cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/38020983

Before We Begin
Hello deck-ers, this guide walks you through installing Waydroid, a tool to run Android apps on your Steam Deck. Links are included below for troubleshooting and updates. Enjoy ;)

Step 1: Set Up a Password

Your Steam Deck’s terminal (Konsole) will ask for a password during installation. If you haven’t set one yet:

  1. Switch to Desktop Mode and open the Konsole app (found in the taskbar or applications menu).
  2. Type passwd and press Enter.
  3. Create a password. For simplicity, a 4-digit code like 9876 works, but use something stronger if security matters to you, (as it should).
    • Note: The password won’t show as you type, this is not a bug.
    • Re-enter the password when prompted to confirm.

Why? This password grants temporary “sudo” access to install software.

Step 2: Install Waydroid

Prerequisite: Ensure your Steam Deck is connected to the internet.

  1. Open Konsole (still in Desktop Mode).

  2. Copy and paste these commands one by one, waiting for each to finish:

    Command 1 – Download the Installer:

    cd ~/ && git clone https://github.com/ryanrudolfoba/steamos-waydroid-installer

    This downloads the necessary files to your home folder.

    Command 2 – Run the Installer:

    cd ~/steamos-waydroid-installer && chmod +x steamos-waydroid-installer.sh && ./steamos-waydroid-installer.sh

    This makes the script executable and starts the installation.

  3. Wait for the magic to happen!

    • The installer sets up Waydroid and applies custom configurations.
    • Installation takes ~5 minutes (varies with internet speed).
    • When finished, close Konsole and return to Game Mode.

Step 3: Launch Waydroid

  1. In Game Mode, navigate to your Library > Non-Steam Games.
  2. Find and launch the script named Android_Waydroid_Cage.sh.
  3. Waydroid will boot, give it a moment to initialize.

Need to Uninstall?

  1. Back in Desktop Mode, open Konsole.
  2. Paste these commands:
    cd ~/Android_Waydroid && ./uninstall.sh
    This removes Waydroid and its files.

Troubleshooting & Tips

  • Issues? Check the official GitHub for known bugs, compatibility notes, and updates.
  • Keyboard/Mouse Not Working? Some users report needing a Bluetooth or USB input device for setup.
  • Performance: Close background apps in Desktop Mode and try again, otherwise I recommend checking opened issues over on github.

Enjoy your Android apps on Steam Deck! 🎮
Credits to ryanrudolfoba and the Waydroid contributors, cool guys!

Last tip: If this is your thing, check the AndroidTV installation option for a cool docked experience !!!

  • kn0wmad1c@programming.devEnglish
    6·
    3 days ago

    I’m curious why you’d want to run android apps on steam deck. What apps bring functionality that you don’t normally have access to on SteamOS?

    • Fubarberry@sopuli.xyzMEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      Biggest reason may be bypassing anticheat. Some games (like roblox for example) have anticheat that doesn’t work on linux, but you can run the android version. As long as the android version supports controllers it can be a decent enough deck experience.

      • LiveLM@lemmy.zipEnglish
        3·
        2 days ago

        Does this really work? On popular games?
        I was fully expecting them all to have integrated the bastard Play Integrity API, they even specifically detect virtual devices with the “MEETS_VIRTUAL_INTEGRITY” verdict

        • Fubarberry@sopuli.xyzMEnglish
          2·
          2 days ago

          It may depend on the specific game, but I know people are specifically using the android version to run Roblox through a tool called sober.

    • shaytan@lemmy.dbzer0.com
      OP
      41·
      3 days ago

      For me it usually comes to:

      • Android TV to dock the steam deck on my living room and use it as such
      • Some very specific games, like PvZ2, or roblox
      • Specific apps like “Stremio”, have a better touch screen experience under Waydroid compared to their flatpack version