- Steam Guard provides an extra layer of security for your account
- Setting up a mobile authenticator protects your account from theft.
- Official Steam Support recommends enabling Steam Guard to avoid issues.
Protecting your Steam account is, without a doubt, one of the priorities for any gamer who doesn't want to be embroiled in theft, hacking attempts, or similar issues. Steam Guard represents that extra barrier of security which can end up making the difference between losing your account or keeping your game library intact. Whether you've just created a Steam account, been playing for a while, or just want peace of mind, Learning how to configure Steam Guard is something you can't ignore..
Many users think that setting a strong password will secure their account, but the reality is that cybercriminals are increasingly fine-tuning their methods to break into other people's accounts. Enabling Steam Guard and your mobile authenticator is a must. Steam Guard is a popular choice nowadays, and luckily, setting it up is quick and easy if you know how. Below, we'll tell you everything you need to know, from what Steam Guard is to detailed steps to get it up and running, and the typical issues you might encounter.
What is Steam Guard and why should you enable it?
Steam Guard is the additional security feature that protects your account with two-step verification.When activated, every time you try to log in from a new device, you'll be asked for additional confirmation, usually via a code you'll receive on your phone or email. This means that even if someone gets your password, they won't be able to access it without that extra security code.
Steam Guard can work in two ways:
- Via email: You receive a code every time you log in from a new device.
- Using the mobile authenticator: You use the Steam mobile app to obtain temporary, single-use codes.
The mobile authenticator is much more secure and faster, since the codes change constantly and only you, with your mobile, can see them
Advantages of activating Steam Guard on your account
You may be wondering if it's really worth enabling this feature. The advantages of Steam Guard are clear:
- Theft protection: Prevents others from accessing your account even if they find out your password.
- Avoid fraud and scams: Access to your inventory, friends list, and transactions is secure.
- Quick Unlock: With your mobile phone, you always have the codes at hand to log in wherever you want.
- Enhanced security: Steam cares about security, but the last line of defense is you.
Furthermore, Steam Guard protection can be crucial when recovering access to your account in case of theft or suspicious activity.
How to activate Steam Guard mobile authenticator step by step?
The most robust option to protect your account is the Steam Guard Mobile AuthenticatorHere's how to easily activate it:
- Install the Steam app on your mobile: It is available for free at Google Play and App Store for Android y iOS.
- Log in with your Steam account: If you are not logged in, enter your username and password.
- Access the main menu: Tap the menu icon and select 'Steam Guard'.
- Activate the mobile authenticator: Choose 'Add authenticator' and follow the instructions.
This will involve verifying a phone number (if you didn't have one added) via SMS. - Save the recovery code: Steam will provide you with an important code for recover your account If you lose your phone, keep it in a safe place!
Once activated, the app will display a six-digit code that changes every 30 seconds.Every time you log in, you just need to open the app and use that code to verify your identity.
What if you prefer to use Steam Guard via email?
In case you don't have a smartphone by hand, Steam Guard can also work via email. It is a simpler, but less secure, method:
- When you log in from an unrecognized device or browser, Steam will send a code to your registered email address.
- Simply copy that code from the email and paste it into the login screen.
Note that This method is less secure, since if someone accesses your email they can also get the Steam code, but it's still an additional layer compared to not having anything activated.
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