Netflix, Disney+ & Co. on your Steam Deck - Guide

Streaming Options on the Steam Deck

Do you want to watch Netflix while comfortably sitting on the couch - on your Steam Deck? That's entirely possible and works better than many people think. Whether it's Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, or other platforms: the Steam Deck has long established itself as a reliable streaming companion. With the right setup, you no longer need any additional hardware to enjoy your favorite content.

The good news: there are several ways to get streaming services running on your handheld. Depending on whether you want to stay in gaming mode or switch to desktop mode, different options are available. In this guide, we'll show you both methods step-by-step.

Method 1: NonSteamLaunchers in Gaming Mode

The most elegant solution for streaming directly from Gaming Mode: the NonSteamLaunchers plugin for Decky Loader. This method is perfect if you don't want to switch between modes and want to launch your streaming apps directly from your game library.

Prerequisites

• Decky Loader must be installed on your Steam Deck. If not, you can find detailed instructions in our Decky Loader installation guide
• An active Wi-Fi network with a stable connection (5 GHz recommended)
• Approximately 500 MB of free storage space

Installing the NonSteamLaunchers Plugin

The NonSteamLaunchers plugin has been removed from the official Decky Store but can be easily installed manually. Here's how:

1. Open a browser on your Steam Deck (Desktop Mode) and navigate to GitHub.
2. Search for the repository moraroy/NonSteamLaunchersDecky and download the latest version.
3. Unpack the file and copy the NonSteamLaunchers folder to the Decky plugins directory: ~/.local/share/decky/plugins/
4. Restart your Steam Deck - the plugin is now available in Decky Loader.

Adding Netflix, Disney+, and More

Once the plugin is installed, it automatically downloads Google Chrome - which is needed for DRM support of streaming services. In the main menu of NonSteamLaunchers, you'll find a section for "Streaming Sites." Simply select the services you want to use there. The plugin will then create corresponding entries in your Steam library, which you can launch directly.

As of version 4.0, NonSteamLaunchers supports multiple browsers simultaneously: Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Edge are available. This makes setup even more flexible.

Method 2: Desktop Mode with Browser

If you don't want to install a plugin, you can achieve the same result with Desktop Mode. Open Desktop Mode, launch your browser, go to netflix.com - done. Sounds simple, and it is.

Which browser is best suited?

Firefox and Vivaldi are the most recommended browsers for streaming on the Steam Deck. Firefox is pre-installed and resource-efficient; Vivaldi offers a more sophisticated interface with better touch navigation. Both work reliably.

Activating DRM in Firefox

For Netflix and Disney+ to run in good quality, DRM (Digital Rights Management) must be activated in Firefox:

1. Open Firefox and type into the address bar: about:preferences
2. Go to the Privacy & Security tab.
3. Scroll down to the "DRM Content" section.
4. Check the box next to "Play DRM-controlled content."

After that, simply visit your streaming service's website, log in, and you're good to go. If playback doesn't start on the first try, clearing the cache (Ctrl+Shift+Del) and reloading the page often helps.

Which Streaming Services Work

The most important question first: Which platforms actually run on the Steam Deck? The list is longer than you might expect:

These services work without problems

• Netflix ✓ - The most reliable option, used daily by thousands of Steam Deck users
• Disney+ ✓ - Works fine in Firefox and Edge
• YouTube ✓ - Also in high quality, hardware acceleration is supported
• Twitch ✓ - Streams run smoothly, even at high bitrates
• Max (formerly HBO Max) ✓ - Full support
• Apple TV+ ✓ - Often underestimated, works excellently

These services work with minor limitations

• Amazon Prime Video - Usually problem-free, but Error 7031 occasionally occurs. Solution: clear browser cache or restart the browser.
• Spotify / Music Streaming - Works via the browser, the web player sometimes loads a bit slower than usual.

Understanding the DRM Problem

Here's a topic that confuses many users: streaming services protect their content with Widevine DRM, a standard protection mechanism. This exists in three security levels: L1, L2, and L3.

Why is only L3 possible on the Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck runs on the Linux-based SteamOS and does not have hardware certification for Widevine L1 - the highest security level required for 4K streaming. This sounds worse than it is:

• Maximum resolution with L3: 720p to 1080p (depending on service and connection)
• 4K is not possible - but on a 7-inch display, it's simply not necessary
• 1080p on 7 inches looks very sharp and is perfectly sufficient for comfortable viewing

Docked Mode - where it becomes noticeable

If you connect the Steam Deck to an external monitor, the 1080p limitation is more apparent. For pure handheld use, the L3 limitation practically plays no role. There is currently no workaround for this problem on the Steam Deck - this is a hardware issue and not within SteamOS's control.

The good news: With SteamOS 3.7, general streaming support has been improved, including better screencasting compatibility with OBS and Discord.

Optimization Tips for Smooth Streaming

To really enjoy streaming on your Steam Deck, a little fine-tuning is worthwhile. These tips ensure more stable connections and better playback:

Network Setup

• Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi: Connect to your router's 5 GHz band - faster and less prone to interference than 2.4 GHz.
• Proximity to the router: The shorter the distance, the more stable the connection. Sounds trivial, but it makes a real difference.
• Monitor bandwidth: At least 5 Mbit/s for 720p, 10 Mbit/s for 1080p recommended.

Browser and System Optimization

• Clear browser cache regularly: A full cache leads to loading errors and stuttering.
• Keep RAM free: The Steam Deck has 16 GB of RAM - close unnecessary background programs before streaming.
• Enable hardware acceleration: In Firefox, go to Settings → General → Performance and ensure hardware acceleration is enabled.

Display Settings

• In docked mode: Set the resolution to 1600×900 - a good compromise between sharpness and performance.
• Adjust brightness: Saves power during long viewing sessions, especially on the go.
  
  

Conclusion: The Steam Deck as a Streaming Device

The Steam Deck was not primarily designed as a streaming device - but it does an astonishingly good job. With Decky Loader and NonSteamLaunchers or a simple desktop browser, you have access to all major streaming platforms. The quality is strong for a 7-inch handheld, and even in docked mode, 1080p provides a pleasant viewing experience.

Whether you're watching Netflix on the couch, catching up on Disney+ on the go, or watching live on Twitch - your Steam Deck is there. With the right accessories, it becomes a full-fledged multimedia device: The JSAUX 6-in-1 Docking Station connects your Deck to the TV via HDMI, while the 180° USB-C adapters allow for flexible cable routing without kinks. Both can be found at decky.net in the shop.