Steam Deck Won't Start Without Being Plugged In – Any Fixes?

-

Hey everyone! I’m having a strange issue with my 512GB LCD Steam Deck that I suspect might be a battery problem. I haven’t powered it on in over a year, but back then it worked just fine. Now, it won’t turn on at all unless it’s connected to the charger, and as soon as I unplug it, it shuts off immediately. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
– In desktop mode, the battery shows 0% and isn’t charging.
– In gaming mode, it claims the battery is full.
– I’ve tried my own official Steam Deck charger and my friend’s, but nothing changes.
– I reset the BIOS and firmware, but that didn’t help either.
– I attempted to put it in battery storage mode, but it wouldn’t go into that mode either since the LED doesn’t blink before it powers off.

I’m thinking either the battery is completely shot or the device isn’t recognizing it properly. Has anyone else faced this? Any suggestions before I consider a battery replacement or RMA? Thanks in advance!

Steam Deck Wont Start Without Being Plugged In – Any Fixes
Windosill: Steam Deck Edition

Game guides, questions & answers and other Windosill: Steam Deck Edition posts. If the answer below was not helpful, and still need Help? Submit a comment below or ask a new question.

3 Answers

JoystickJunkie88 -

Did you remember to put your Steam Deck in battery storage mode before leaving it unused for a year? That’s usually essential to keep the battery in good condition. If not, it’s possible the battery has discharged completely, leading to the issues you’re facing now. Just a heads up!

RetroNinja54 -

Sounds frustrating! It could just be a battery recognition issue. Try letting it charge for a longer period before turning it on and see if that makes a difference. If nothing works, it might indeed be time for a replacement or RMA, unfortunately.

PixelHunter_42 -

I had a similar issue after not using my Steam Deck for a while. The screen wouldn’t turn on, but the system could power on and show the battery indicator. I ended up sending it in for repair, but it was out of warranty and took a couple of months. It might be worth contacting support if it’s still under warranty! Good luck!

LevelUpChamp21 -

That really sucks! Did they tell you what the actual problem was during the repair?

Leave A Reply

PLATFORM INFORMATION

WINDOSILL: STEAM DECK EDITION QUESTIONS

Is it worth having two Steam Decks?
[Windosill: Steam Deck Edition] - Is owning two Steam Decks beneficial beyond practical use? View Answer
Which Games Are Playable on Steam Deck Without Proper Controller Support?
[Windosill: Steam Deck Edition] - Which games are playable on Steam Deck without native controller support? View Answer
Is using a Steam Deck primarily wired a smart choice?
[Windosill: Steam Deck Edition] - Is buying a Steam Deck mainly for wired use a smart choice? Let's explore the practicality of this setup. View Answer
How do I fix the docking issues with my Steam Deck?
[Windosill: Steam Deck Edition] - How can I fix the blurry UI when docking my Steam Deck without changing the resolution manually each time? View Answer
Help! My Steam Deck Games Refuse to Launch
[Windosill: Steam Deck Edition] - Why won't my games launch on Deck despite verifying cache and having enough storage? View Answer
What's the Best Game to Play on the Steam Deck for a Busy Dad?
[Windosill: Steam Deck Edition] - How the Steam Deck reignited my passion for gaming as a busy dad with limited time. View Answer

RELATED QUESTIONS

How Can I Set a Custom Image for My Gamerpic on Xbox?
How can I use a phone image for my gamer pic when the app doesn’t show the option despite following help resources? View Answer
Why Isn’t My Xbox Series X Reading Discs After Replacing the Drive?
Why isn't my Xbox Series X disc drive making any noise or reading discs despite the eject function working properly? View Answer
Getting a Steam Deck Soon: What Should I Know?
[Windosill: Steam Deck Edition] - What settings or mods enhance gameplay for my new Steam Deck? Looking for top recommendations! View Answer
Why Can't I Scrap My Junk Items?
[Fallout 76] - What should I do if my junk isn't scrapping despite showing in my inventory? Seeking solutions for this frustrating issue. View Answer
Struggling with Frame Rate and Performance Issues in Games, Need Help!
[Escape from Tarkov] - Struggling with gaming performance issues for months? Troubleshoot common causes and find potential solutions. View Answer
Why Can't I See My DLC in Stellar Blade?
Why isn't my purchased DLC showing up in my game? A gamer seeks help with this frustrating issue. View Answer
Game Crashing Before Login Screen: Looking for Solutions!
[The Elder Scrolls Online] - Why is my game crashing before the login screen? Seeking advice to fix this issue and enjoy my favorite game again. View Answer
Trouble with Ethernet Speed – Need Help!
Experiencing slow ethernet speeds despite high internet plan? Seeking advice on improving connection stability. View Answer
What's the Best Way to Access My Steam Deck Files as a Linux User?
[Windosill: Steam Deck Edition] - What's the best way for Linux users to access their Steam Deck files easily and install game mods? View Answer
How do I fix my sticky controller trigger?
How can I fix my sticky controller triggers? Seeking solutions from the community. View Answer
Why is my PS5 overheating while playing certain games?
[Harry Potter] - Why does my PS5 overheat during specific games and cutscenes, yet cools down with others? Seeking insights. View Answer