Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator

Download the Steam Mobile app for Android or iOS here

If you're having trouble logging in with the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, please use our help site (help.steampowered.com) to recover your account.

What is the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator?

The Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator is a feature of the Steam Mobile App that provides an additional level of security to your Steam account. The authenticator generates a code that you need to enter every time that you log on to your Steam account. The code changes every 30 seconds, can be used only once, and is unguessable.

This system (commonly called two-factor authentication) is stronger than just your username and a password.

The Steam Mobile App also includes QR code sign in, a sign in method for Steam that allows you skip entering your user name and password. The process relies on the 2fa credentials stored in your phone app, securely identifying you through your mobile device to Steam.

Valve also strongly recommends that you add a phone number to your account, which makes recovering your account quite a bit easier, should you lose access.

Your phone does not need to be connected to the Internet for the authenticator to generate a code (however, your phone does need to know the correct time).

Why should I add a phone number to my Steam account?

Adding a phone to your account gives you more options to recover your account in case you forget your password, or if your account is stolen. You can use SMS messaging to reset your password, or transfer your Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator from one phone to another.

How do I add a phone number to my Steam account?

To add a phone number to your account or manage a previously added phone number:

Log in to Steam (using the application or a web browser) and click on your profile name located in the top right corner.
Select 'Account Details' from the dropdown menu.
Under 'Contact Info', select 'Add a phone number'. If a phone number has already been added to the account, you will see 'Manage your phone number' instead.
Enter your phone number and select 'Next'. We will send an SMS message containing your confirmation code - Enter this code to verify that we have the correct information.
You're done!

You will now be able to reset your password or transfer your Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator from one phone to another via SMS.

Please note that only one phone number can be associated with a Steam account at a time.

How do I set up a Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator?

More information about downloading the app through the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, and a link to download the Android .apk file can be found here.

For detailed set up in instructions,view the authenticator set up walkthrough here.

How do I sign in using the authenticator?

After you've set up the mobile authenticator in the Steam Mobile App, you'll have three options for confirming your sign ins to the Steam Client or website.

When you sign in to the Steam Client or the Steam website, use the mobile app to scan the QR code shown on the sign in form
Or you can enter your name and password. Steam will then send a notification to your phone, asking you to confirm your sign in
Or you can enter your name and password, then choose to enter the Steam Guard code from the mobile app (on the Steam Guard page select "Show Steam Guard code.")

Never share your authenticator codes with anyone, and don't type them in to a web site that isn't run by Valve. Steam Support will never ask for any of your codes.

How do I sign in using a QR code?

The Steam Mobile App allows you to scan a QR code to sign in to Steam on your PC or in a browser. Instead of entering your account name, password, and a Steam code - you can use the mobile app to scan QR code presented on the sign in panel.

Open the Steam Mobile App. If you are logged in on your phone, go to the Steam Guard menu (the middle "shield" icon in the bottom navigation bar) for the "Scan a QR code" prompt.
Hold your phone up to the Steam sign in panel and use the mobile app to scan the QR code.
After scanning the QR code, the app will show you a confirmation page with details about the sign in attempt, including a map and the approximate geolocation of the device you’re signing in to. If this information looks correct, approve the request to complete your login.

Where is my mobile authenticator code?

Once you've set up your authenticator in the Steam Mobile App, you can find your authenticator code on the Steam Guard page, by selecting "Show Steam Guard code."

I don't have a phone. Can I still use the mobile authenticator?

Not at this time. A supported phone is required.

What is the best way to use two factor authentication?

First, you need to realize that just because you've enabled better protection for your account, this does not give you super powers.

Never share your password or mobile authenticator code with anyone.
Don't type your username, password, or authenticator code into a web site that is not run by Valve. Check links carefully. Bad guys often try clever mis-spellings to make links look like they come from Valve. If you're in doubt, don't click on them.
Steam Support will never ask for your password or mobile authenticator code (nor will any Valve employees).
Never download and run any program suggested by someone in an email or chat; these are almost certainly scams or malware.
Never download and run any program that claims to "clean up" or "optimize" or otherwise "fix" Steam (the program could be malware intended to steal your account).
Never provide an SMS recovery or removal code to anyone. These codes are only used to add or remove authenticator devices. Providing a code to someone else is immensely risky.

It's a good idea to print out a set of backup codes that you can use in an emergency.

How do I disable Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator?

You can remove two factor authentication from your account by opening the Steam Mobile App, navigating to the Steam Guard page, tapping the gear icon and selecting "Remove Authenticator." This will bring you to a confirmation page, where you can confirm your choice.

Removing the protection of your authenticator will slow down your trades and Community Market listings, to give you additional time to review them.

What devices does the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator work on?

The Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator works on Apple iOS devices running iOS 13.0 or later and Android devices running 5.0 or later.

Troubleshooting

If you're having trouble logging in with the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, please use our help site (help.steampowered.com) to recover your account.

Why are my items on hold?

Any trades or Market listings created before a Mobile Authenticator is added, or during the first 7 days after it is added, will be held for 15 days. Trades or Market listings created more than 7 days after a Mobile Authenticator is added will not be held by Steam. Adding a Mobile Authenticator will not reduce the length of existing item holds. Items that typically sell for under $1.00 USD do not require confirmation when the list price is reasonably within the median price.

Read more about Trade and Market Holds, or why items are held by Steam.

Read more about Trading and Market Restrictions, or why you may be unable to trade or use the Market.

Help! I sold or lost my phone and I can't log in anymore! What do I do?

If possible, you should contact your wireless service provider and get a replacement phone with the same phone number. Steam will be able to send SMS messages to your replacement phone, and you will be able to recover your account as described below.

If you no longer have access to your phone and don't have your recovery code, you'll need the assistance of Steam Support. Use the "Help me with my issue" button at the top right of this page to get help removing your authenticator. If you don’t have access to the email address that is currently associated with your Steam Account please provide proof of account ownership within your ticket.

My authenticator codes aren't working!

If you are trying to enter an authenticator code and receiving an error, check the time on your phone and make sure it is accurate. The authenticator codes are generated using the phone's time, and if the time is off, the codes will be incorrect.

If you have more than one account with an authenticator, make sure you are entering codes for the correct account.

Can I transfer my authenticator to my new phone?

Yes, you can.

To transfer your authenticator to a new device, you can use either the current authenticator or an SMS code sent to your phone number. Start by installing the Steam Mobile app on your new device and signing in to your account.

If you have access to the existing authenticator, select the Move Authenticator option on Steam Mobile's Steam Guard on the new device once signed in.

If you don't have access to the existing authenticator, select the "I no longer have access to my authenticator" option when asked to confirm the sign in attempt. Follow the steps the app provides to transfer your authenticator to the new device using an SMS code sent to your phone number.

After transferring the authenticator, a 2-day trade and market restriction will be placed on your account to protect your items.

I'm getting a new phone soon. What do I need to do?

If you're keeping your phone number, then you don't need to do anything in advance to prepare. Once you get your new phone, you can transfer your authenticator to the new phone using the steps in the answer for the previous question above.

If you have two factor authentication enabled, and will lose access to your old phone number, then you should:

Disable the authenticator (go to the Steam Guard page, tap the gear icon, and select "Remove Authenticator"). Note that doing this will prevent you from trading or using the Community Market for 15 days. It is recommended that you transfer the authenticator instead whenever possible.
Sign out of your account. Tap your avatar at the top right of the app and select "Sign out."

Before you sell or give your phone away, we recommend doing a factory reset on it and removing personal information.

How do I remove the phone number from my account?

Sign in to Steam and go to your Account Details page.
In the Steam Client and Steam website - at the top right of window, select Account details from your profile name drop-down. In the Contact Info section, select Manage your phone number.
Select Remove number. Follow the provided instructions to confirm the phone number removal.

Is there a way to get backup codes in case I lose my phone?

Yes, you can generate backup codes to use in an emergency. It's easy:

Sign in to Steam
Go to your profile name drop-down at the top right of the page and select Account Details
Select Manage Steam Guard.
Select the option to Get Backup Codes.
You'll have to enter the SMS code that is sent to your phone number.
You'll see a page with a number of codes that you can enter instead of the one generated by your phone. Steam will also send email to your account every time new codes are generated, and every time one of these codes is used.

It's a good idea to print these codes instead of saving them on your computer. Don't take a screen shot of them.

I didn't save my recovery code, where can I find it?

In Steam Mobile App, go to the Steam Guard page, tap the gear icon, then tap "Recovery Code."

I'm not receiving SMS messages!

If you are unable to receive SMS messages from Steam, check with your wireless provider that your wireless account is allowed to receive them. Our text messages can come from a 6 digit phone number, please ensure that your provider supports this. Steam will also stop sending SMS messages if too many have been sent to you, so waiting a few minutes to an hour may allow messages to come through again. You should also check to make sure that your phone's inbox is not full.

Why isn't my phone number working?

First, make sure you are entering your phone in international format (with '+' and your country code first).

Make sure that your country code is correct (Steam tries to guess where you are in the world, but you can also select your location from the menu below your phone number).

Valve does not allow certain phone numbers, such as VoIP numbers and numbers that cannot receive text messages. If your phone number is being rejected and you think that the rejection is in error, please contact Support by clicking on the "Help me with my issue" button.

General Questions

Why is my number being blocked because it's considered VoIP?

We are unable to accept new VoIP phone numbers on Steam due to them not meeting our security requirements. If your phone number is blocked because it's considered VoIP you will need to find a mobile or prepaid phone number to use on Steam. Select carriers use VoIP technology in their cellular plans and we are unable to support these. Our system will notify you when you enter your phone number if we consider it to be a VoIP number.

Can I authenticate my Steam account with more than one device?

No, your account can only be on one authenticator (Steam Mobile App) at a time.

Can I authenticate multiple Steam accounts with my device?

Yes, you can authenticate multiple accounts with the app. From the Steam Guard page, tap the blue drop-down, select "Add an account" and follow the prompts. You'll receive notifications to confirm the sign ins for all the accounts you've added to this authenticator.

Can I share my phone number between multiple accounts?

Yes. You may use the same phone number on multiple accounts. Accounts with the same phone number may be treated as the same identity with respect to the Steam Subscriber Agreement, policies, or restrictions.

Do the SMS messages you send cost me anything?

Standard messaging charges may apply; check your wireless phone plan to confirm.

Why am I not prompted for confirmation when I save my sign in credentials in Steam?

If you trust that access to your PC is secure, you can select "Remember me" when you sign in to Steam. If you do, Steam will only ask you for your password periodically.

You may choose not to let Steam remember your credentials and require your password (and potentially confirmation) on every sign in. You can change this in Steam's client settings under the Security tab anytime by enabling the setting at the top that says, "Don't save account credentials on this computer."

Do VAC and Game bans apply to all accounts on a phone number?

If an account that has a phone number registered to it receives a VAC or Game ban, all other accounts that use the same phone number will also receive a ban. If the other accounts do not own the game they will still receive the ban and be unable to purchase the title on that account.

This feature is not enabled for all games and will be used at the discretion of the developer.

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