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Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the left touchpad in your Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026).

If your touchpad is sticking, damaged, isn't registering, or has inconsistent inputs, you may need to replace it.

What you need

  1. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Let your controller's battery drain below 25% before starting this repair.

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

    • During your repair, it can be helpful to lay the Steam Controller on a clean, soft cloth for stabilization and to prevent scratches.

    Edit

  2. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the back cover screws: step 2, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the back cover screws: step 2, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    TR6 Torx Security Screwdriver
    $5.99
    Buy
    Edit

  3. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 3, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the back cover.

    Edit

  4. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the battery: step 4, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the battery: step 4, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the battery: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions. Never reinstall a swollen battery—replace it with a new one.

    • Lift the right edge of the battery to remove it.

    • During reassembly, first slide the left side of the battery into place so its connector is fully seated. Then, press the right side into place to secure it.

    Edit

  5. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the mounting bracket screws: step 5, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the mounting bracket screws: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • During the rest of your repair, don't forcefully push the controller down onto your work surface—you may damage the joysticks and touchpads.

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

    Edit

  6. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the mounting bracket: step 6, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the mounting bracket: step 6, image 2 of 2
    Edit

  7. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Disconnect the rumble motors: step 7, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Disconnect the rumble motors: step 7, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Disconnect the rumble motors: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Don't pull on the rumble motor's delicate wires—they're easily damaged. Be careful not to pinch the wires with your tweezers, and only pull on the connector itself.

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

    • Grip the tweezers as close to the tip as possible to get a better hold on the connector.

    Edit

  8. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Repeat to disconnect the other rumble motor.

    Edit

  9. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cable: step 9, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cable: step 9, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cable: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Be careful not to damage any of the small, surface-mounted components on the main board.

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

    Edit

  11. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  12. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the main board screws: step 11, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the main board screws: step 11, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the main board screws: step 11, image 3 of 3

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

    • When reinstalling the screws, raise the controller so the joysticks aren't pressed against your work surface—pressure on the joysticks can cause improper alignment and seating.

    Edit

  13. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the main board: step 12, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the main board: step 12, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the main board: step 12, image 3 of 3

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

    • You should be able to remove the board without removing the triggers. If you're having trouble, check out this guide to remove them.

    • Remove the main board, guiding the joysticks through their cutouts.

    • During reassembly, make sure the two rumble motor wires don't get trapped underneath the board. Use the four alignment posts to ensure the board is properly positioned.

    Edit

  14. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Rubber piece information: step 13, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Rubber piece information: step 13, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Rubber piece information: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • The rubber piece above the status LED may have been dislodged when removing the main board.

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

    • During reassembly, place the rubber piece so the two tabs are on the bottom and towards the back.

    Edit

  15. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the hinge pin: step 14, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the hinge pin: step 14, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the hinge pin: step 14, image 3 of 3

    • With one hand, fully depress one trigger.

    • Don't let go of the trigger, or it will eject and you may lose its spring.

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

    • During reassembly, 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.

    • When correctly inserted, the pin's end will be alinged with the white rectangle on the board (labeled PIN)—there should be no wobble.

    Edit

  16. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the trigger: step 15, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the trigger: step 15, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the trigger: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the trigger straight up and remove it.

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

    • The spring will either stick to the trigger's magnet or stay on its post.

    Edit

  17. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the other trigger: step 16, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the other trigger: step 16, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the other trigger: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Repeat to remove the other trigger.

    Edit

  18. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Reassembly information: step 17, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Reassembly information: step 17, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Reassembly information: step 17, image 3 of 3

    • During reassembly, follow this step to install the triggers.

    • 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.

    Edit

  19. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the midframe screws: step 18, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the midframe screws: step 18, image 2 of 2

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

    • When removing the screw in the center of the controller, be careful not to slip and damage the flexible button circuit.

    Edit

  20. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the midframe: step 19, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the midframe: step 19, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the midframe: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the midframe straight up and remove it.

    • The buttons and their silicone membranes are now sitting loose in their recesses. Don't flip the front shell or the buttons will fall out. Optionally, remove the membranes and buttons and set them aside.

    • During reassembly:

    • If you removed the buttons and their membranes, reinstall them now.

    • Use 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 and make sure they're aligned properly—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.

    Edit

  21. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Check for the Steam button membrane: step 20, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Check for the Steam button membrane: step 20, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit

  22. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Disconnect the touchpad cables: step 21, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Disconnect the touchpad cables: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the hinged, locking flap on one of the touchpad ZIF connectors.

    Edit

  23. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  24. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement: step 23, image 3 of 3

    • Repeat to disconnect the other touchpad cable.

    Edit

  25. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the FSC board screws: step 24, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the FSC board screws: step 24, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T4 Torx screwdriver to remove the four 6.0 mm‑long screws securing the FSC board.

    Edit

  26. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the FSC board: step 25, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the FSC board: step 25, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the FSC board: step 25, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the FSC board.

    • During reassembly:

    • Use the alignment pegs to ensure the board is correctly positioned.

    Edit

  27. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the touchpad screws: step 26, image 1 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the touchpad screws: step 26, image 2 of 3 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the touchpad screws: step 26, image 3 of 3

    • The left touchpad will be on your right-hand side, as the shell is upside down.

    • Use a T4 Torx screwdriver to remove the four 6.0 mm‑long screws securing the left touchpad.

    • When reinstalling the screws, raise the controller so the touchpad isn't pressed against your work surface. Don't lift too high, or the buttons may fall out.

    Edit

  28. Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 27, image 1 of 2 Steam Controller (2nd Gen, 2026) Left Touchpad Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 27, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the touchpad.

    • During reassembly, set the touchpad into its cutout so the cable is on the bottom edge. Make sure all the alignment tabs and posts go through their cutouts by the screw holes.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 09/14/22

182,744 Reputation

1,165 Guides authored

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1 Guide Comment

I don’t own one, so I’d like to ask: ⏎
Does this touchpad have a mechanism that allows it to be physically pressed? ⏎
Also, do you know what kind of LRA is used for the haptic feedback?

Satoshi S - Reply Share

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