How to Run Android Apps on Your Steam Deck with WayDroid

Rakesh Bhardwaj 24th January 2025 in Solution Software Tagged AndroidGames, LinuxGaming, SteamDeck, SteamDeckTips, Waydroid, WayDroidInstaller - 3 Minutes

If you’ve ever wanted to play Android games or use Android apps on your Steam Deck, you’re in for a treat! Valve is exploring Android app support, but you don’t need to wait for official updates. Using a tool called WayDroid—an Android compatibility layer for Linux—you can set this up yourself right now. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to install and use WayDroid on your Steam Deck.

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What is WayDroid?

WayDroid is an open-source project that creates an Android virtual environment on Linux. It runs Android apps with near-native performance, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to extend the capabilities of their Steam Deck. Valve uses this technology in SteamVR, but you can manually set it up on SteamOS today.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing WayDroid

1. Switch to Desktop Mode

Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
Navigate to Power and select Switch to Desktop.

While a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse are optional, they make the setup easier. If you don’t have them, you can use the onscreen keyboard by holding the Steam button and pressing X whenever input is needed.

2. Download the WayDroid Installer

Open a web browser and visit the WayDroid GitHub repository.
Locate the WayDroid Installer project.
Click the green Code button and select Download ZIP.

3. Extract and Prepare the Installer

Open the file manager (called Dolphin on SteamOS).
Navigate to the Downloads folder.
Right-click the downloaded ZIP file and select Extract Archive Here.
Open the newly created folder.

4. Set Up Your Password

Right-click in the folder and select Open Terminal Here.
In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter: passwd
If prompted, set a new password. (You won’t see anything as you type, but that’s normal.)

5. Run the Installation Script

In the terminal, type the following command and press Tab to autocomplete: ./waydroid-installer.sh
Press Enter to run the script.
When prompted, type the password you set earlier and press Enter.

The installer will handle the heavy lifting. Sit back and relax while WayDroid is installed.

6. Launch WayDroid

Open Steam in Desktop Mode.
Look for WayDroid Cage in your non-Steam games library.
Launch it, and after a brief loading period, you’ll see an Android interface.

Using WayDroid on Steam Deck

1. Install Android Apps

Open the Google Play Store and sign in with your Google account.
Download and install your favorite Android apps and games.

2. Optimize Controller Configurations

If you’re in Desktop Mode, press the Start button for 3 seconds to switch between keyboard/mouse and controller configurations.
In Game Mode, adjust controller settings to enable touchpad-as-mouse functionality.

Tips for Better Touchscreen Support

To enable proper multi-touch support:

In Game Mode, go to Controller Settings and select Edit.
Navigate to Action Sets, click the gear icon, and choose Add Always On.
Map the Touchscreen Native Support option under System Settings.

What Works and What Doesn’t?

Games That Work Well:

Monument Valley
Fruit Ninja
Deus Ex GO

Known Issues:

Some apps, like Fortnite and Doom 3 BFG, may not run due to compatibility limitations. Others might experience minor graphical issues.

Why Use WayDroid?

WayDroid is a fantastic tool for running Android games and apps on your Steam Deck. While not every game is compatible, it works well for many Android-exclusive titles and apps like Netflix. Whether you’re gaming or streaming, WayDroid opens up new possibilities for your Steam Deck experience.

Conclusion

With WayDroid, you can enjoy the flexibility of Android apps and games on your Steam Deck. From setting up the installer to optimizing the touchscreen, this guide has covered everything you need to get started. Dive into the world of Android gaming and let us know your experiences in the comments!