other essential tips.

Steps For Enabling SSH On The Steam Deck

Enabling SSH on your Steam Deck is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Power on your Steam Deck.
2. Press the Steam button.
3. Navigate to Settings > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode.
4. Press the Steam button again.
5. Select Power > Switch to Desktop Mode.
6. Open the Konsole from the Start menu.
7. If you haven't set a password yet, do so by entering the command: passwd. Set a strong password.
8. Enable SSH by entering the command: sudo systemctl start sshd. To ensure SSH starts after a reboot, enter: sudo systemctl enable sshd.
9. Once enabled, you can access your Steam Deck's data remotely using any SSH client.

Be cautious not to delete or move system files, as this could corrupt the operating system.

How To Disable SSH On The Steam Deck

If you need to disable SSH on your Steam Deck, follow these steps:

1. Open the Konsole from the Start menu.
2. To disable SSH, enter the command: sudo systemctl disable sshd. If you need to stop SSH immediately, use: sudo systemctl stop sshd.

How To Use SSH To Connect To The Steam Deck

With SSH enabled, you can remotely access your Steam Deck's data using third-party applications like Warpinator. Install Warpinator on both your Steam Deck and your PC, and launch them simultaneously. Transferring data between devices becomes a simple process.

For Linux PC users, no third-party application is necessary. Simply open your file manager and enter the following directory in the address bar: sftp://deck@steamdeck. Enter the password you set earlier to establish the connection.