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The Steam Deck is arguably the new pinnacle for handheld gaming technology. Its features are virtually endless as it quite literally fits a PC gaming console into a condensed package that can allow users to play just about any PC game imaginable on the go. Naturally, audio is crucial to enjoying the offerings on the Steam Deck, and commuters certainly can’t be expected to blast the surprisingly impressive speakers on the console out for the world to hear.
Sure, there is a headphone jack located on the top of the Steam Deck for players to plug into, but wireless audio has become increasingly popular over the years and many no longer even have access to headphones that require a 3.5mm jack. Fortunately, those with Bluetooth headphones can connect wirelessly to the Steam Deck in a very accessible, convenient way.
How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to the Steam Deck
To connect Bluetooth headphones to the Steam Deck, players should press the ‘Steam’ button on the side of the console to bring up the menu. Next, they'll need to go left and scroll to the ‘settings’ tab. After clicking ‘settings’ they can then scroll to the tab that reads ‘Bluetooth’ and ensure that Bluetooth is turned on.
Devices will appear under ‘Available to Pair’. If the Bluetooth headphones being used have a connection button, this is the time to hold that button down to allow the pairings to find each other. Then, it's a simple case of selecting the Bluetooth headphones that are being paired to the Steam Deck so that they are added to the ‘Paired’ section within this tab.
This same process can be used to pair wireless keyboards, mice, or other products with the Steam Deck. Certain gaming headsets that are compatible with the Steam Deck have small plug-ins despite being wireless. For these, users can simply plug the required component into the Steam Deck port and use the steps listed above as necessary.
This may also require a USB converter for the Steam Deck depending on the type of headphones being used. The necessary converters should be relatively easy to acquire, but knowing what exactly they are will depend on the Bluetooth audio in question, so users should make sure to do thorough research before purchasing an audio set.
Once paired, reconnecting a device with the Steam Deck should not be necessary. The next time the system is booted up, under the ‘Bluetooth’ tab, the Bluetooth device should now be featured under ‘Paired’. If it reads 'Not Connected', users can turn on the Bluetooth headphones (or place them in their ears to activate them) and then click on the device. After a short loading period, the device should then read ‘Connected’.
This process is incredibly simple and allows for easy Bluetooth accessibility that only helps to reaffirm the Steam Deck's status as one of the most unique products of the modern era of gaming.
