How to Enable Two Factor Authentication on Steam
All PC gamers love Steam for spending hundreds of dollars to buy and download games on their PC. Wouldn’t it be weird to wake up and find that you can’t log into your Steam account? Well, that’s why you need to add two-factor authentication to the Steam account.
Fortunately, Steam has two-factor authentication, or commonly referred to as 2FA security service, which allows you to add an extra layer of security to your Steam account.
It not only asks you to log in with your account credentials, but also to enter a code sent to the phone every time you access your Steam account. Therefore, even if your password is compromised, accessing your Steam account will not be possible.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to enable two-factor authentication on your Steam account. Enough of the gossip, let’s jump right to the article.
What is 2FA or two-factor authentication
Simply put, this is an additional layer of security over your normal username and password for an account. In order to break through your account, you must join the two pieces of the puzzle. Additionally, 2FA is a great way to keep your account secure, if you access your account often enough outside of your home.
Another point that makes enabling 2FA or two-factor authentication very important is that it generates a random code every time you log into your account. This means that for each new session you have to enter a different randomly generated code sent to your smartphone.
Two-factor authentication has paved the way for multiple apps and platforms including Instagram, Twitter, Google, and more. You can also get this extra layer of security for your Steam account by following the steps mentioned below.
How to enable two-factor authentication on Steam
Now that you have some information on the importance of two-factor authentication, let’s see how you can enable it for your Steam account. Notably, you can set up two-factor authentication on your Steam account through the web app or the Steam desktop app.
In our case, we’ll be using the Steam desktop app for Windows. Follow the steps below to enable two-factor authentication.
Step 1: If you don’t have the Steam desktop app for your PC, go to the official site and download it. Once the download is complete, install it on your PC.
2nd step: After installing the app on your desktop, log in with your Steam account credentials.
Step 3: Now click on the Steam button, located at the top left of the Steam app interface. From the drop-down menu, select the Settings option.
Step 4: A new Settings window will appear. Here, click on the Account option in the left pane, if it is not already selected. On the right side, you need to click on the MANAGE STEAM GUARD ACCOUNT SECURITY button.
Step 5: Another window will appear with the title STEAM GUARD MANAGEMENT. Here you will notice two options for Steam Guard. Let’s take a look at them one by one.
Get Steam Guard Codes from the Steam app on my phone
Using this option, you can have Steam send you Guard codes from the Steam mobile app. The app is available for Android and iOS users. Below are the steps to receive the Steam Guard code on your phone.
Step 1: Download the app to your smartphone from the Google Play Store.
2nd step: Open the app on your phone and sign in with your credentials.
Step 3: From the Steam home screen, click on the 3-line icon.
Step 4: Click on the Steam Guard option.
Step 5: Now you need to click on Add Authenticator button to add your phone as authentication device for 2FA.
Step 6: You need to verify your phone number. After that, a link will be sent to your registered email id to confirm that it is you.
Step 7: Enter the OTP received on your phone number.
Step 8: Finally, a recovery code will be displayed to you. This is very important and should not be shared with anyone. Write it down in a safe place.
Step 9: On the next screen, you will be a Steam passcode, which you need to enter into your Steam app on your desktop. Make sure to enter the code before the time runs out, otherwise you will have to enter a new code which is displayed.
Receive Steam Guard codes by email (you will need to log back in)
This is the option for those who do not wish to use their smartphone as an authentication device. Choosing this option will send the Steam Guard code to your email id, which you must enter each time you log into your Steam desktop or browser app.
Secure your account and your games
Well, that’s about all when it comes to two-factor authentication for your Steam account. After enabling two-factor authentication, you will need to enter the code sent to your email id or authenticated phone to access your Steam account. Thus, adding an extra layer of protection.
Last updated Sep 4, 2021
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