Valve’s Steam Deck is a handy portable gaming device that lets you enjoy your favorite games via the Steam client. While the device is useful and offers many features, many users have been wondering if the Steam Deck can be locked remotely. But why would remote lock functionality be important for the Steam Deck?
The main reason for wanting this feature is to encrypt and lock the Steam Deck in case it gets stolen. Remote lock allows users to lock their device without needing physical access. It is an important security feature. Many portable devices have remote lock feature such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. But what about the Steam Deck? Let’s find out.
Could I Lock My Steam Deck Remotely?
No, you cannot lock your Steam Deck remotely. There is no feature or functionality in Steam Deck that allows you to lock or unlock it remotely. Without such a feature, the device becomes very vulnerable if it is stolen. Especially if you don’t act fast by logging out of your Steam account or changing passwords.
While there is no option to remotely lock the Steam Deck, you can simply add a PIN to your lock screen or just add the Steam Authenticator to your Steam account so that no shady purchases or changes take place with your account. So, if that is something you would like to add to your Steam Deck, we have explained the steps to do it.
Set Up a Lock Screen PIN for your Steam Deck
- Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
- Select Settings and choose Security.
- Enable the toggle that says ‘On system wake and power up.’
- Now, you will be asked to create a 4-digit PIN for the Steam Deck. Enter the PIN again to confirm.
- Now enable the remaining two toggles ‘Before showing login screen‘ and ‘When switching to desktop mode.’
- This means whenever such actions are performed, you will have to first enter the PIN.
If you plan to change the PIN, you can tap on the Reset PIN button. If you have forgotten the PIN, press the three-dot buttons and enter the username and password of your Steam account.
Setting Up Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator Steam Deck
Another great way to protect your Steam Account is by enabling 2FA with the Steam Mobile Authenticator app. The app is available as a free download for iOS and Android devices. Here are the steps to get it up and running.
- Download the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator app on your smartphone.
- Sign in with your Steam username and password.
- Once signed in, the Steam Guard page will open. Tap on the blue button that says Add Authenticator.
- Now, enter a phone number so that you get a one-time code.
- Once you enter the code, the authenticator app will show a recovery code. Make sure to save it in a safe place.
- The app will start generating codes that you need to enter every time you want to access steam account.
Two other ways to sign-in using Steam Guard app include scanning QR code through the app or confirm the access in the notification you receive while accessing Steam account.
This is how you can set up a Steam Authenticator on your smartphone. With this authenticator, you can use your phone to log in to the Steam client on your PC or Steam Deck. This helps to keep your Steam account safe and secure at all times. The app works like Google Authenticator which generates a new code every 30 second. You need to enter this code to access your Steam account.
If someone tries to access your steam account, they will not be able to enter the account without the code from Authenticator app.
Closing Thoughts
This concludes everything you know about securing your Steam Deck. Unfortunately, the Steam Deck does not have any remote lock feature. The Steam Deck relies on Wi-Fi or Ethernet for internet connections. And since it has no mobile data, such remote lock functionality cannot be achieved. Do you think Valve should develop a feature similar to how users can track iPhones and AirTags? What do you think?
Also Check:
- How to Connect Steam Deck to Smart TV
- How to Copy and Paste Items on Steam Deck
- Steam Deck Won’t Turn On? Here Are 12 Ways to Fix!
- How to fix Steam Deck with No Internet Connection
- 11 Best Settings To Extend Steam Deck’s Battery Life
Images: Steam Deck
