How to Run Android Apps on Steam Deck: 3 Simple Steps

Learn how to bring Android apps to your superb handheld console

How to

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by Vlad Turiceanu 

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Key notes

  • With the release of Steam Deck, you now have your Steam library everywhere you go on a modern, state-of-the-art gadget.
  • Using Android apps on Steam Deck is not straightforward, but there might be ways to do it.
steam deck android apps

We’ve seen Windows 11 already running on all sorts of gadgets, including mobile phones, Surface devices, the Raspberry Pi4, a wide range of foldable devices, and Hades Canyon PCs.

This gives the unprecedented opportunity to run Android apps on most of these devices, thanks to the host of Emulators available on the Windows OS.

Users are already thinking about the next step: running Android apps on the popular Steam Deck. We will show you whether this is possible or not in this guide.

Can Steam Deck run Android apps?

The Steam Deck comes with a Steam OS. This OS is a public release of a Linux-based operating system. Like most Linux-based consoles, using Android apps on Steam Deck will be difficult.

This is because there are virtually no good emulators on Linux to use for that purpose. Even though emulators aren’t the best, there might be a way to run Android games.

How can I run Android apps on my Steam Deck?

Use Genymotion

Note icon NOTE
This process comes with risks, and it will cause dual-boot issues. We’re not responsible for any potential damage that might occur, so use these steps at your own risk.

1.1 Download Genymotion

  1. Open the Konsole on your Steam Deck.
  2. Next, you need to set up the administrator password. Do that with the following command: passwd
  3. Next, unlock the file system with the following command: sudo steamos-readonly disable
  4. Next, run these three commands. Be sure to move your mouse while the second command is being executed: sudo pacman -S archlinux-keyring
    sudo pacman-key --init
    sudo pacman-key --populate archlinux
  5. After that, you need to download the necessary dependencies using the following command: sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel
  6. If you get prompted for input, press Enter.
  7. Optional: In case you encountered any issues with the previous step, repeat step 4 and then run this command: sudo pacman -S base-devel
  8. Lastly, install Genymotion by running this command: yay -Sy --noconfirm genymotion
  9. After the previous command is finished, double-click the Genymotion icon or run this command: genymotion

1.2 Configure the emulator

  1. After Genymotion starts, click the plus button and select Amazon Fire HD 8.
  2. Set the desired name and make sure that the Android version is set to 9.
  3. Next, configure hardware settings so that they match the ones from the screenshot.
  4. On the Display page, leave everything as it is and click Next.
  5. On the Android options screen, leave everything as it is. If Use virtual keyboard for text input is checked, uncheck it.
  6. After that, your emulator should start. If it doesn’t click the Play button.

1.3 Download additional files

  1. Download ARM Translation Packages and Aurora Store.
  2. After downloading both files, drag and drop Genymotion-ARM-Translation_for_9.0.zip to the open emulator window. Your virtual machine should be running before doing that.
  3. The installation will now start. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
  4. Once the process is finished, restart the emulator.
  5. Next, drag and drop Aurora Store apk file to the emulator window and follow the instructions on the screen to install it.

The only way to run Android apps on Steam Deck is to download an Android Emulator, and Genymotion has proven to be the most compatible.

Does Steam have Android games?

games

Steam does not have any native Android games. However, games like Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is available on Android and Steam.

Also, Steam is trying to bring some mobile experience to Android users. This is all thanks to the Steam Link app on Google Play that allows you to connect your controller to your phone and PC running Steam. From here, you can now enjoy your Steam games.

While there is a possibility to use Android apps on Steam Deck, all the available options have considerable downsides. For example, some users run Android x86 in Virtual Machine on Steam Deck, but this is not an ideal solution.

You might have to get another handheld console with broad Windows support to enjoy your Android games and apps. While still on the topic, if you need a list of the best verified Steam Deck games, check our detailed guide for excellent options.

Lastly, should you ever encounter the Steam Deck fatal error message, know that we have a dedicated guide on fixing it.

Feel free to let us know if you have a working workaround to use Android apps on Steam Deck in the comments below.

More about the topics: Android emulators, Steam Deck, steam link, Windows 11

Vlad Turiceanu

Vlad Turiceanu Shield

Windows Editor

Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!