Issue with Audio Not Enabling in Gaming Mode on Steam Deck

[Here to Suffer not for Fun]

I've been encountering a frustrating issue on my Steam Deck where the audio won't enable in gaming mode. It seems to be a problem with PulseAudio not functioning properly. The only workaround I've found is connecting a Bluetooth device, which then allows me to select an audio output device and finally get some sound. In certain games that let you choose the audio output, switching from PulseAudio to the ACP Coprocessor Speaker brings back the audio, but then the volume control buttons on the hardware do nothing.

Switching to desktop mode, I noticed PulseAudio is off by default, and only by choosing the ACP Speaker can I get the audio to work right, with volume buttons functioning properly too.

I'm hoping to see this bug fixed soon and would appreciate more precise options in the audio settings instead of generic terms like "external device." While using only desktop mode seems will avoid the issue completely, gaming mode is obviously more optimized for the Steam Deck (better compatibility and fewer bugs). It would be great to see if the audio system could receive some focused improvements.

[Spark Plugs]

so i just had an issue arise from my end where i was testing aux jack earbuds, while being in desktop mode (where the audio is present) somehow broke all audio related to gaming mode- including its boot up sequence. however my games audio seems unaffected and functions normally. no idea what could have caused my issue because only gaming mode has the issue but nothing else.

POST EDIT: my issue has been resolved......
the problem was i accidentally muted steam from desktop mode... which muted gaming mode entirely... I was running through so many things to fix my issue without realizing the mute icon on the steam thing when i was talking to a friend. then again desktop ui is very different, as it controls separately than gaming. and as thus i must of clicked on the pop up accidentally and hit mute without noticing..

Things I have learned: i overlooked a little picture for technical stuff.
Am I stupid? Yes
Good night

[Here to Suffer not for Fun]

Originally posted by Spark Plugs:

so i just had an issue arise from my end where i was testing aux jack earbuds, while being in desktop mode (where the audio is present) somehow broke all audio related to gaming mode- including its boot up sequence. however my games audio seems unaffected and functions normally. no idea what could have caused my issue because only gaming mode has the issue but nothing else.

POST EDIT: my issue has been resolved......
the problem was i accidentally muted steam from desktop mode... which muted gaming mode entirely... I was running through so many things to fix my issue without realizing the mute icon on the steam thing when i was talking to a friend. then again desktop ui is very different, as it controls separately than gaming. and as thus i must of clicked on the pop up accidentally and hit mute without noticing..

Things I have learned: i overlooked a little picture for technical stuff.
Am I stupid? Yes
Good night

Well my issue is kinda the same but I also can’t get my in game audio working in gaming mode. I actually tried the demute thing that you said but when I switch back from desktop mode to gaming mode the audio was still not working. Then I switched to desktop mode then find out everything was muted AGAIN. But anyway thanks for your reply.

[Spark Plugs]

Originally posted by Here to Suffer not for Fun:

Originally posted by Spark Plugs:

so i just had an issue arise from my end where i was testing aux jack earbuds, while being in desktop mode (where the audio is present) somehow broke all audio related to gaming mode- including its boot up sequence. however my games audio seems unaffected and functions normally. no idea what could have caused my issue because only gaming mode has the issue but nothing else.

POST EDIT: my issue has been resolved......
the problem was i accidentally muted steam from desktop mode... which muted gaming mode entirely... I was running through so many things to fix my issue without realizing the mute icon on the steam thing when i was talking to a friend. then again desktop ui is very different, as it controls separately than gaming. and as thus i must of clicked on the pop up accidentally and hit mute without noticing..

Things I have learned: i overlooked a little picture for technical stuff.
Am I stupid? Yes
Good night

Well my issue is kinda the same but I also can’t get my in game audio working in gaming mode. I actually tried the demute thing that you said but when I switch back from desktop mode to gaming mode the audio was still not working. Then I switched to desktop mode then find out everything was muted AGAIN. But anyway thanks for your reply.

Have you submitted a ticket to steam support yet? it is what i did when i caused my issue, they give you a generic list of things to do, or provide details, and if it doesn't work they usually provide another option to try. you never know, give it a try if you haven't

[Starburns]

Ran across this while troubleshooting my audio issues. Hope it helps.

From Desktop mode > System Settings > Audio

For any Playback Devices that list the Profile drop down as “Pro Audio” change one of these to Off. You should then see Inactive Cards towards the bottom, Profile Off. Boot back to Game mode. Best of luck.

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/s/cas7xv5xAy

[krave4412]

This issue was fixed by the last OS update?

Since the last update I cant replicate this behavior

[Loitsu]

Originally posted by Spark Plugs:

so i just had an issue arise from my end where i was testing aux jack earbuds, while being in desktop mode (where the audio is present) somehow broke all audio related to gaming mode- including its boot up sequence. however my games audio seems unaffected and functions normally. no idea what could have caused my issue because only gaming mode has the issue but nothing else.

POST EDIT: my issue has been resolved......
the problem was i accidentally muted steam from desktop mode... which muted gaming mode entirely... I was running through so many things to fix my issue without realizing the mute icon on the steam thing when i was talking to a friend. then again desktop ui is very different, as it controls separately than gaming. and as thus i must of clicked on the pop up accidentally and hit mute without noticing..

Things I have learned: i overlooked a little picture for technical stuff.
Am I stupid? Yes
Good night

Saviour!

[SilentTaurus]

Just go to desktop mode -> run steam -> run your game -> press Alt or Cmd to minimize the game and get access to the taskbar -> press speaker icon in the taskbar -> go to Applications tab and make sure nothing is muted there, especially your running process.

I faced the same issue with CS2 and had no idea where to dig and that helped me to save the day.

Do not use Proton Experimental or anything else like that - you will loose access to VAC-protected servers because your CS2 is running on isolated proton environment not allowing anticheat preload.

[Noodles_Jefferson]

You are my ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ hero!!!
Thanks bro!