Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Flexible Button Circuit Replacement

Unplug all cables and accessories from the controller, including the Steam Controller Puck.

Use a T6 Torx screwdriver to remove the seven screws securing the back cover.

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

Remove the back cover.

Lift the right edge of the battery to remove it.

Use a T6 Torx screwdriver to remove the four 7.4 mm‑long screws securing the battery mounting bracket.

Remove the battery mounting bracket.

Firmly grip the short edges of one rumble motor connector with a pair of tweezers and pull straight up to disconnect it

Repeat to disconnect the other rumble motor.

Use a spudger to lift the hinged locking flap on the interconnect cable ZIF connector, located on the bottom edge of the main board.

Use tweezers to grip the cable by its plastic pull tab and slide it out of the socket.

Use a T6 Torx screwdriver to remove the three 7.4 mm‑long screws securing the main board.

Pull the main board down so the top corners clear the triggers.

Remove the main board, guiding the thumbsticks through their cutouts.

If the rubber piece is out of place, remove it and set it aside.

With one hand, fully depress one trigger.

With your free hand, use tweezers to pull the hinge pin straight out and remove it.

Lift the trigger straight up and remove it.

Remove the spring and store it in a safe place for reassembly.

Repeat to remove the other trigger.

Place one of the trigger springs over its post on the controller.

Put the trigger in place, making sure the spring goes over both of its posts (one on the controller and one on the trigger) and that the hinge holes are all aligned.

Hold the trigger down and slide the pin through both hinge holes—the pin will stop sliding once it's fully inserted.

Test the trigger to ensure the pin was properly installed.

Repeat to install the other trigger.

Use a T6 Torx screwdriver to remove the eleven 7.4 mm‑long screws securing the midframe.

Lift the midframe straight up and remove it.

Make sure the rubber button dampeners (that surround the button recesses) are pushed down and fully seated against the shell.

Install the buttons and membranes, using the alignment tabs to orient each button in its recess. Each one is keyed for proper location and orientation.

Check the two large silicone button membranes to make sure they're aligned properly and fully seated—if they aren't, button presses may feel off or not register.

Use the alignment posts to ensure the midframe is in the right position.

Check if the Steam button's silicone membrane stuck to the button circuit on the midframe.

If it did, either put the membrane back in place or set it aside.

Set the midframe down so the underside is facing up.

Starting with the right side, use your fingers to unhook the button circuit from the two tabs.

Use your fingers to gently pull both silicone bumper membranes off the controller.

Use tweezers or your fingers to gently unhook the section of button circuit for each bumper.

Flip the midframe over.

Six pegs and a curved strip of adhesive secure the button circuit to the midframe.

Unhook the button circuit from all six pegs by slowly lifting until it slides off the peg.

Peel up the section of button circuit with adhesive (near the action buttons) until it fully detaches.

Flip the midframe over.

Slide the flat end of a spudger behind the board to separate the adhesive securing it.

Pull the board off the midframe.

Repeat to separate the other board.

Remove the midframe—you're now left with the button circuit for replacement.