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How to Calibrate Steam Deck Triggers

Carsten Frauenheim

Last updated on May 30, 2023

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1 - 5 minutes

Easy

Introduction

Go to step 1 ↓

Use this guide to calibrate your Steam Deck's triggers from within SteamOS.

Valve recommends performing this software calibration after installing new triggers.

NOTE: Both Steam Deck thumbstick and trigger calibrations may not function in SteamOS version 3.3.

1. Step 1 Open Konsole
  If you're not already in desktop mode, navigate to the Steam Menu → Power, and select Switch to Desktop.
  
  If you don't have a keyboard plugged into your Steam Deck, you'll need to use the on-screen keyboard.
  
  Press the Steam Button + X to enable the on-screen keyboard.
  
  Trigger calibration is done within a terminal window using SteamOS's console, named Konsole.
  
  From the Search menu, search for and open Konsole.
  
  If you need to, move the Konsole window so your on-screen keyboard doesn't obscure it.
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3. Step 2 Start the trigger calibration
  Within Konsole, type trigger_cal.
  
  Alternatively, type trig and then press Tab to auto-complete.
  
  Press Enter.
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4. Step 3 Perform the trigger calibration
  The software will first calibrate the triggers' non-depressed resting position.
  
  Ensure that neither trigger is depressed. Press Enter.
  
  The software will now calibrate the triggers' fully-depressed position.
  
  Tap on a blank desktop area to move the cursor off of the Konsole window. Make sure Konsole isn't in focus.
  
  Gently press down each trigger until they bottom out.
  
  Don't apply too much force or the triggers could be incorrectly calibrated.
  
  Tap on the Konsole window to bring focus back to it. Press Enter.
  
  That's it! Your triggers are now calibrated. The terminal should say "Trigger calibration successful."
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Conclusion

Click here to return to the left trigger replacement guide. Click here to return to the right trigger replacement guide.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Steam Deck answers community for help.