Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Steam

Do you want to know how to enable the Two-factor authentication in SteamIf you use the Steam client to play PC games, you probably buy and run games there and you probably want your account to be protected or have additional security.

In this article, we will show you the simple steps to add two-factor authentication to your Steam account.

What is Steam?

Steam is a digital distribution service video games and a store operated by Valve. It was first published as a separate software client in September 2003 as a way for Valve to provide automatic game updates, and later expanded to distribute and sell titles from third-party game publishers.

It offers digital rights management (DRM), server hosting and anti-cheat measures, video streaming, and social networking capabilities, to name a few. It also includes features like friend lists and groups, a community marketplace, storage cloud and in-game voice and chat, as well as automatic game updates.

In 2013, Steam was the most popular digital distribution platform for PC games, with over 75% of the market.

Steam users had spent nearly $4300 billion on games in 2017, accounting for at least 18% of total PC game sales. By 2019, the service had over 34 games and 000 million monthly active users.

The Steam Machine platform, which includes the SteamOS operating system and Steam Controllers, Steam Link devices for local game streaming, and the Steam Deck portable PC designed to run Steam games in 2022, was created in 2015 in response to the success of Steam.

How to enable two-factor authentication in Steam Guard on your Steam account using the Steam app or the Steam mobile app?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a means of improving account security. The first is your basic password for any account. A verification code acquired from an app on a mobile device or PC is the second factor.

2FA is essentially similar to the security token device required for online banking in some countries. OTP (one-time password) and TOTP (two-factor authentication) are other terms for 2FA systems (one-time password algorithm based on There).

If you enable 2FA, a random code will be created every time you log in. This means that you must enter a separate randomly generated code sent to your smartphone for each new session, not just a password. It's a great approach to keeping your Steam account secure.

Enable two-factor authentication using the Steam Desktop app

Let’s take a look at how you can implement two-factor authentication for your Steam account now that you know how crucial it is. You can use the Steam desktop app to set up two-factor authentication on your Steam account.

To enable two-factor authentication using the Steam desktop app, follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Open Steam and then log in with your Steam account credentials. This will allow you to open your standard Steam account.

Step 2: In your Steam account, click on Steam and then click on settings. This will allow you to go to the Settings window.

Step 3: In the configuration window, click the Account tab, and then click Manage Steam Guard Account Security. This will take you to the Steam Guard window.

Step 4: In the Steam Protection window, opens two options. Get Steam Guard codes from the Steam app on my phone or Get Steam Guard codes by email (will require you to log in again).

Get Steam Guard Code from Steam App on My Phone

You can use this option to ask Steam to email you Steam Guard mobile authentication codes via the Steam mobile app. Both Steam users and Steam Android such as iOS You can download the Steam app.

The processes to receive the Steam Guard code on your phone are described below.

Step 1: Download the Steam smartphone app at Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Step 2: Open the Steam app on your smartphone and then log in with your Steam account.

Step 3: On the Steam mobile app home screen, tap the 3-line icon.

Step 4: Press the Steam Guard menu.

Step 5: Check Steam guard to enable Steam guard mobile authenticator on your phone.

Step 6: You need to enter the SMS code on your registered number.

Step 7: The Steam app will display a recovery code. You need to save it and press done.

Step 8: You have successfully added two-factor authentication using the installed Steam app. The Steam Authenticator code is continuously circulating in the app.

Get Steam Guard code by email

If you don't want to use your smartphone as an authentication device, there is an alternative. If you select this option, the Guard code will be sent to your email address, which you must enter every time you log in to your desktop or browser app. Steam.

Moving Steam Guard Authenticator to a new phone

Whether you've lost your phone or bought a new one with the intention of selling the old one, you'll need to figure out how to safely move Steam Guard Authenticator to the new phone.

The Steam app asks the user to link a genuine mobile phone number to their account. This mobile number, not the phone, is linked to Steam Guard. As a result, you can safely switch phones. However, to defend against hacking, security codes are stored locally on your phone and encrypted.

Adding a phone number has numerous advantages, such as providing an additional method of access if you forget your username or password.

To add a phone number to your credentials Steam, you must do the following:

Step 1: Click on your username and select Account Details.

Step 2: Under the Contact Information heading, look for the option to Add a phone number.

Step 3: Enter your mobile number, click on the Next button to receive an OTP and verify the number.

Step 4: You can now transfer Steam Guard Authenticator to a new device after adding a valid mobile number.

Transfer two-factor authentication to a new smartphone

Step 1: Install the Steam app. You will be prompted to enter your authentication code. Select Help, I no longer have access to my mobile authenticator code.

Step 2: Now, you will be provided with two options. Select Use this device.

Step 3: Select where it says OK, send me the text message.

Step 4: An OTP will then be sent to you via text message. Press Send after entering the code.

Step 5: Finally, press the Login button and, if prompted, enter your ID and password.

I'm sure that once you try any of these methods, you will be able to achieve the  two-factor authentication on Steam. If you've made it this far, I can only thank you for your trust. Don't forget that within our portal we have various publications with interesting technological information, so don't hesitate to check them out. See you in a future guide.