Steam Deck Parental Controls & Safety Guide
How to set up Steam Family View and parental controls on the Valve Steam Deck handheld gaming console.
The Steam Deck is a handheld PC gaming device by Valve that runs SteamOS and can play the full Steam library of games. Because it runs a full version of Steam, it has access to games with a wide range of age ratings, online multiplayer, in-game chat, and the Steam marketplace. Valve's Family View feature allows parents to restrict access to content and features, though it requires more configuration than console-based alternatives.
Main risks
- • Access to games with mature content ratings (18+) from the full Steam library
- • Online voice and text chat with strangers in multiplayer games
- • In-game purchases, trading cards, and the Steam marketplace
- • Access to the Steam Community forums and user-generated content
Initial setup steps
Enable Family View on the Steam Deck
On the Steam Deck, press the Steam button and go to Settings > Family. Select 'Family View' and click 'Get started'. You will be prompted to enter your email address to create a recovery code and set a PIN. Store this PIN securely.
Select features to unlock
During Family View setup, you choose which features are unlocked for your child. Unlock only what is necessary. For most children and teenagers, unlock 'Games' only and leave the Store, Community, and Friends features locked.
Approve specific games
Under Family View settings, go to 'Games' and choose which games from your library your child may play. Review each game's age rating and content tags before approving. Remove access to any games that are not age-appropriate.
Remove stored payment details
Go to your Steam account settings online at store.steampowered.com. Under 'Account details', remove any stored payment methods. Only add funds to the Steam Wallet manually in amounts you are comfortable with your child spending.
Parental control settings
Steam Family View
Location: Steam > Settings > Family > Family View
Recommended: Enabled with a PIN set by the parent
Family View locks down the Steam interface so that only pre-approved features and games are accessible. Your child cannot access the store, their friends list, or community features unless you have specifically unlocked them.
Game Content Restrictions
Location: Steam > Settings > Family > Family View > Games
Recommended: Restrict to 'Only games I choose from my library' or set maximum age rating
Limits which games your child can launch to either a manually approved list or games below a specified age rating. Prevents access to adult-only or mature content.
Online Play and Chat Restrictions
Location: Steam > Settings > Family > Family View > Online features
Recommended: Restrict friends list and online communication
Disables Steam chat, the friends list, and community features such as forums and trading. This prevents your child from communicating with strangers or accessing community-generated content.
Purchase Controls
Location: Steam > Settings > Family > Steam Guard and account security
Recommended: Use a family shared account with no stored payment methods, or set up Steam Wallet limits
Steam does not have a built-in purchase approval system like Apple or Google. The safest approach is not to store payment details on the account your child uses, and to manage any Steam Wallet funds manually.
Age recommendations
Not generally recommended due to the complexity of content controls and access to mature games. If used, enable full Family View, restrict to a manually approved game list, and disable all online and community features.
Suitable with Family View enabled and game library restricted by age rating. Discuss online behaviour expectations. Monitor friends lists and periodically review the approved games list. Disable the Steam marketplace to prevent unsupervised spending.