Absurd WiFi connection issues on Steam Deck OLED 1TB LE

[DoomTheRobot]

EDIT 7/9/2024: A new developer option in the 3.6 Beta (and now in the latest stable) seems to have fixed my connectivity issues. I can now connect to my Nighthawk RAX35. Here's the process if you want to give it a try:

1. Update your Steam Deck to the latest version
   
2. Enable Developer Mode in System tab
   
3. Go to new Developer settings tab at the bottom
   
4. Enable "Force WPA Supplicant WiFi backend" option
   
5. Reboot

This is what worked for me.

EDIT 5/4/2024: I should've done this way earlier but here is a list of routers that seem to be having issues:

• NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX35 (v1.0.5.104_1.0.1)
  
• NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX30 (v1.0.10.94)
  
• ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
  
• ASUS RT-AX88U
  
• ASUS Rapture GT-AX6000
  
• TP-Link Deco M4
  
• TP-Link AX50
  
• TP-Link AX6000
  
• Telekom's "Speedport Pro Plus"
  
• Sagemcom CS50001

If you're still having issues even after updating to the latest stable, post your router info and firmware version here so I can include it in this list.

EDIT 3/30/2024: If you are still having connection issues, try finding a way to update to 3.5.17 stable, as it contains various WiFi fixes which may fix the problems you could be facing. If not, head over to this GitHub issue[github.com] and leave a comment about the issue you're having.

Just got mine yesterday and have been having off-and-on issues with WiFi connectivity that never happened at all with my previous Steam Deck LCD 512GB model. This is not an issue with my connection as none of this has ever happened over the two or so years of using my original Steam Deck.

During the initial setup process, it refused to connect to my WPA2 secured WiFi network with nothing other than "Failed to connect" when attempting to connect to it. I'd enter my password and it'd sit for a while until it eventually fails. Despite this, I connected to my mobile hotspot perfectly fine to finish the setup process.

Here's what I've done so far:

• Rebooted the Router (obviously)
  
• Re-imaged SteamOS
  
• Disabled WiFi Power Saving
  
• Tried switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections

I even went into Desktop mode and tried messing with the settings there. No luck.

For whatever reason though, and this is the confusing part: After multiple restarts it automatically connects to the WiFi network with no issues. It's almost completely random whether or not it wants to connect on boot. After connecting it works perfectly fine. No "Failed to connect", no loss of speed, works just as it did like the previous Steam Deck.

But once I eventually shutdown, it just happens again until I restart the system multiple times until it works again. Absolutely no clue why. I didn't mind it at first as I assumed it was just a software bug that would eventually go away, but now it's becoming extremely frustrating.

So what's the deal here? Is this a hardware issue or is my network just messed up somewhere? Where do I even start?

[SOULS]

Първоначално публикувано от RedAsKetchum:

Първоначално публикувано от leamingtonspaceman:

I had the WiFi connectivity issues and requested an RMA. Just before I packaged it up yesterday, I thought I'd give it one more try.

I switched it on... and it worked.

That was with 160MHz disabled as I'd forgot to re-enable it and it was on 80MHz.

I switched it back to 160MHz. It worked.

But, strangely, whenever I switched on the Deck, my phone would get booted from WiFi 6 and both it and the Deck would connect to 2.4GHz.

I changed the WiFi 6 band back to 'auto' and it was better, but still a bit unstable.

Then I tried what @SOULS said in post #254:

1. Re-Enabling 160mhz [Within Router's settings]*
2. Enabling Developer Mode [Within Deck's settings]
3. Turning off "Enable WIFI Power Management"

*by setting to AUTO in my case.

This appears to have cured all my issues.

The option to turn off WiFi power management actually has a note next to it saying that disabling this can improve connection to 5GHz networks.

I also found a Reddit thread about this that says that this is a Linux 'issue.'

There's a reply in this thread about it:

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/s/bYk6IUPYwt

It won't lastt. This happened to me and eventually, the Deck wouldnt connect again. Theres a firmware problem with the wifi card so an RMA wont fix the problem either. It seems the problem occurs with certain router chipsets.

This is correct, it won't last. Essentially, if your router is set to auto-pick channels and bw frequencies you are bound to experience the problem again.

After some testing, I found that:

- if your router goes into a 160mhz channel at any given point within the 5GHz network, the deck will not connect to the network, and replicate the initial problem [Not connecting to any network]

The problem is, at least in my case, 100% the 160mhz frequency. I forced the 5GHz to only pick 160mhz frequencies [WIFI 6E] and guess what, the deck's wifi stopped working altogether.

My initial solution only worked because the router was only auto picking non-channels on an 80mhz bw.

Very frustrating issue - still debating if getting a refund. Using a device shouldn't be this difficult

[StancOssa]

As every one here, same issue. Unable to connect to any wifi. Anyway forcing my 5GHz to 80mhz is not solving the issue. Also I can't connect to any hotspot 5Ghz or 2.4Ghz.
Quite annoying, hope to have a reply from Valve soon, apart from that the screen looks great.

[leamingtonspaceman]

Първоначално публикувано от RedAsKetchum:

Първоначално публикувано от leamingtonspaceman:

I had the WiFi connectivity issues and requested an RMA. Just before I packaged it up yesterday, I thought I'd give it one more try.

I switched it on... and it worked.

That was with 160MHz disabled as I'd forgot to re-enable it and it was on 80MHz.

I switched it back to 160MHz. It worked.

But, strangely, whenever I switched on the Deck, my phone would get booted from WiFi 6 and both it and the Deck would connect to 2.4GHz.

I changed the WiFi 6 band back to 'auto' and it was better, but still a bit unstable.

Then I tried what @SOULS said in post #254:

1. Re-Enabling 160mhz [Within Router's settings]*
2. Enabling Developer Mode [Within Deck's settings]
3. Turning off "Enable WIFI Power Management"

*by setting to AUTO in my case.

This appears to have cured all my issues.

The option to turn off WiFi power management actually has a note next to it saying that disabling this can improve connection to 5GHz networks.

I also found a Reddit thread about this that says that this is a Linux 'issue.'

There's a reply in this thread about it:

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/s/bYk6IUPYwt

It wont lastt. This happened to me and eventually the Deck wouldnt connect again. Theres a firmware problem with the wifi card so an RMA wont fix the problem either. It seems the problem occurs with certain router chipsets.

It didn't ...

[leamingtonspaceman]

Първоначално публикувано от SOULS:

Първоначално публикувано от RedAsKetchum:

It won't lastt. This happened to me and eventually, the Deck wouldnt connect again. Theres a firmware problem with the wifi card so an RMA wont fix the problem either. It seems the problem occurs with certain router chipsets.

This is correct, it won't last. Essentially, if your router is set to auto-pick channels and bw frequencies you are bound to experience the problem again.

After some testing, I found that:

- if your router goes into a 160mhz channel at any given point within the 5GHz network, the deck will not connect to the network, and replicate the initial problem [Not connecting to any network]

The problem is, at least in my case, 100% the 160mhz frequency. I forced the 5GHz to only pick 160mhz frequencies [WIFI 6E] and guess what, the deck's wifi stopped working altogether.

My initial solution only worked because the router was only auto picking non-channels on an 80mhz bw.

Very frustrating issue - still debating if getting a refund. Using a device shouldn't be this difficult

Someone who is having this issue needs to do an RMA and then get a replacement to see if the problem persists.

I've now switched my router to 80MHz WiFi6. Deck and phone occasionally pick up 5GHz.

I've got a Huawei router and I've found reddit threads where people with Huawei routers have this same issue with other devices... PS5's mainly.

I'm going to relax about it now and enjoy my Deck...

[SOULS]

Първоначално публикувано от leamingtonspaceman:

Първоначално публикувано от SOULS:

This is correct, it won't last. Essentially, if your router is set to auto-pick channels and bw frequencies you are bound to experience the problem again.

After some testing, I found that:

- if your router goes into a 160mhz channel at any given point within the 5GHz network, the deck will not connect to the network, and replicate the initial problem [Not connecting to any network]

The problem is, at least in my case, 100% the 160mhz frequency. I forced the 5GHz to only pick 160mhz frequencies [WIFI 6E] and guess what, the deck's wifi stopped working altogether.

My initial solution only worked because the router was only auto picking non-channels on an 80mhz bw.

Very frustrating issue - still debating if getting a refund. Using a device shouldn't be this difficult

Someone who is having this issue needs to do an RMA and then get a replacement to see if the problem persists.

I've now switched my router to 80MHz WiFi6. Deck and phone occasionally pick up 5GHz.

I've got a Huawei router and I've found reddit threads where people with Huawei routers have this same issue with other devices... PS5's mainly.

I'm going to relax about it now and enjoy my Deck...

I sent a ticket asking for more info on whether this is a known issue and to see if I get any context on whether this is an identified driver issue. [will keep you posted]

Some people have reported that the wifi module works flawlessly on a Windows partition with Windows-specific drivers. So, on that note, I am leaning to believe that the problem is at driver level.

The main issue with this problem is that even if we solved it by going into an 80mhz bw we will not be able to control that once we are out in the wild exploring the world with our decks

[InVy]

Good news, I got a reply from the Steam Support:
Hi there,

Thank you for contacting Steam Support. We apologize for the delayed response, we are experiencing higher than usual volumes at this time.

We're aware of this issue and are working on a software fix. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.

If you have any further questions, please let us know - we will be happy to assist you.

Steam Support
Maggie

[RedAsKetchum]

Първоначално публикувано от InVy:

Good news, I got a reply from the Steam Support:
Hi there,

Thank you for contacting Steam Support. We apologize for the delayed response, we are experiencing higher than usual volumes at this time.

We're aware of this issue and are working on a software fix. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.

If you have any further questions, please let us know - we will be happy to assist you.

Steam Support
Maggie

Keep an eye on which page? but great news.

[DoomTheRobot]

Първоначално публикувано от InVy:

Good news, I got a reply from the Steam Support:
Hi there,

Thank you for contacting Steam Support. We apologize for the delayed response, we are experiencing higher than usual volumes at this time.

We're aware of this issue and are working on a software fix. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.

If you have any further questions, please let us know - we will be happy to assist you.

Steam Support
Maggie

This is very good news. Just wish they'd inform people by other means, but hey, I'll take it.

[☜☆Oblivion☆☞]

well i wish to get same information from my support then ussles reply every 4 days that i should restart my deck or use conami codes with buttons

[foprel]

Първоначално публикувано от InVy:

We're aware of this issue and are working on a software fix. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.

It doesn't seem like Steam is in control of this situation. I also asked Steam Support if they are aware of the issue and received the exact opposite response: "We do not think that a software update could fix the WiFi problem."

[pregnant balls gaming]

I can confirm disabling 160MHz bandwidth fixed the problem for me with the ASUS RT-AX86U router.

[jolciam9]

Първоначално публикувано от Pupsi:

I can confirm disabling 160MHz bandwidth fixed the problem for me with the ASUS RT-AX86U router.

i have a sagemcom fast5670v2 and i can`t disable 160 mhz band, rendering my deck unusable, for some reason steam supports wants me to try a lot of things (that i already told them i tried in my refund request) and they avoid to give me the RMA option

[StancOssa]

Първоначално публикувано от StancOssa:

As every one here, same issue. Unable to connect to any wifi. Anyway forcing my 5GHz to 80mhz is not solving the issue. Also I can't connect to any hotspot 5Ghz or 2.4Ghz.
Quite annoying, hope to have a reply from Valve soon, apart from that the screen looks great.

I did one test today and it seems to have fixed the basic connectivity issue.
My router is a Sagemcom and has automatic redirecting of 5GHz and 2.4Ghz on the same SSID. I turn that feature off and named the 5GHz differently. This way I can connect to the 2.4GHz, and that worked straight away. I know I won't leverage the full speed of the wifi, but in the short term this allows me to enjoy the steam deck.

[XYNTEC]

Maybe this fixes my problem as well. I frequently lose connection to my router - or at least the data transmission stops. Especially at games like Diablo IV that needs permanent connection this is unbearable.

Edit: I just realized I hadn't the 160 MHz channel on at all and still struggle with that issue. :( Hopefully Valve can fix this via a software update very soon.

[InVy]

Първоначално публикувано от RedAsKetchum:

Първоначално публикувано от InVy:

Good news, I got a reply from the Steam Support:
Hi there,

Thank you for contacting Steam Support. We apologize for the delayed response, we are experiencing higher than usual volumes at this time.

We're aware of this issue and are working on a software fix. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.

If you have any further questions, please let us know - we will be happy to assist you.

Steam Support
Maggie

Keep an eye on which page? but great news.

This page.