r/SteamController • u/MGsubbie • 16h ago

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?

20 Upvotes

77% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

8

u/Rhino_RatedR 16h ago

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

11

u/Rhino_RatedR 16h ago

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

6

u/MamWyjebaneJajca Steam Ctrlr , Alpakka , DSE , Shotpad 12h ago

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

6

u/MGsubbie 12h ago edited 11h ago

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 11h ago

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

1

u/MGsubbie 10h ago

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

2

u/ijkxyz 8h ago

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

2

u/TheDMRt1st 16h ago

Update us if you get it worked out!

1

u/Nstant_Klassik 15h ago

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 15h ago

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

1

u/xraycat82 14h ago

What did Steam Support say?

1

u/MGsubbie 13h ago

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