Where Does Steam Link Store Settings?
Where Steam Link keeps streaming_settings.bin and client data on Linux.
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The Steam Link app keeps its client state in the Valve Corporation folder under the XDG data home: streaming_settings.bin for quality and codec picks, client_id_map.txt for identity and speaker_configuration.txt for audio. Missing files on first run are normal and regenerate.
Logs naming the exact missing file are the fastest diagnostic on Raspberry Pi and DietPi setups. Permission problems (video, audio, tty groups) cause more failures than corrupt configs, so check groups before wiping data.
Where Steam Link stores this, by platform
~/.local/share/Valve Corporation/SteamLink/
Holds streaming_settings.bin, client_id_map.txt and speaker_configuration.txt. Files regenerate with defaults when deleted while closed. The dedicated hardware box uses /mnt/config/system/streaming_settings.bin instead.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reset Steam Link streaming quality?
Edit or delete streaming_settings.bin while Steam Link is closed and it regenerates on next launch. Bitrate and codec choices reset to defaults, which clears most stuck low quality states.
Where is the config on the Steam Link hardware box?
It lives on the device flash at /mnt/config/system/streaming_settings.bin and uses a binary Qt format, not plain text. Most users should change options in the Steam Link UI instead of hex editing that file.
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