Controller keeps losing connection :: Steam Deck General Discussions

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Licoix Jul 6, 2023 @ 2:02pm

Controller keeps losing connection

First off, this issue has never happened with my PC, so I know it's a deck issue.
This can happen pretty much anytime, browsing menus, playing games etc etc, it's not a battery issue, and I'm not sitting too far away, I'm practically sitting 3 meters away from it.
I'm playing docked with an Xbox one controller which is practically brand new so it's a deck issue, anyone know how to fix this?

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Showing 1-9 of 9 comments

FiSH Jul 6, 2023 @ 7:31pm

I have encountered the same issue where the controller loses control after a certain period of time when connected via Bluetooth. However, I have not experienced any issues when using the controller on my computer. It seems to be a problem specifically with the deck.

I'm also looking for a solution to this issue. If anyone has any suggestions or knows how to fix this, please let us know. It would be greatly appreciated.

Dad Dad Daddyo Jul 7, 2023 @ 4:34am

Yeah, I've run into this when the Steam Controller USB dongle (receiver) is plugged into the back of the Deck cradle.

My solution was to get hold of a short (like about two foot) USB extension cable, that is, USB A Male on one end, USB A Female on the other end, in other words, a simple extension cable.

Using this I moved the USB receiver from the back of the Deck cradle to a spot near the front of the surface the Deck is sitting on. This essentially gave me line-of-sight visibility between the Controller and its receiver.

Problem solved and has not returned.

Last edited by Dad Dad Daddyo; Jul 7, 2023 @ 4:34am

FiSH Jul 7, 2023 @ 7:10am

Originally posted by Dad Dad Daddyo:
Yeah, I've run into this when the Steam Controller USB dongle (receiver) is plugged into the back of the Deck cradle.

My solution was to get hold of a short (like about two foot) USB extension cable, that is, USB A Male on one end, USB A Female on the other end, in other words, a simple extension cable.

Using this I moved the USB receiver from the back of the Deck cradle to a spot near the front of the surface the Deck is sitting on. This essentially gave me line-of-sight visibility between the Controller and its receiver.

Problem solved and has not returned.

My situation is different from yours. I am using an Xbox Elite Series 2 controller instead of a Steam Controller. This controller does not have a receiver and connects to the Steam Deck via Bluetooth.

Valgrux Jul 7, 2023 @ 9:57am

FISH i read alittle online about that controller and the steam deck as i have both, just got my deck, it seem the controller loses connection if rumble is turned on for it through the deck. try turning that off.

FiSH Jul 7, 2023 @ 6:04pm

Originally posted by Valgrux:
FISH i read alittle online about that controller and the steam deck as i have both, just got my deck, it seem the controller loses connection if rumble is turned on for it through the deck. try turning that off.

Thank you for your suggestion. I tried it out, and after turning off the rumble feature, I've been playing for over an hour without experiencing any disconnection issues. Thank you for your help!

Pixel Brush Jul 8, 2023 @ 2:04pm

While you have found a solution, I believe the main issue is the controller needing an update. That fixed it for me, and I have rumble too! Unfortunately the update can only be done on Windows via an App Microsoft provides on their store (for free, luckily).

FiSH Jul 8, 2023 @ 5:55pm

Originally posted by Pixel Brush:
While you have found a solution, I believe the main issue is the controller needing an update. That fixed it for me, and I have rumble too! Unfortunately the update can only be done on Windows via an App Microsoft provides on their store (for free, luckily).

Thank you for the reminder. I wasn’t aware that an update was available. I’ll make sure to update the controller and see if it resolves the issue. Thanks again for your help!

Sephiroth Apr 30, 2024 @ 1:50pm

Originally posted by Valgrux:
FISH i read alittle online about that controller and the steam deck as i have both, just got my deck, it seem the controller loses connection if rumble is turned on for it through the deck. try turning that off.

I had the following problem: tried to connect my Xbox (starfield edition) controller and it immediately kept disconnecting and connecting in a loop. Tried to update the controller, re pair, reboot,.... Nothing helped. And then I found your reply regarding the rumble functions! Deactivated them and voilá: It works! Thank you so much! KUDOS!