Hi! I tried watching HBO Max on Chrome on the Steam Deck recently, but it no longer works. In fact, none of the streaming services work. Netflix recommended enabling restricted content, which was already enabled, but it still didn’t work. Some recent change caused this issue. Here’s what I did to fix it:
UPDATE: A recent Chrome update changed the WinevineCdm version folder to 4.10.2652.2. It has been updated below.
- Go to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck
- Start Konsole
- type:Â ‘sudo bash’ & enter in your root password
- Copy & Paste the following into the Konsole:
chown -R root:root /home/deck/.var/app/com.google.Chrome/config/google-chrome/WidevineCdm/4.10.2652.2 - Restart Chrome. All of the streaming services will work now.
By following the steps above, you should be able to resolve the issue of streaming services not working on Chrome in Steam Deck’s desktop mode. The provided command helps correct a potential ownership issue related to the WidevineCdm plugin, which is necessary for streaming services to function correctly in Chrome. Restarting Chrome after applying the fix should allow you to enjoy your favorite streaming content without interruptions.
Please note that the command provided is specific to the mentioned Chrome version (4.10.2652.1) and Steam Deck’s file structure at the time of writing this article. It is essential to check for any updates or changes related to the Steam Deck’s software and adapt the command accordingly if necessary.
Happy streaming on your Steam Deck!
Update:
Directory for Opera: /home/deck/.var/app/com.opera.Opera/config/opera/WidevineCdm/4.10.2662.3
R36S Handheld Game Console, R36S Retro Handheld Game Console, 3.5-inch Retro Handheld, with 64G Built-in 15000+ Classic Games, Game Consoles (Black 64G)
Useful Steam Deck accessories:
Docking Station for Steam Deck - HDMI 4K@60Hz, Ethernet, USB-A Ports, 100W USB-C Charging - Compatible with Steam Deck OLED
JSAUX ModCase for Steam Deck/Steam Deck OLED, PC0104 Steam Deck Case with Detachable Front Shell
Skull & Co. GripCase SD for Steam Deck: A Soft Protective Case with Textured Grips Full Protection and Stand, Shock-Absorption Non-Slip and Anti-Scratch Cover Design
when i type sudo bash it enters and asks for a password but it wont let me type at all
You’re actually typing your password, even though no characters appear. Just enter your password and press Enter. If it’s correct, you’ll see the user change from ‘deck@steamdeck’ to ‘root@steamdeck’.
Thanks! I’m no Linux master, but I’m sort of confused as to why this worked… Changing that directory to be owned by root restricts any other user from accessing the directory. In this case, running Chrome as the deck user should not have access to that directory now… Unless there’s something running as root that refuses to work if that directory isn’t protected? Idk
I’m not sure either, but upgrading Chrome will most likely fail since it is owned by root. We will need to revert the owner back to ‘deck:deck’ to upgrade Chrome whenever that happens. Hopefully, they will fix it in the next release. If not, we’ll need to chown it back to ‘root:root’ after the upgrade.
this did not work for me … it’s odd youtube and spotify work fine and all the apps work on firefox but they recommend chrome for streaming in game mode… it makes no sense
You need to be in desktop mode.
OMG, Thank you so much! I wasn’t able to watch netflix and listen to spotify and I could not find any anwser to why this is happening. Thank you bro!
Is there an update for this? it is not working for me. I keep getting a file path error when I hit enter.
Thank youuuuuuuuuuuu I been trying for months… this is the only thing that got my Netflix movies working
Confirm Netflix ,Apple Tv,Disney+,Prime Video,HBO MAX ,HULU all worked like they did before
I thought they was all trying to block steam it went from working one day to None working
oh my chrome version if anybody needs to know is 115.0.5790.102 (64-bit) followed the exact steps
Go to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck
Start Konsole
type: ‘sudo bash’ & enter in your root password
Copy & Paste the following into the Konsole:
chown -R root:root /home/deck/.var/app/com.google.Chrome/config/google-chrome/WidevineCdm/4.10.2652.2
Restart Chrome. All of the streaming services will work now.
Thank you
What password? I don´t have a password.
Where to find the root password?
You need to set the root password:
https://sassykrunchysweet.com/2023/06/23/creating-a-root-password-on-your-steam-deck/