The Steam Deck is Valve’s new handheld gaming PC. It allows you to play your Steam library on the go, with the ability to store games on built-in SSD storage or a microSD card. However, some users have reported issues where their Steam Deck is not detecting or reading their microSD card. There are a few potential reasons why this may happen.
Quick Answers
Is the microSD card properly inserted?
Make sure the microSD card is fully inserted into the slot. It should click into place. An improperly inserted card may not make proper contact.
Have you formatted the microSD card to Ext4?
The Steam Deck requires microSD cards to be formatted to Ext4 file system. Cards formatted to FAT32 or exFAT may not be detected. You’ll need to reformat it in SteamOS.
Is the microSD card supported?
The Steam Deck has specific requirements for microSD card speed and capacity. Make sure your card meets the requirements – UHS-I, A2 rated, 64-256GB. Non-supported cards may not function.
Did you “safely remove” the card before taking it out?
Always use the “safely remove” option before physically removing the microSD card. Failing to do so could lead to corrupted data or the card not being detected when re-inserted.
Have you tried restarting the Steam Deck?
Sometimes a simple restart can resolve detection issues if the card is not being properly read. Reboot the Steam Deck and check if the microSD card is recognized.
Common Reasons for Steam Deck Not Detecting microSD Card
There are a few common reasons why your Steam Deck may not be reading your microSD card:
Incorrect Insertion
It’s important that the microSD card is fully inserted into the slot in the correct orientation. You’ll feel a click when it’s properly seated.
Partial or incorrect insertion can prevent the pins from making proper contact with the card. This will stop the Steam Deck from detecting and mounting the storage.
Unsupported Format
By default, the Steam Deck requires microSD cards to be formatted with the Ext4 file system. This is a common Linux file system.
Cards formatted with FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, etc. will not be properly read even if inserted correctly. You’ll need to reformat them to Ext4.
Old or Slow microSD Card
The Steam Deck needs decently fast microSD cards to provide acceptable performance for games. Very old, slow cards or ones that do not meet the minimum specs may not function correctly.
Stick to recently released UHS-I type cards with A2 ratings. The minimum speed class recommended is U3. Slower cards can exhibit detection issues.
Damaged microSD Card Slot
In rare cases, physical damage to the Steam Deck’s microSD card slot can preventproper pin contact. Dropping the device or getting moisture/debris inside the slot could cause damage.
If cards are inconsistently detected even after correcting other issues, this may indicate a hardware problem with the reader itself.
Damaged or Corrupted microSD Card
A microSD card that has become corrupted or damaged through frequent read/writes can start malfunctioning. This can manifest as the Steam Deck not recognizing the card.
Try testing the card in another device like a phone or laptop. If the card is not being detected properly in other devices either, it likely has an issue.
Safely Remove Not Used Before Ejecting
Always use the “Safely Remove” option within SteamOS before physically removing a microSD card. This ensures pending writes are flushed and the system unmounts the card cleanly.
Pulling out the card without safely removing can lead to file system corruption. This will prevent proper detection when reinserted.
How to Get Steam Deck to Detect microSD Card
If your Steam Deck is not reading a compatible, functional microSD card, here are steps to get it detected properly:
1. Reinsert and Click In Place
Remove the microSD card and reinsert it into the slot, making sure it clicks fully into place. An improper insertion can prevent detection.
2. Check Orientation
Double check that the card is inserted right side up. Upside down insertion will stop the pins from making contact. Follow the label direction.
3. Inspect Slot for Damage
Shine a flashlight into the microSD slot and inspect for any signs of physical damage or debris inside. If damage is present, you may need repair.
4. Format Card to Ext4
Use Steam Deck’s settings to reformat the microSD card to Ext4 file system. Non-compatible formats like FAT32 will not work.
5. Test Card in External Reader
Try inserting the microSD card into an external USB card reader connected to a PC. If the card shows up, the issue is with the Steam Deck slot.
6. Restart Steam Deck
Fully power down the Steam Deck and restart it. This will reset the readers and may detect the card.
7. Update SteamOS
Make sure SteamOS is updated to the latest version. Updates sometimes resolve system issues like external storage detection.
8. Replace microSD Card
If you’ve confirmed the card works in other devices, consider replacing it with a new officially supported microSD card for the Steam Deck.
How to Format microSD Card to Ext4 for Steam Deck
Steam Deck requires microSD cards to be formatted to Ext4 file system. Here are the steps to correctly format your card:
1. Insert Card into Steam Deck
With the system powered on, insert your microSD card into the slot on the Steam Deck.
2. Open SteamOS Settings
From the main menu, launch the SteamOS Settings screen. Go to the System tab.
3. Select Storage
Choose the Storage option on the left. This will show external storage devices.
4. Identify microSD Card
Look for your microSD card in the list of drives. It may be labeled as “removable” storage with the capacity matching your card.
5. Select Options on microSD Card
Highlight the microSD card drive and press the Option button. This opens a dropdown menu.
6. Choose Format
From the menu, select the Format option to reformat the chosen drive.
7. Confirm Format to Ext4
It will prompt you to confirm reformatting the storage to Ext4 file system. Choose Continue to begin.
8. Wait for Format to Complete
The card will now be fully formatted to Ext4. This process can take several minutes depending on capacity.
The microSD card can now be used for SteamOS game storage and other applications. Repeat steps if not detected still.
Optimal microSD Cards for Steam Deck
While any properly formatted microSD card should work, some models are better optimized for the Steam Deck’s needs:
SanDisk Extreme microSD Card
– UHS-I / U3 / V30 rated
– Up to 1TB capacity
– Optimized for gaming/A2
– Fast read speeds up to 160MB/s
Samsung EVO Select microSD Card
– UHS-I / U3 rated
– Available in 64GB to 256GB sizes
– Budget friendly option
– Read speeds up to 100MB/s
PNY Pro Elite microSD Card
– Up to 512GB capacity
– Rated A2 for faster app performance
– Durable design
– Read speeds up to 100MB/s
Key Specs
When shopping, look for microSD cards with these specs for best Steam Deck use:
– UHS-I interface
– U3 or higher speed class
– A2 App performance rating
– At least 64GB capacity
– High read speed of 90-160MB/s
Troubleshooting Steam Deck Not Detecting microSD Card
If your Steam Deck still won’t detect a compatible microSD card after following the usual steps, try these troubleshooting suggestions:
Check for Hardware Damage
Examine the microSD slot for any signs of physical damage like bends or broken pins. Insert a pin light and look for debris. Damage may require professional repair.
Try a Different microSD Card Brand
Some brands of microSD cards may have compatibility issues. Try swapping in a card from a manufacturer like Samsung or SanDisk instead.
Update BIOS/Firmware
Outdated BIOS/firmware versions can affect microSD detection. Make sure SteamOS and the BIOS are fully updated on the system.
Factory Reset Steam Deck
As a last resort, consider resetting the Steam Deck to factory defaults. This wipes all data but can resolve system issues.
Contact Steam Support
If all else fails, reach out to Valve’s customer support for personalized help on your Steam Deck’s SD card detection issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Steam Deck suddenly not read my microSD card?
If a previously working card is suddenly not detected, it could be due to accidental removal without safely ejecting, physical damage to the card or slot, updates breaking compatibility, or hardware failure.
How can I tell if my microSD card is compatible?
Check that your card is UHS-I, U3 Class, A2 rated for apps, 64-256GB capacity, and has read speeds of at least 90MB/s. This ensures compatibility.
Do I have to format my microSD card to Ext4?
Yes, SteamOS can only read Ext4 formatted cards. FAT32, exFAT, etc will not work. You must format new cards to Ext4 via Steam Deck settings.
Can I use just any microSD card?
Not recommended. While any card can be reformatted, very old, slow, or low capacity cards can have compatibility and performance issues. Stick to recent fast models.
Should I remove the microSD card when Steam Deck is off?
There is no need to remove the card when powered down. However, always use the Safely Remove option before taking out the card while Steam Deck is on to prevent data issues.
Conclusion
Getting a new microSD card to work with your Steam Deck can be frustrating if it is not detected properly. In most cases, the issue is improper insertion, incorrect formatting, or using incompatible cards. Follow the tips in this guide to get your card recognized.
Be sure to fully insert the card until it clicks, reformat to Ext4 file system, use supported card specs, and always safely eject before removing. Confirm the card works in external readers. Update SteamOS too.
With a bit of trial and error, you should be able to get external microSD storage working on the Steam Deck for expanding your game library. Enjoy taking your collection on the go!
