Tailscale on the Steam Deck

What is tailscale - and why on the Steam Deck?

Tailscale is a clever tool that lets you securely connect your devices, no matter where you are. Essentially, it creates a private, encrypted network (VPN) between your computers, handhelds, and servers. While that might sound like IT magic, it's extremely useful, especially for tech enthusiasts and gamers.

Valve's Steam Deck is more than just a portable gaming console. It's a fully functional Linux PC in handheld format that takes your entire Steam library with you wherever you go. Thanks to SteamOS (a variant of Arch Linux), the device is open to customization and experimentation – perfectly in line with Valve's philosophy: "The Steam Deck is simply a PC."

And that's exactly where Tailscale comes in: With Tailscale, you can easily integrate your Steam Deck into your home network, access your NAS on the go, or transfer files like Skyrim mods via Taildrop – all without the hassle of SSH keys. In short: Your Deck becomes a fully integrated part of your digital ecosystem.

Installing Tailscale on Steam Deck: Step-by-step instructions

Want to use Tailscale on your Steam Deck without replacing SteamOS? Perfect, because this way you retain all the features and the convenience of the original interface. The community has created a handy installation script that automates everything necessary.

1. Clone repository:
   Open the terminal and type:
   git clone https://github.com/tailscale-dev/deck-tailscale.git ~/deck-tailscale


2. Obtain root privileges:
   sudo -i


3. Change to the directory:
   cd ~/deck-tailscale


4. Start the installation script:
   bash tailscale.sh


5. Integrating binaries into the system:
   source /etc/profile.d/tailscale.sh


6. Start Tailscale & connect deck:
   tailscale up --qr --operator=deck --ssh
   A QR code will now appear - simply scan it with your mobile phone and register.

That's it! Your Steam Deck is now part of your Tailscale network and will even start Tailscale automatically on boot.

Updates work via sudo tailscale update and sudo tailscale set --auto-update .

And if it acts up: simply run the script again, done.

Practical examples & tips for everyday life

• NAS access on the go: Access your private game backups or media from anywhere - as if you were at home on Wi-Fi.
• Transfer files without stress: With Taildrop you can send mods, save files or emulator ROMs directly from your PC to your deck - no fiddling with USB sticks, SD cards, FTP or SSH.
• Remote Play & Streaming: Use Moonlight, Sunshine & Co. via Tailscale even when you're not on your home network.
• Development & DIY projects: Connect the deck to your dev servers, test Home Assistant instances, or other playgrounds.

The possibilities are almost limitless - Tailscale turns the deck into a true networking professional.

Common Problems & Solutions

• Error: invalid value "" for flag -port
  Solution: Delete the file /etc/default/tailscaled and run the installation script again.
  
  
• Updates fail via Tailscale-SSH:
  Tip: Use the deck's standard SSH instead and then stop it afterwards.
  
  
• Update the installation script:
  
  • cd ~/deck-tailscale
  • git pull
  • sudo bash tailscale.sh

Conclusion

Tailscale transforms your Steam Deck into a network multi-tool: secure access to home services, easy file transfer, and new possibilities for tinkerers and power users. Best of all, thanks to the community, installation is quick and easy – without compromising convenience or security.