Android on the Steam Deck: How to install Waydroid on SteamOS

What is the SteamOS Waydroid Installer?

The SteamOS Waydroid Installer is an open-source script that allows you to run a complete Android system on the Steam Deck (based on SteamOS) in a container. The core technology behind it is Waydroid , which provides Android as a container solution for GNU/Linux systems. The goal: to use Android apps and games directly on the Steam Deck with minimal effort.

Click here to download via GitHub.
The script was built by GitHub user ryanrudolfoba.

Features and supported versions

• Supports Android 13 (with and without Google Apps) as well as Android 13 TV.
• Automatic detection of the SteamOS version (stable/beta) and compatibility checks.
• Automatic build of the required kernel module (binder).
• Integrated tools like Waydroid Toolbox for easy configuration and uninstallation.
• Optional features: Libndk ARM translation layer, Widevine support for DRM.
• Regular updates and community-tested game lists.
  
  

Installation and use

1. Switch to desktop mode in your Steam Deck.
2. Open a terminal window (console).
3. Clone the repository (depending on the desired branch):
   git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/ryanrudolfoba/steamos-waydroid-installer
4. Start the installation script:
   cd steamos-waydroid-installer && ./steamos-waydroid-installer.sh
5. Follow the instructions in the script, select your desired Android version and whether you need Google Apps.
6. After installation, you will find the Waydroid Toolbox as a desktop icon for further configuration or uninstallation.

Want to remove Android again? Simply launch the Waydroid Toolbox and select "UNINSTALL".

Troubleshooting and tips

• Slow downloads? This could be due to a slow Sourceforge mirror. Cancel (CTRL+C) and try again.
• No shortcuts in Game Mode? The script must be run in desktop mode, not via SSH or virtual console.
• After SteamOS updates: Waydroid will be deleted. Simply run the script again. Kernel changes may require an update to the script – if so, please report an issue on GitHub.
• Error reports: Always include SteamOS version, error message, screenshot and any installed tweaks.
  
  

Conclusion

With the SteamOS Waydroid Installer, you can easily bring Android to your Steam Deck – ideal for experiencing mobile games and apps on your portable console. The community and regular updates ensure continuous improvements. For anyone who wants to get even more out of their handheld, it's worth checking the project page regularly!