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Steam Machine (2026) microSD Card Reader Replacement

Spencer Day and one other contributor

Last updated on Sep 16, 2026

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45 minutes - 1 hour

Moderate

OEM Guide

iFixit collaborated with the manufacturer to make this guide.

Introduction

Go to step 1 ↓

Follow this guide to replace the microSD card reader in your Valve Steam Machine (2026).

If your Steam Machine fails to read microSD cards, intermittently disconnects them, or the slot is physically damaged, you may need to replace the microSD card reader.

Some microSD cards will need to be formatted before they can be used with your Steam Machine. If you're having problems, follow Valve's instructions for formatting before replacing the card reader to ensure the problem isn't with the microSD card itself.

What you need

Tools

1. Step 1 Before you begin
  Before you begin this repair:
  
  Power down your Steam Machine and disconnect the power cable.
  
  Unplug any remaining cables or accessories from all ports.
  
  If you have a microSD card installed, remove it. Otherwise, it may break during this procedure.
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1. Step 2 Reposition the Steam Machine
  Reposition the Steam Machine so the bottom is facing up.
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2. Step 3 Remove the feet
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the four rubber feet.
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1. Step 4 Reposition the Steam Machine
  Reposition the Steam Machine so the back panel is facing up.
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3. Step 5 Loosen the back panel screws
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to fully loosen the two captive screws securing the back panel.
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4. Step 6 Remove the back panel
  The back panel is secured by two hinge clips near the bottom corners and two locking clips on the sides.
  
  Lift the top edge of the panel (near the screws) until the two locking clips release.
  
  If you're having trouble getting an initial grip on the panel, use a spudger to lift it enough to grab with your fingers.
  
  Slide the panel towards the top edge and lift to remove it.
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5. Step 7 Remove the inner assembly screws
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 7.3 mm‑long screws securing the inner assembly.
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6. Step 8 Remove the inner assembly
  After removal, don't lay the inner assembly down on the microSD and USB ports. These ports are fragile and shouldn't have the weight of the assembly resting on them.
  
  Grip the inner assembly under the fan and lift it straight up and out of the shell.
  
  Set the inner assembly down so the SSD is on top.
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1. Step 9 Remove the microSD card reader screws
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 5.1 mm‑long screws securing the microSD card reader.
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2. Step 10 Remove the microSD card reader
  After the screws are removed, the microSD card reader is held in place by a socket on its underside that plugs into pins on the board below it.
  
  Pull the microSD card reader straight up to disconnect and remove it.
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