Steam Deck Keyboard Options & FAQ

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Unleash your Steam Deck typing powers, whether you’re gaming or browsing
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Wondering how to access the keyboard on your Steam Deck? Fortunately, SteamOS automatically opens the on-screen keyboard if you have your cursor in a text field. Otherwise, press a few buttons to get the keyboard to show. This wikiHow article teaches you how to access the Steam Deck keyboard as well as how to customize it.

Using the Keyboard on Steam Deck

  • Press A if there's a search or text field on the page, or press and hold the Steam button and X buttons at the same time for both Gaming and Desktop Mode.
  • Go to the Points Shop on Steam to get new keyboard themes.
  • Customize your keyboard in Settings > Keyboard .
  • You can use Bluetooth keyboards or a USB-C hub to plug in USB keyboards.
Section 1 of 4:

Accessing the Keyboard in Gaming Mode

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    Since the keyboard usually opens automatically, you don't have to worry about opening it yourself. However, it doesn't appear on all screens in Gaming Mode (like the Settings page), so you might want to know how to get to it.
    • Apps with a search bar or text field are good apps to open for this.
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    If there's a text field available on the page, pressing A will activate the on-screen keyboard.
    • Alternatively, press and hold the Steam button and press X .
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Section 2 of 4:

Accessing the Keyboard in Desktop Mode

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    Pressed at the same time, these buttons will open the on-screen keyboard.
    • Unlike in Gaming Mode, where the keyboard sometimes won't appear, you can get the keyboard to open on any screen in Desktop Mode. [1]
Section 3 of 4:

Customizing Your Keyboard

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    You can also visit the Points Shop on Steam using your computer, but it's not as seamless as using the Steam Deck.
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    The "Keyboard" menu option is in the menu on the left with an icon of a keyboard.
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    It's to the right of "Find More Keyboard Themes."
    • Skip going to the Points Shop if you already have another keyboard theme that you want to use.
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    Simply tap on one to download it.
    • Once you have a theme, you can apply it immediately or change it from Settings > Keyboard > Current Keyboard Theme . [2]
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Section 4 of 4:

FAQ

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    Steam Deck doesn't have any USB ports for you to plug in USB devices, but you can use any keyboard that has Bluetooth to connect to the Deck!
    • Alternatively, you can get a USB-C dock or hub that allows you to plug in USB devices.
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    The keyboard won't appear on some pages in Game Mode, like if you're in Settings.
    • Also check if the Steam app is closed. Your keyboard won't show up if Steam is closed. You should see a Steam icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/69E3-14AF-9764-4C28
      2. ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1675200/view/3215014689179840548

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