Steam Link not recognizing controllers [FIX]
- Pairing Steam with other devices can improve your gaming experience, but some users claimed that Steam Link is not recognizing controllers.
- Steam is a great app and works great with almost all important devices on the market.
- If Steam Link won't recognize your controller, you're going to discover a few steps you should perform to fix it fast.
Steam Link is an easy-to-use console that connects your PC to your TV. So, this way you can play on a bigger screen from the comfort of your living room.
Also, it is versatile, which means you can use almost any controller from Xbox or Play Station.
Usually, you only need to plug in your devices, make sure your network connection is strong, and select some options from the Steam Link menu.
However, quite a few users reported a major issue while trying to connect the controller to Steam Link. In this matter, it seems like Steam Link is not recognizing controllers
Fortunately, we will show you what to do if you encountered this problem. It is worth mentioning that this issue appeared on wired controllers. This type of controller should work on Steam Link without any trouble.
What controllers can I use with Steam?
If you’re wondering what controllers you can use with Steam, well, we have all the answers you need. After going through the latest upgrades, with Steam, you can use any controller on any related game.
Plus, to personalize your gaming experience even more you can also customize your controller’s layout and get specific controller configurations.
Here is a list of the most popular options you can pair with Steam:
- Xbox 360 controllers (Wired/USB dongle)
- The Xbox One controllers (Wired/Bluetooth)
- Xbox One Elite controllers (Wired/USB dongle)
- Xbox Series X controllers (Wired/Bluetooth)
- PS4 controllers (Wired/Bluetooth)
- Switch Pro controllers (Wired/Bluetooth)
- Variety of Logitech and HORI controllers
What can I do if Steam Link is not recognizing controllers?
1. Plug and unplug the controller
- Connect your wired controller.
- Go to your Steam client in big picture mode.
- Press Add Steam controller.
- Unplug the Steam controller by wire and follow the instructions from the screen.
Some users reported that plugging and unplugging the controller worked for those times when Steam Link is not recognizing controllers. However, if you didn’t manage to solve this issue, we have one more option to consider.
2. Go through the setup process with a mouse
- Plug in a mouse and go through the setup process.
- Link your PC. Make sure everything is running smoothly on your computer.
- Go to Add controller, and plug in your Xbox One Controller (or any other type of controller).
- After the firmware update, it should recognize the controller.
Steam Link has a great feature: you can use your mouse or a keyboard to access the options, so you don’t necessarily need a gaming controller for changing some settings.
As you can see, there are some easy steps to follow if you need to connect your controller properly. Usually, Steam Link should recognize the controller on the first go, so this is a bug Valve needs to fix.
Also, if you have another controller, try that one as well to see if you can replicate the problem. If not, your controller has a compatibility issue.
It seems like some users are interested in discovering how to get Steam to recognize their PS4 controller. If you’re in the same boat, make sure you check our dedicated guide.
We also recommend choosing an option from the best gaming controllers for a perfect play. Thus, you’ll avoid problems and enhance your gaming experience with Steam Link.
How do I test my controller on Steam?
- Hit Windows, type Steam, then open the app.
- From the top-left corner of the window click on Steam.
- Go to Settings.
- Fro te left side of the window, select Controller, then click on General Controller Settings.
- Highlight your Steam Controller in the device list and select Support.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the diagnostic test.
Some users also reported that Steam Link won’t go full screen and if it’s happening to be in the same boat, make sure you check some useful solutions to fix this annoying problem.
Did our solutions help you solve the problem? What controller do you use on your Steam Link? Let us know in the comments section below.
