Steam Deck SSD Replacement

Use this guide to replace or upgrade the SSD in your Steam Deck LCD. The Steam Deck's SSD is a single-sided M.2 2230. To replace or upgrade the SSD in a Steam Deck OLED, follow instead. Remember: follow general electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety procedures while repairing your device. These steps only describe how to physically remove and replace your SSD. ***You will need a

Step 1: Power down your Steam Deck and unplug any cables.

⚠ Caution: Turn on your Steam Deck and allow the battery to discharge below 25% before starting your repairs, as a charged lithium-ion polymer battery can be dangerous if accidentally punctured.

💡 Note: As an extra precaution, Valve recommends putting your Steam Deck into battery storage mode within the BIOS before starting any internal repairs. .

⚠ Caution: If you have a microSD card installed, make sure to remove it before opening the Steam Deck. If you attempt to remove the back cover with it still installed, [post|744361|it could snap right in half|new_window=true].

💡 Note: During your repair, it can be helpful at times to lay the Steam Deck face-down into its case to protect the thumbsticks and prevent wobble.

Step 2: Use a Phillips driver to remove the eight screws securing the back cover:

💡 Note: Despite the standards, Phillips screwdrivers can vary in size and shape—two drivers labeled as the same size may fit differently in the same screw. Use the size that fits the snuggest into the screw head.

💡 Note: Throughout this repair, and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your Steam Deck.

Step 3: Pry up on the back cover to release it from the locking clips.

💡 Note: If you're having trouble inserting your pick at the grip seam, try starting at either the top or bottom long edges first, then slide the pick towards the grip.

Step 4: Remove the back cover.

💡 Note: Once the clips are disconnected from one edge, the rest disconnect easily.

Step 1: Use a pair of to remove the piece of foil tape covering the hidden screw on the board shield.

💡 Note: If you have a refreshed Steam Deck version|new_window=true with the black motherboard cover, skip this step.

💡 Note: If possible, try not to rip or tear this tape so it can be reused. If necessary, you can fashion a replacement by cutting a piece of aluminum foil tape to fit.

Step 2: Use a Phillips driver to remove the three screws securing the board shield:

💡 Note: Only the two 3.7 mm screws along the left edge are present in refreshed Steam Decks.

Step 3: Remove the board shield.

💡 Note: Depending on the age of your Steam Deck, this shield may stick to the thermal pads underneath.

🔄 Reminder: During reassembly, ensure that the fan cable lays on the side of the board shield and isn't pinched underneath.

Step 4: Grip the battery cable by its pull tab and pull it directly away from the motherboard to disconnect it.

💡 Note: Alternatively, use the flat end of a spudger or a clean fingernail to gently push the connector out of its socket, then disconnect it completely by hand.

Step 2: Grip the end of the SSD and pull it away from its M.2 board connector to remove it.

💡 Note: With the SSD screw removed, the SSD will pop up at a shallow angle.

🔄 Reminder: During reassembly, insert the SSD at a shallow angle into its board connector, and secure it back into its horizontal position with the SSD screw.

Step 1: Only the SSD remains.

💡 Note: The SSD is wrapped in ESD shielding that will need to be transferred to the replacement SSD. Alternatively, replacement shielding can be found .

💡 Note: The Steam Deck uses a single-sided M.2 2230.

🔄 Reminder: To recover, repair, or re-image your SSD, follow Valve's Steam Deck recovery instructions|new_window=true.

💡 Note: Note: The Steam Deck's buttons, thumbsticks, and touchpads may not register inputs at first after re-imaging the SSD. Use the touchscreen to follow initial SteamOS setup, allowing the device to download updates. Functionality should return once the Steam Deck restarts.

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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. To recover, repair, or re-image your Steam Deck's SSD with SteamOS, follow Valve's Steam Deck recovery instructions***.*** Take your e-waste to a