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Steam controller connection guide?

Can someone help me understand the different ways of connecting the controller in a simple list?

Here's how I understand it supposed to work:

  • Steam button - connect to last connected device

  • Hold Y + Steam button - turn off the controller or turn on in bluetooth pairing mode

  • Hold B + Steam button - connect to a previously paired bluetooth device

  • Hold A + Steam button - connect to a previously paired USB dongle

  • Hold X + Steam button - pair with a new Steam link or USB dongle

  • Steam + (Forward)Start - Swap between Bluetooth devices

My real world experience:

  • Steam button - connect to Steam link even if the last connection was with the USB connector.

  • Steam + Back - reset all connections and flashes the light on and off

  • Steam + Forward(Start) - flashes the light on and off does not connect to anything.

To cycle between Steam Link and The USB connector am I supposed to hold the steam button first and then press the back button?

Does the pressing the steam button by itself actually connect to the last connected device?

If anyone is coming into this post in 2023 the only way to update to this version if you are on the old one is with the command line stuff I got from support. https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/steamworks_docs/english/Steam_Controller_FW_Update_Tool.zip

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You hold the face button and THEN press the Steam button while the controller is off.

Also, these controls are only if you are using bluetooth firmware. Stock firmware is different. A + Steam Button switches between previous connections and X + Steam Button would put it in pairing mode.

I have connected to a phone with bluetooth in the past.

I keep seeing that the Steam button is supposed to connect to the last connected device but that just isn't the case. It always goes to the Steam link.

Also the holding back and Pressing the Steam button just seems to reset everything.

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Do I need to download something for the steam deck?

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I would also like to know. I end up reconnecting it to the link and dongle constantly.

To cycle between Steam Link and The USB connector am I supposed to hold the steam button first and then press the back button?

Yes. Are you on the Bluetooth firmware already? If not, the buttons are different.

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Steam+A is not the same as A+Steam

the first button is held down while the second is pressed

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Awesome. Couldn't figure out why my dongle wouldn't work but steam A did it and now I can wake my steam deck with the steam controller.

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