Neglect your Steam Deck for too long, and you might end up with a dead battery and a hefty repair bill—here’s how to prevent it!
We’ve all been there—you put a gaming device away for months, thinking you’ll get back to it eventually, only to find it barely working when you finally do. Whether it’s an old Wii U, a forgotten PSP, or even a modern handheld like the Steam Deck, long periods of inactivity can lead to unexpected issues. One of the biggest culprits? Battery failure, which can leave your device unusable or in need of an expensive repair. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid this issue.
A Costly Surprise After Months Away
When the player left for a six-month business trip, his Steam Deck was the last thing on his mind. Packed away in a drawer, it sat unused the entire time. But what he didn’t realize was that lithium batteries slowly drain even when not in use. Without occasional charging, the battery’s voltage can drop too low, causing permanent damage.
When he finally turned the device back on, the battery lasted only a few seconds before shutting off completely. The only fix? A battery replacement costing $140. Unfortunately, swapping the battery isn’t easy, as the original now is glued in place. What could have been a simple precaution ended up as an expensive and frustrating repair. This post, which garnered around 10,000 upvotes, was shared by a now-deleted user who learned this lesson the hard way.
Prevent Battery Damage on Steam Deck
To avoid the costly surprise of a dead battery, it’s important to maintain your Steam Deck properly when not in use. One simple solution is to activate the "Battery Storage Mode" before storing it for long periods. This mode disconnects the battery, preventing it from draining too much. Just make sure the battery is at around 50-60% before enabling it.
Additionally, if you’re not using the Steam Deck for a while but don’t want to go through the hassle of the storage mode, try charging it every couple of months. Keeping the battery above 20% can help preserve its health. Regular charging prevents deep discharge, which is a common cause of permanent battery damage. A little maintenance can save you from an expensive replacement later.
I had these problems in the past! Are you going to use these tips? Tell us in the comments!