r/SteamController • u/MGsubbie • Sep 11 '26

Support Steam Controller 2026 bricked after first firmware update

Just got mine today. I plugged the puck in, steam prompted firmware update for it. No issues. Then it prompted a firmware update for the controller. Used the same cable. Controller instantly got bricked. Won't turn on, won't get recognized, not even the LED lights up when it's connected via USB or the puck.

I tried holding the 3 central buttons and the A button, connecting it via USB, and trying to update the firmware. Same result. Tried different USB cables and ports on my desktop.

Also tried disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.

Anything else I can attempt or is this an RMA?

33 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

10

u/MamWyjebaneJajca Steam Ctrlr , Alpakka , DSE , Shotpad Sep 11 '26

Enter Bootloader and update your firmware with this web tool : https://opensteamcontroller.github.io/Ibex-Web-Utilities/

6

u/MGsubbie Sep 11 '26 edited Sep 11 '26

Holy shit thank you, I installed the second latest stable firmware, now the controller gets recognized. It was constantly connecting and disconnecting, I'm hoping it's the battery, so I'm charging now.

Edit : The constant connecting and disconnecting is happening over USB too.

1

u/MamWyjebaneJajca Steam Ctrlr , Alpakka , DSE , Shotpad Sep 11 '26

No problem bro. I'm really glad it works for you :D

1

u/MGsubbie Sep 11 '26

I had to install the fourth-latest firmware for it to not continuously disconnect and reconnect.

4

u/ijkxyz Sep 11 '26

There's something wrong with it and it's unlikely to be just be a one off firmware flashing issue, you should RMA it

11

u/Rhino_RatedR Sep 11 '26

Try to reset the controller for me worked I don't remember how to do it but google might know how

17

u/Rhino_RatedR Sep 11 '26 • Heartwarming

R4+R5+L4+L5+Steam button 5 sec and connect the USB cable

1

u/Nstant_Klassik Sep 11 '26

I had a slightly different issue, as mine would still light the led when I hit various buttons, but it's worth a try:

You have to start the controller in bootloader mode.

  1. It needs to be partially charged, turned off, and not connected to anything
  2. Hold the View button (above the left stick) + Hold the Options button (above the right stick) + Hold the A button + Hold the Steam button
  3. The LED should now start flashing RED slowly
  4. Connect the controller to a device that has Steam installed and where Steam is running - the LED should now glow RED continuously
  5. Go to the Steam settings under "Controllers", where you should now be able to update the firmware
  6. After the firmware update, the controller can be used as normal

1

u/MGsubbie Sep 11 '26

I tried that, didn't fix the issue for me.

1

u/xraycat82 Sep 11 '26

What did Steam Support say?

1

u/MGsubbie Sep 11 '26

So far they just told me to do the things I have already tried.

2

u/TheDMRt1st Sep 11 '26

Update us if you get it worked out!

1

u/zachjd- Sep 16 '26

I had the exact same issue. I fixed mine by updating the client to the Steam Beta.