Valve's Steam Deck is a great gaming console and portable computer. But like any device, parts can break. Maybe the screen arrives cracked. Maybe the joysticks aren't calibrated properly. Maybe nothing happens when you press the right trigger, or the left touchpad doesn't register any input whatsoever.

In that case, you can try to fix the problem yourself, but it's probably much easier to reach out to Valve and RMA your Steam Deck. Here's what that process looks like.

Head to the Steam Deck's Support Page

Valve provides a Steam Deck support page to address issues specifically related to the Deck. There you can browse through a number of options, such as getting help with docking your device or dealing with software issues. There is also a troubleshooting page with common issues and solutions.

The available options on Valve's Steam Deck support page.

But if there is something physically wrong with your device, you're going to want to open a ticket with Steam Support.

Open a Steam Support Ticket

You can open a ticket by smashing the Contact Steam Support button on the Steam Deck support page. Or just click it. That's fine, too. But for this to work, you first have to sign in to your Steam account.

At this point, Valve will ask for your shipping information. You will need to type in your name and address, so that the company knows where to send your fixed or replaced hardware. You will also need to enter your Steam Deck's serial number. You can find this on the back of your device, in the bottom right. The number begins with the letters "FX", "FW", or "FV".

At this point, you can type up what's actually wrong with your Steam Deck. As a general rule of thumb, it's helpful to provide as many details as you can. Saying "the screen doesn't work" is less useful than "the screen comes on after I press the power button, but the Steam Deck logo never appears, and after a little bit of flickering, the screen goes dark."

Or if the USB-C port won't let you connect your Steam Deck to a dock or any other peripherals, it can be helpful to list what devices you've tried.

Opening a support ticket on the Steam Deck support page.

Underneath the description, you can attach a photo of the problem. If a video would be better, you can try that as well.

At this point, hit Send. Then you wait.

How Long Do You Need to Wait?

That depends. One person on Reddit said Valve took six days to respond to them. But someone in the comments said someone responded within two hours. A blog post on Linux Gaming Central said a support person responded the day after the ticket was sent.

In short, your mileage may vary. Factors may involve which day you submit your ticket, the volume of tickets the support team has received, and how complex your issue is to verify.

When Valve's support team does respond, you can expect to receive a shipping label. Print this out, package your Steam Deck safely into a box, attach the label to the box, and drop off the package with whichever shipping company Valve tells you. The links above suggest this will be UPS, but this could change.

The shipping label comes with a tracking number, so you can monitor how long it takes your package to get back to Valve.

Will Valve Repair or Replace Your Steam Deck?

One of the touchpads underneath a joystick on a Steam Deck.

This is up to Valve's discretion. If a repair is too complex, or there is a decent chance the problem may surface again, Valve may simply opt to send you a new device.

After all, while a repair may be more cost-effective, mailing out a new Steam Deck saves time and is likely to result in a satisfied customer.

Either way, don't be surprised if a few days go by before you hear back from the support team.

Receiving Your Steam Deck

When the time comes, support will email you a new tracking number. You can use this to track the Steam Deck until it arrives back at your door.

Open the package, take out your Steam Deck, confirm it works, and do a little dance. You're welcome to skip that last step, but for some of us, it happens involuntarily.

How to Return Your Steam Deck for a Refund

Okay, let's say you don't want a fixed Steam Deck, and you don't want a replacement either. You want your money back. Whether the device works or not, you have the option to send it back as long as you do so within Valve's return window.

According to Valve's hardware refund policy, you have 14 days to request a refund. Valve also refers to this process as canceling an order.

You can return the device even if you've opened the box, signed in to your Steam account, optimized your Steam Deck to run the most demanding games (which is a good way to make sure there isn't a problem with the fans), and logged a few hours of play time. What matters is that you haven't physically altered the state of the device. So if you've opened it up or left noticeable scratches, Valve reserves the right to deduct the damage from your refund. Here's what the company says about the matter in its policy:

This return program may not be available to you if the Hardware has been modified, abused, or is otherwise no longer in new condition as a result of your testing of the Hardware exceeding what would be possible to you when buying the Hardware in a retail store. In that case, you may be liable for the diminished value of the Hardware due to its treatment while in your possession.

Valve will then refund your money, including delivery charges for the least expensive method of delivery. This can take up to two weeks from the time the company receives your returned Steam Deck in the mail. Valve will send the money back to your original method of payment unless you have explicitly agreed otherwise.

And That's How to RMA Your Steam Deck

For most customers, repairing or replacing a Steam Deck under warranty isn't a complicated ordeal.

Though if the warranty period has expired, you aren't out of luck. The Steam Deck is a very repairable device, and you can find many OEM replacement parts and repair guides on iFixit.