Can't pair any bluetooth device, and other devices don't see the Steam Deck

[tim]

I cannot pair 3 different controllers, 2 different ear buds (all BT), this is after applying all updates from "Stable". Can't even pair a Steam Controller. Yes, I've clicked "See all", and I see a Lock which I don't own, and the nearest house is 100 yards from my house. I don't see that device on any other BT attempt on any other system to pair.
It's interesting - Windows and Mac both see the devices, and can pair to them, I can even see those respective systems on each other. BUT - Windows and Mac don't see the Steam Deck (unusual), and Steam Deck doesn't see either Windows or Mac.

Is there an issue with the BT drivers? Or is there something wrong with the Steam Deck hardware?

[class101 [OLED deck]]

No issues here but I always paired in Desktop mode, bluetooth tray icon and add new device, tried a mouse keyboard and switch pro controller they all worked first time

[tim]

Ok - I'll try Desktop mode on the Steam Deck. Seems a bit ridiculous when it's right off the Steam button... I'll give it a shot tonite

Something isn't connected quite right if one mode works, the other doesn't

[class101 [OLED deck]]

If you have the choice, do the device configuration on the System level so they are shared with application like Steam.

In SteamOS gaming mode, they implement shortcuts like that but they are less tested and stable than what you will find on the desktop level, KDE is rebust and has a larger audience for testing devices

[tim]

Ok - used Desktop mode, and that got at least one of the controllers. Would like to use my old Steam Controller (model 1001), but it won't stay in pairing mode for more than maybe 8-10 seconds, so not long enough it would seem.

I'll still need to check one controller a bit more, and those ear buds. I can finally also see my OTHER desktop systems in the list that have BT enabled.

And - how can I make the BT screen in desktop mode larger? Have to scroll, and it's finicky scrolling to find a device and start pairing it.

[WarnerCK]

I've had no trouble pairing devices, but something that might help with your last comment is setting up the controls in desktop mode so that you have a scroll wheel. Clicks on triggers and scroll wheel on left trackpad is my favoured layout.

[tim]

Ok - finally got both controllers on. One was easy - the Steam Controller needed the BLE FW update - which was a cast-iron ..... to get installed. Windows machine flat wouldn't see the controller at all connected via USB. My Mac finally did, and I got the option for the BLE update. Once that was done - connected right up to the Deck.

[tim]

Think I've found the source of the issue with the Steam Controller. Appears that there is a cold solder joint in the USB connector on the SC. Or a cracked board. I'll have to take it apart and find out what it is.

Noticed it last night - would plug it in, and all of the sudden the lights would go off. Hadn't noticed that before.

[Meow]

Heres what I’ve found..
Deck version 7” LED second updated MBoard basically changed a few things with the heat pipe mounting. 1 TB m.2 running strictly steam os.

Windows 10 Go is installed externally 2tb with a steam dock on usb. Mainly play docked on a 55” 4k tv.
Wired Networking rj45. Ya a cs2 player!

First thing, WiFi and Bluetooth must be turned on. Bluetooth will be on but won’t connect to newer devices without WiFi turned on, Realtek chip thing?

For windows, for some reason the driver.exe runs but don’t install. Even if you right click and run as admin?
So get to device manager, find Bluetooth, right click, reinstall driver but manually find it yourself wherever your download is. Click into the Bluetooth driver folder and install.
“Windows button to settings and in search just type device manager. Once you have device manager up, look for networked devices or Bluetooth and click on it to expand it. If you look at the date of the driver and it says like 2006… you know your driver is fobared.

PS4 controllers - pair a controller
Hold options and ps4 button ls together until the light starts double flashing.
If your ps4 controller still don’t connect hold the reset for five seconds on the back of the ps4 controller to reset it. Then rehold the two buttons