Steam Deck Keyboard Options & FAQ

Download Article
Unleash your Steam Deck typing powers, whether you’re gaming or browsing
Download Article

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

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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 .
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Accessing the Keyboard in Desktop Mode

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can also visit the Points Shop on Steam using your computer, but it's not as seamless as using the Steam Deck.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The "Keyboard" menu option is in the menu on the left with an icon of a keyboard.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

FAQ

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Steam-Deck-Keyboard-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to Speed Up Steam Downloads
      How to
      Contact Steam Support
      A Detailed Guide to Getting Your Game on Steam
      How to Earn and Use Steam Points
      Step-by-Step Guide: Play Xbox Game Pass Games on Steam Deck
      How to Set a Custom Background for Your Steam Profile (2021)
      How to
      Delete Steam Workshop Mods
      How to Turn Off Friend Notifications and Overlay on Steam
      How to
      Uninstall Steam
      See a Friend’s Wishlist on Steam Using Desktop or Mobile Apps and the Web
      3 Easy Ways to Redeem a Steam Wallet Code or Gift Card
      How to Take a Screenshot in a Steam Game
      6 Quick and Easy Ways to Fix a Steam Deck Stuck on the Logo Screen
      How to Move Steam Games to Another Hard Drive
      Advertisement

      References

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

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,582 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement