What to do when there’s no sound on your Steam Deck

⚡ Fast fix

• Volume all the way down? Turn it up using the Volume buttons and check in Settings > Audio.
• Wrong output selected—Switch between speakers, headphones, or Bluetooth in Audio settings.
• Headphones plugged in? Unplug and reconnect them to reset audio routing.
• Still no sound? Restart your Steam Deck to refresh audio services.

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Facing audio issues with your Steam Deck™ can be a real downer, especially when you're ready to dive into your favorite games like Hades or its recently released sequel, Hades II. You’ll want to be able to hear the action, music, and dialogue.

At Asurion, we know how to help with all of your tech care needs—including gaming consoles. We've got you covered, from showing you how to set up Family Sharing on your Steam Deck to upgrading your console’s storage. Here’s our guide to tackling a Steam Deck with no sound.

Why is there no sound coming from my Steam Deck?

First, it's important to identify why your Steam Deck might be silent. It could be as simple as adjusting a setting or as complex as a hardware issue. Here are a few of the most common causes of Steam Deck audio issues:

• Software glitches: Sometimes, a simple software hiccup can mute your audio or mess with your sound settings.
• Loose connections: Check if your headphones or speakers are properly connected to your Steam Deck. Loose connections can lead to no sound output.
• Volume settings: It might seem obvious, but double-check your volume settings to ensure they're not set to mute or at an unusually low level.
• Audio driver issues: Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause your Steam Deck to go silent. Updating or reinstalling them might do the trick.

How to fix a Steam Deck with no sound

Whether you're experiencing no sound at all or the audio seems to be on the fritz, our guide is here to help you diagnose and fix the problem so you can get back to enjoying your game.

Check your volume and settings

Start with the basics. Make sure the volume is turned up and not muted. You can adjust the volume using the Volume buttons or through the settings menu on your Steam Deck by pressing the Steam button.

Another volume test you can try is verifying that the audio is set to output through the correct device, especially if you're using external speakers or Bluetooth® headphones.

Restart your Steam Deck

A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches and clear out minor software issues affecting sound. Rebooting your console is easy; press the Steam button > Power > Restart.

Check the hardware for damage

Check if there’s any damage to the speakers or the headphone jack. Try different headphones to rule out an issue with the ones you’re currently using. If you’re using a dock, ensure it is properly connected and functioning. Any loose connections can result in audio failures.

Update system software

Keeping your system up to date is crucial for optimal performance, as it's your console’s way of correcting any issues it might come across. To update your software, press the Steam button > Settings > System > Software Updates > Check for Updates.

The Wireplumber fix

A common bug in recent SteamOS versions involves the audio service (Wireplumber) getting corrupted. If you're tech-savvy and comfortable in Desktop Mode, opening the Terminal (Konsole) and running commands to clear the wireplumber and pipewire cache is a very common community-suggested fix for "permanent" silence.

Force Pro Audio profile

In Desktop Mode sound settings, some users find that their speakers have been disabled. Changing the "Profile" of the internal audio device from “Off” to Play HiFi Quality Music or Pro Audio often brings the sound back instantly.

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FAQ

How do I fix no sound on Steam Deck?

Check volume, switch audio outputs, reconnect headphones, and restart your device.

How do I change audio output on Steam Deck?

Go to Settings > Audio and select the correct output device.

Can Bluetooth cause sound issues?

Yes. If a Bluetooth device is connected, your audio may be routed there instead of the speakers.

Why do my headphones have no sound on Steam Deck?

They may not be fully connected or the audio output may be set incorrectly.

What if my Steam Deck still has no sound?

It could be a deeper software issue or hardware problem that may need repair from a pro.