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How to Set Up the Rear Buttons on a Steam Deck

Map L4, L5, R4, or R5 from a game’s controller settings, or use a community layout as a starting point.
Length1 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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To map the Steam Deck’s rear buttons for a game, open that game in your Steam Library, select the gamepad icon, and edit its controller layout. The four assignable grip buttons are L4, L5, R4, and R5.

Map a rear button for a game

  1. From the Steam Deck’s Library, highlight the game you want to configure and open its details.

  2. Select the gamepad icon to open the game’s controller settings.

  3. Open the current layout for editing. Find the rear controls, labeled L4, L5, R4, and R5.

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  4. Select the rear button you want to configure and choose the game input it should send. For example, you might assign a frequently used action to a grip button; the best choice depends on the game and what feels comfortable to reach.

  5. Apply or save the layout if prompted, then return to the game and check that the action works.

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Valve documents this route as editing the controller layout for an individual Library game. Its instructions do not establish that an assignment automatically applies to every game.

Start with a community layout

If you would rather adapt an existing setup, open the current template in the game’s controller settings and browse the community layouts. Apply one, then inspect or adjust its L4, L5, R4, or R5 assignments to suit your preferences.

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  • Ergonomic Design-Features an ergonomic arcuated design, provides an anti-slip angle which improves grip.
  • Improves Tactile Feel-Increases back button height, enhances tactile feel.
  • Compatiable With or Without Protective Case

Check whether a rear button is registering

  1. Open Steam > Settings > Controller > Test Controller Inputs and test the button.

  2. If the input registers in the test but does not trigger the action you expect in the game, return to that game’s controller layout and check the assignment for the relevant rear button.

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These steps cover games selected from the Steam Library. Valve’s cited instructions do not confirm that the same workflow applies to every non-Steam application.

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What the rear buttons are

Valve’s Steam Deck technical specifications identify four assignable grip buttons: L4, L5, R4, and R5. The Steam Support Steam Deck Basic Use & Troubleshooting Guide documents per-game controller settings, layout editing, community configurations, and the controller input test.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Skull & Co. Back Button Enhancement Set, Improvement Button Protection Kit for Steam Deck- Black, 4pcs
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Easy Fit-Quick installation for a new upgrade.; Easy Removal-Detach in seconds, no sticky residue after removal.
$7.99
Bestseller No. 3
Skull & Co. Back Button Enhancement Set, Improvement Button Protection Kit for Steam Deck- OD Green, 4pcs
Skull & Co. Back Button Enhancement Set, Improvement Button Protection Kit for Steam Deck- OD Green, 4pcs
Easy Fit-Quick installation for a new upgrade.; Easy Removal-Detach in seconds, no sticky residue after removal.
$7.99
Bestseller No. 5
Skull & Co. Back Button Enhancement Set, Improvement Button Protection Kit for Steam Deck- Galactic Purple, 4pcs
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Easy Fit-Quick installation for a new upgrade.; Easy Removal-Detach in seconds, no sticky residue after removal.
$7.99
Best Value
Skull & Co. Back Button Enhancement Set, Improvement Button Protection Kit for Steam Deck- Galactic Purple, 4pcs
  • Easy Fit-Quick installation for a new upgrade.
  • Easy Removal-Detach in seconds, no sticky residue after removal.
  • Ergonomic Design-Features an ergonomic arcuated design, provides an anti-slip angle which improves grip.
  • Improves Tactile Feel-Increases back button height, enhances tactile feel.
  • Compatiable With or Without Protective Case

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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