Steam Deck stuck in loading user data

[bilbusbungeltin]

So I switch back to gamemode and I'm met with an infinite loading user data screen. Tried contacting support and looked online to no avail. Had the deck in offline mode due to the remote area I live in and I think that's the culprit. Some people online said it fixed itself after awhile...somehow. Any help would be appreciated.

[AlienM00se]

**UPDATE: FIXED**

Pros: Delete user data without requiring a USB disk image.

Cons: Requires Internet connection to log back in, and you’ll want to back up your saves to an SD as your deck will be restored to factory settings.

I was able to solve this issue by doing the following:

FIX:

1. Fully power the unit down by holding the power button for 10 seconds, while the unit is plugged into the power supply.
2. Hold the "..." button down and tap the power button to turn on the device
3. Continue to hold the "..." button down until you see a menu labeled "SteamOS"
4. Select "-- Erase User Data from Deck --" from the options and then confirm.

You should see a bunch of terminal code executing on its own for a few minutes, DO NOT INTERRUPT IT.

Tip: This solution is apparently also good for the BSoD and “fatal error” issues some people have reported experiencing.

[Bayern Morgan]

Originally posted by REPENT:

Originally posted by subaruseuth:

Steam support resolved the issue for me. When your steamdeck is powered on, Hold down the power button until the steamdeck restarts. This will force an update. After the update. My steamdeck is working again.

very nice

18 Dec 24 - This does work and was also Steam's recommendation to me for the same issue about a month ago. And it worked - at least temporarily (and you do need to be within reach of a known WiFi connection, to be able to boot and force the 'update'). The same issue has since reoccurred and it's annoying as there is no way to tell if/when it will happen; too often this is after the event (i.e., powering on the Deck when not within reach of known WiFi connection). Their other advice was 'factory reset' but loss of data would be an issue so am asking / hoping for an alternative / patch.

[REPENT]

Originally posted by Bayern Morgan:

Originally posted by REPENT:

very nice

18 Dec 24 - This does work and was also Steam's recommendation to me for the same issue about a month ago. And it worked - at least temporarily (and you do need to be within reach of a known WiFi connection, to be able to boot and force the 'update'). The same issue has since reoccurred and it's annoying as there is no way to tell if/when it will happen; too often this is after the event (i.e., powering on the Deck when not within reach of known WiFi connection). Their other advice was 'factory reset' but loss of data would be an issue so am asking / hoping for an alternative / patch.

I sort of give up with the steam deck, i should have given up sooner. My Steam Deck LCD has a bunch of black gunk caked all over the left analog stick, and the left analog stick actually grinds against the steam deck chassis in a most unpleasant manner. It's disturbing that such a thing wasn't noticed and corrected at the factory. It's an insult to my intelligence that the left analog stick performs badly on my 700 dollar handheld.