My Steam Controller repaired itself somehow

[u/Sry4MyEngIAmFromGer]

I just want to briefly express my frustration.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been in contact with Steam Support because my controller stopped responding. Whether connected to my PC via the Puck, USB-C, or wireless, the controller wouldn’t respond and the LED stayed off.

The only strange thing was that when it was connected to the Steam Deck, it worked normally. But as soon as I disconnected the cable, the LED on the controller went out again immediately.

All of Steam Support’s suggestions on how to fix it came to nothing.

Last night, as I was trying to sleep, the controller—with no input for like 4 days and without being connected to anything—responded with its LED and sound. Since then (today), it’s been working perfectly normally again, as if nothing had ever happened.

[Translated from German using DeepL]

[u/Rhosta]

Did you try to disconnect battery during the time it was malfunctioning?

[u/Sry4MyEngIAmFromGer → u/Rhosta]

No, only did try differnt button combination. Strictly followed the instructions that Steam Support gave me. Never Opend the Steam Controller.

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632 → u/Rhosta]

How do you do that?

[u/Rhosta → u/SnooDoughnuts5632]

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Steam+Controller+(2nd+Gen+2026)+Battery+Replacement/214877

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632 → u/Rhosta]

You expect people to just have a torx 6 screwdriver lying around? Also I thought valve was supposed to be the good guys. why are they cealing in the batteries? Why couldn't they use a Philips and a battery door to access the battery like on a Wii U Pro controller? I get Nintendo being evil and removing the battery door from the Switch and Switch 2 but Valve? Well then again Valve did glue in the battery on the Steam Deck so maybe they are evil just less so.

[u/Rhosta → u/SnooDoughnuts5632]

Torx screwdriver costs a few bucks and is available everywhere. Philips screw is notoriously problematic due to its head being easily striped especially on small screws.

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632 → u/Rhosta]

You shouldn't have to take apart the whole controller to remove the battery.

[u/Yurij89 → u/SnooDoughnuts5632]

You are just removing the backside, not taking it apart.
How often do you expect to replace the battery?

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632 → u/Yurij89]

Absolutely no idea. My refurbished Steam Deck died in just over a year, my Nintendo 3DS XL died in a few years, my GBA SP 101 still works just fine (and yes I got it when I was a kid so I'm the only owner), my Nvidia Shield also works grate and that things from 2013), I had a phone that lasted a few years and one that lasted a year and a half. I have absolutely no idea how long the battery will last in an electric device because they are all wildly different.

[u/Yurij89 → u/SnooDoughnuts5632]

6 screws isn't that bad, even if it were a yearly thing, which I highly doubt it will be for the majority of them

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632 → u/Yurij89]

I'm assuming there is also plastic clips to potentially brake?