Discovering how to install Discord on Steam Deck is a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to enhance your playing experience on the go.
Valve’s Steam Deck is a full-featured handheld gaming computer that allows you to play your favourite titles anywhere in the world. Whilst gaming on this device that’s equipped with a built-in microphone, you can easily keep in touch with your online friends through the Discord app, which provides you the perfect platform to chat with other players, join voice channels, and even hop onto a call with a friend while playing together.
In this article, we’re going to reveal how you can set up Discord on your own Steam Deck device, so that you can enjoy your gaming experiences in real time through communication with your online friends.
Should you wish to further your Discord education, we have several helpful articles that can improve your familiarity with the popular communication app. One of these is our guide explaining how to set up Discord on a PlayStation 4 console. Another tutorial-style article about Discord worth checking out is our piece documenting how to install and download Discord on Oculus Quest 2 without a PC.
How to install Discord on Steam Deck
Before you go ahead with the install, you’ll need to have a stable internet connection. This will be used to download the Discord app. Another necessary item is a Discord account, which is free to create if you don’t already have one.
Here are the steps to follow for an error-free Discord install on your Steam Deck:
Switch to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck
Do this by pressing and holding the power button, which should cause the power menu to appear. Once open, scroll down to the ‘Switch to Desktop’ option and enable it.
Launch the Discover application
The Discover app is indicated by a blue shopping cart icon located at the bottom left of your Steam Deck screen. Once you’ve located it, click on it to find and download the Discord program.
Log in to Discord
Once installed, log in to Discord via the QR code on the screen or through your email address and password. The latter option would need a connected or on-screen keyboard to type in.
Add Discord to your Steam Library
To use Discord back in Gaming Mode, you have to add it to your Steam Library. Do this by opening the Steam app in Desktop mode. Select ‘Games’ at the top menu bar. From the dropdown menu, choose the ‘Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library’ option.
After you’ve done that, tick the checkbox next to Discord from the list of programs shown on your screen, then finish the process by clicking the ‘Add Selected Programs’ button. Once you’ve completed this step, you can then select ‘Return to Gaming Mode’ on the Steam Deck desktop.
Run Discord
Finally, launch the Discord communication app from the non-Steam tab. This will allow you to have conversations with a friend over Discord whilst you play a game on your Steam Deck.
Overall, the aforementioned setup works surprisingly well, especially with a pair of Bluetooth headphones or a wired microphone.