Steam Deck Refund Policy: How to Return a Steam Deck
October 30, 2026 · Updated November 2, 2026
You can cancel a Steam Deck bought on Steam within 14 days of receiving it. Request it at help.steampowered.com, then send the Deck back within 14 days of that request. Valve refunds the price and the cheapest delivery charge once it has the Deck back, usually to your original payment method. You pay the return shipping. A Deck that's been modified or used beyond normal testing may not qualify.
Key facts
- Window: 14 days from the day you, or someone you nominated, receive the Steam Deck.
- Request it at help.steampowered.com with the "I'd like to request a refund" button on the order.
- Send the Deck back within 14 days of requesting the cancellation.
- Valve refunds within 14 days of receiving the Deck, including the cheapest delivery option, and says you won't be charged any fee for the refund.
- You pay the direct cost of returning it.
- A Deck bought with Steam Wallet funds is refunded to the wallet only.
How to request the refund
- Sign in to help.steampowered.com with the account that bought the Deck.
- Open Purchases and select the Steam Deck order.
- Choose the problem and press I'd like to request a refund.
- Follow the return instructions Valve sends, and ship the Deck back within 14 days.
Valve's Hardware Refund Policy says you must tell it you're cancelling "by an unequivocal statement", and that the button on the help site is the easiest way. You only need to send your request before the 14 days are up. The shipping deadline then runs from the day you asked. The policy covers Steam Deck, Valve Index and their accessories bought directly on Steam; a Deck from a retailer follows that retailer's return policy instead.
Where the money goes
Valve says it refunds "all payments received from you for the Hardware purchased", plus the delivery charge for the least expensive shipping option it offered, no later than 14 days after it or its agent receives the Deck. The refund uses the payment method you used, unless you agree otherwise or that method can't take refunds. If you paid with Steam Wallet funds, the refund goes back to the wallet only. Buying a Steam Deck with your wallet covers paying that way, and why a wallet-funded Deck can't be refunded to a card.
When a return can be refused
Valve says the return may not be available if the Deck has been modified, abused, or isn't in new condition because of testing "exceeding what would be possible to you when buying the Hardware in a retail store". You may then be liable for the reduced value. Opening the case, swapping the SSD, or heavy damage all put a refund at risk. Keep the box and accessories.
After 14 days: the warranty
Outside the return window, Valve's Hardware Limited Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship "under ordinary consumer use" for one year from the date of shipment. During that year Valve will, at its choice, repair the Deck, replace it with a new or refurbished unit of equal or better spec, or refund the price. A replacement is covered for the rest of the original year or 90 days, whichever is longer, and the warranty transfers to someone who received the Deck as a gift.
Claims go through the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process. Valve's RMA guide says to start at the Steam Support hardware page, pick your device and issue, and contact Support if the troubleshooting doesn't fix it. In the United States, Valve provides a prepaid shipping label and an RMA label for inside the box; elsewhere, you return the Deck to the retailer or as Valve directs. If the repair is covered, Valve pays to ship the repaired or replacement Deck back; if the unit turns out not to need repair, you may pay the return shipping. Valve won't return hardware sent without pre-authorisation.
If you live in the EU, the UK, Quebec, Australia or New Zealand, Valve says this warranty doesn't apply and you get your local statutory rights instead.
Before you send it back
- Back up anything local. Valve's RMA guide says it's your responsibility to back up stored data and that it isn't responsible for data lost in the process. Screenshots and non-cloud saves on the Deck won't come back once it's reset or returned.
- Sign out and reset it. Remove your Steam account from the device before packing it.
- Pack it like it arrived. Valve requires the original packaging or something equally protective, and says missing components can delay the process and cost you extra shipping.
- Keep the tracking number. Valve's 14-day refund clock starts when it receives the Deck.
Games are a separate refund
Returning the Deck doesn't refund games you bought on Steam. Those follow the normal Steam rules: within 14 days of purchase and under two hours of play. Steam's refund policy explained has the details, and redeeming a Steam code on Steam Deck helps if you're keeping it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I return a Steam Deck?
Yes, if you bought it on Steam. Ask within 14 days of receiving it and ship it back within 14 days of asking.
Who pays return shipping on a Steam Deck?
You do. Valve refunds the original cheapest delivery charge but not the cost of sending it back.
Can I refund a Steam Deck after 14 days?
Not as a change-of-mind return. Faults are covered by the one-year limited warranty, or by statutory rights where they apply.
Where does a Steam Deck refund go?
To your original payment method, or to your Steam Wallet if you paid with wallet funds.
Does the warranty cover a Steam Deck I was given?
Yes. Valve says the warranty transfers to a person who received the hardware as a gift from the buyer.
Can I put earned Steam money toward a Deck?
Yes. Wallet money pays for Valve hardware, and redeemed XPReward Steam codes count as wallet money. Just remember a wallet-paid refund returns to the wallet. Start earning.
Sources
Steam Deck return terms checked on 3 November 2026 against: