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Transferring files from PC to Steam Deck with FileZilla FTP

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Want another way to transfer files from a PC (Linux / Windows) over to a Steam Deck? Here's how to do it using the FileZilla FTP application. I've already covered the use of tools like Warpinator and Syncthing and both are great, however not everyone gets along with them and this way is pretty much bulletproof with a tiny bit of a setup.

First up here's the video and below will be the text guide as usual:

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Text Guide:

  1. Download FileZilla. On Linux you can grab it from Flathub.
  2. In Steam Deck Desktop Mode, set up a password by using "passwd" in terminal.
  3. Next enable and start SSH with these commands in terminal:
    sudo systemctl enable sshd
    sudo systemctl start sshd
  4. Find the IP address of your Steam Deck. Click the WiFi / Networking icon, then go into details and it will be at the top of the list and may start something like 192. Make a note of this IP.
  5. Load up FileZilla, entering the details into the top bar. The username will be "deck" and the port is "22".
  6. Click Quickconnect.

Done, you're ready to get transferring files.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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11 comments
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Brokatt Sep 29, 2022
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I find KDE Connect to work well enough onm Steam Deck these days.You just need to add the source in Discover via Settings > Add Source... > https://distribute.kde.org/kdeapps.flatpakrepo
PixelDrop Sep 29, 2022
Since I formatted my SD card in btrfs I just grabbed the windows drivers for it and just swap out my SD card when I want to transfer things.
Liam Dawe Sep 29, 2022
Quoting: BrokattI find KDE Connect to work well enough onm Steam Deck these days.You just need to add the source in Discover via Settings > Add Source... > https://distribute.kde.org/kdeapps.flatpakrepo
I would be happier to cover KDE Connect if they put up a proper Flatpak app, one that is not in their testing repo that isn't ready for production. I've spoken to them before, and they claimed it couldn't just be a Flatpak by itself due to various integration issues. Once they have it out properly, I'll take a look.
jordicoma Sep 29, 2022
And now with ssh we can connect with a terminal remotely to the deck.
And probably (I don't know how to configure) have remote X11.
BlackBloodRum Sep 29, 2022
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Quoting: Liam Dawe
Quoting: BrokattI find KDE Connect to work well enough onm Steam Deck these days.You just need to add the source in Discover via Settings > Add Source... > https://distribute.kde.org/kdeapps.flatpakrepo
I would be happier to cover KDE Connect if they put up a proper Flatpak app, one that is not in their testing repo that isn't ready for production. I've spoken to them before, and they claimed it couldn't just be a Flatpak by itself due to various integration issues. Once they have it out properly, I'll take a look.

If you're looking for a "more integrated" feel:
https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/08/top-quick-steam-deck-tips-and-tricks/comment_id=230213

With this you'll be able to just browse / copy / paste etc to the steam deck directly from dolphin.

It does take a little preparation though. But I prefer it over using FileZilla for such simple tasks.

Just my 2c

Quoting: jordicomaAnd now with ssh we can connect with a terminal remotely to the deck.
And probably (I don't know how to configure) have remote X11.

I haven't tested this with the deck, but it should be the same as any other linux system and I've done it on those.

Create a host entry in your SSH as follows, editing to your requirements:

 
Host steamdeck
    HostName 192.168.1.11
    Port 22
    User deck
    ForwardX11 yes
    IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_ed25519_rsk_a_personal
    IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_ed25519_rsk_b_personal


In your steam decks /etc/sshd_config file, add or un-comment the following options line (not the one under match user):

 
X11Forwarding yes


Then just connect with

 
ssh steamdeck -X


And you should be able to launch apps using X11 forwarding. (or run a direct application like "ssh steamdeck -X dolphin").

PS: Sorry if this is a bit brief in a hurry.

PS 2: If you're looking for a better visual remote access solution, perhaps try VNC?
https://apps.kde.org/krfb/

I use that flatpak for vnc access to my deck


Last edited by BlackBloodRum on 29 September 2022 at 3:33 pm UTC
BlackBloodRum Sep 29, 2022
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Quoting: GuestI use 'Usermode FTP Server' from Discover on my Deck to host ftp server
and on my linux desktop i oldfashioned use mc command in terminal and from here i connect to my deck ftp
Do you really need the third party ftp server?

I mean the old ftp protocol is insecure and I wouldn't recommend it at all.

If you want to use midnight commander and assuming you've got ssh setup on your deck, you can just add your alias to .ssh/config and then just run mc and connect using "sftp link" and type the alias for example, it'll then connect over ssh as opposed to the old ftp in a much more secure way.

I really don't recommend old style FTP servers, always use SSH where available. Old FTP transfers your login details in plain text and can be broken into easily.


Last edited by BlackBloodRum on 29 September 2022 at 5:15 pm UTC
Luticus Sep 29, 2022
I'd just use SSH/SFTP/SCP bult in the the steamdeck and Linux ssh/SFTP/SCP on Linux clients and WinSCP for windows clients (of which I have none ), personally.
elmapul Sep 29, 2022
i remember that i used filezila ~10 years ago to upload files to my friend webpage, it was an ddl anime fansite.
amazing to see its still alive and receiving updates, long time i dont touch it.
Nic264 Sep 29, 2022
Dolphin is also a very good sftp client.
In short from a terminal, krunner or whatever: `dolphin sftp://deck@<deck ip>/home/deck`.
Or some clickety way through the GUI.

Also protip, you can replace `systemctl enable sshd && systemctl start sshd` with `systemctl enable --now sshd` 😉
spayder26 Sep 29, 2022
Quoting: BlackBloodRum
Quoting: GuestI use 'Usermode FTP Server' from Discover on my Deck to host ftp server
and on my linux desktop i oldfashioned use mc command in terminal and from here i connect to my deck ftp
Do you really need the third party ftp server?

I mean the old ftp protocol is insecure and I wouldn't recommend it at all.

If you want to use midnight commander and assuming you've got ssh setup on your deck, you can just add your alias to .ssh/config and then just run mc and connect using "sftp link" and type the alias for example, it'll then connect over ssh as opposed to the old ftp in a much more secure way.

I really don't recommend old style FTP servers, always use SSH where available. Old FTP transfers your login details in plain text and can be broken into easily.

Nice you mention. Usermode FTP Server supports all FTP, FTPS and SFTP, defaults to FTPS and shows a warning when using the plain old FTP.

Its main point is you need a client like FileZilla to use SFTP outside UNIX-like systems, but you can use pretty much any file browser for FTPS (including Windows Explorer).

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