DroidDeck FAQ: requirements, safety & setup
Quick answers about requirements, official downloads and the parts of DroidDeck you will use first.
What is DroidDeck?
DroidDeck is a free, open-source Android app that runs Steam Big Picture with ARM64 Proton, FEX translation, and Turnip drivers. It is licensed under GPL-3.0.
Where should I download the DroidDeck APK?
Download it from https://github.com/Droid-Deck/DroidDeck/releases. This guide links to the official GitHub Releases page and never hosts or mirrors an APK.
Does DroidDeck have an official website?
The official README says DroidDeck has no stand-alone website. The official source code and downloads are in the Droid-Deck/DroidDeck GitHub repository. This website is an unofficial guide.
Which Android version does DroidDeck require?
Requires Android 9 or newer. No root needed. The GPU must also meet the project's requirements.
Which GPUs are supported?
Supported GPUs: Adreno 730 or newer, or Adreno 8xx series. Adreno 6xx is experimental. Mali, Xclipse, PowerVR, and Adreno 710 are NOT supported.
Can I use DroidDeck with Adreno 6xx?
Adreno 6xx is experimental: DirectX 11 via DXVK 2 may run; DirectX 12 games can still crash. This does not guarantee that a particular game works.
Does DroidDeck support Mali GPUs?
Mali is unsupported by the official DroidDeck project. A third-party experimental Mali fork is separate and unofficial; it does not change the official support verdict.
Do I need to root my phone?
No root is required. You must complete the documented setup, including turning OFF Restrict child processes before Steam launches.
How much storage do I need?
Storage: about 3 GB for the Linux runtime, about 1.1 GB more for Desktop & apps / emulators. Steam and installed game files need additional space.
Why must I turn off Restrict child processes?
The official setup instructions require that setting to be OFF before Steam launches. If the toggle is missing, including on many Android 12/13 devices, use DroidDeck's Fix it for me flow and follow its wireless ADB pairing instructions.
Do I need a Steam account?
Press Play after setup and sign in to Steam in the Steam client. The Steam client downloads itself on first launch. This guide does not collect Steam credentials.
Can DroidDeck connect GOG, Epic, and Amazon libraries?
Yes. The Stores feature connects GOG, Epic Games, and Amazon Games libraries, downloads games, and adds them to Steam as non-Steam games that launch through Proton. Individual game compatibility still varies.
What is Desktop & apps?
It is the component used for desktop mode and emulators. The in-app Store installs ARM64 Linux apps and games from Flathub. Desktop & apps needs about 1.1 GB more storage.
How do I get DroidDeck updates?
Check the official GitHub Releases page and read the notes for the build you plan to install. The latest version and release archive shown by this guide come from GitHub release metadata refreshed at site build time.
How do I uninstall DroidDeck?
Use Android's app settings to uninstall the app. Back up saves and other files you want to keep first; do not assume app-managed files will survive uninstalling it. Removing DroidDeck does not delete your Steam account.
Does DroidDeck support controllers?
Controller support is via Steam Input. Particular controller, game, and device combinations are not yet tested by this guide.
Does DroidDeck cost money?
DroidDeck is free and open-source under GPL-3.0. Games and services can have their own purchase or licence requirements.
Does a supported GPU mean every game is playable?
No. The official README says compatibility and performance vary by device and hardware validation is limited. The game pages show not yet tested when there is no supported result.