Steam guard starts with the letter r. Enable or disable Steam Mobile Authenticator. What devices does Steam Guard mobile authenticator work on?
It's difficult to put into words how gamers feel about losing their Steam account. After all, for them it is more than a profile in an online service. There is a library of games, a chat, communities and many other interesting things that you can’t do without while online.
But is it possible to somehow help this grief? Fortunately, yes! In this article, you will learn about various ways to restore your Steam account (depending on how access was lost).
Well, put all doubts and sorrows aside. Forward! To meet the temporarily lost Steam.
Unlock
If you have blocked your Steam account yourself, you can unblock it in two ways:
Method number 1: via mail
1. Find in your e-mail a message from the Steam service about profile deactivation.
3. On the page that opens, click the “Login and unlock...” button.
4. Enter the verification code that the service gave you when you blocked it.
5. Click “Unblock...” again.
6. A message indicating the successful completion of the operation will appear. Now you can do whatever you want in your account.
Method number 2: through technical support
4. Click “Create Account” to create a support profile.
5. Fill out all form fields (name, e-mail, password, captcha).
6. Click “Create...”.
7. Go to the specified e-mail. Click the activation link in the service message.
8. In the list of problems, select “Self-locked account.”
9. In the "Step 2" field, select "Steam".
10. Complete your application:
- indicate the topic;
- inform us that you want to restore full access to your profile functions;
- enter your login, e-mail and digital key provided by the service during the blocking process;
- Click “Ask a Question”.
11. Wait for a response from service support. Follow the instructions sent.
Restoring access
1. On the main page of the offsite, click “Login”.
2. Under the fields for entering your login and password, click the link “Forgot...?”.
3. In the list, select the reason why you cannot log in.
1) “I don’t remember...” - you can reset a forgotten password.
2) “I don’t receive...” - a message with a verification link does not arrive by e-mail.
3) “My account was stolen...” - return the stolen profile.
4) “My mobile authenticator...” - this function will be needed if you have lost your mobile and have not yet changed the old number in your account.
Reddit users were the first to notice the problem.
Actually not the first.
The entry appeared on Reddit on July 26, 02:15:31 Moscow time.
Russian “hackers” noticed the error almost an hour earlier. They also wrote on the peek-a-boo. And in the public VK with 3.5 million subscribers they published instructions at 1:43
Me about the error it became known~at 23:30, when my friend changed my password and then told me about it)
The bug was fixed ~at 3 a.m. Moscow time.
What the hacker could do:
List
Change the password to a new one set by the “hacker”!
Find out steam login, knowing soap
off Guard
What the “hacker” couldn’t do:
List
Find out the old password
Find out soap by knowing your steam login
Change email
Disable Guard
Log in to your account using a new password, if on your account included Guard
What did changing the password entail:
A hacked user might get scared when they see this message:
Screenshots
The hacked user will be kicked out of Steam if she is on Steam at the time of changing the password. (Steam will ask you to enter a new password, which it does not know)
The hacked user will receive a trade ban for 5 days (will not be able to buy/sell cards/things on the TP for 5 days)
If you change the password 5 times, the hacked user will not be able to log into the account within 24 hours.
Today, “hacked” users received a letter from Valve:
Letter
Dear Steam User,On July 25th we learned of a Steam bug that could have impacted the password reset process on your Steam account during the period July 21-July 25. The bug has now been fixed.
To protect users, we are resetting passwords on accounts that changed passwords during that period using the account recovery wizard. You will receive an email with your new password. Once that email is received, it is recommended that you login to your account via the Steam client and set a new password.
Please note that while your password was potentially modified during this period the password itself was not revealed. Also, if you had Steam Guard enabled, your account was protected from unauthorized logins even if your password was modified.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
That is, the bug existed for 5 days. Some eyewitnesses claim that they used the bug for a week.
What was the bug: the site did not check the code sent to the user’s email in any way when trying to recover the password. The code itself was sent, but the attacker did not need it. You could simply not enter it and click “Next”. This is such a stupid mistake.
In addition, the “password reset” function does not work correctly. The correct thing to do would be to generate a random password and send it by email. But now the user can set his own new password.
Recently, Valve has increased the requirements for safe work on the Steam platform. Now, in order to exchange items, you need to connect a mobile authenticator, and it must be valid for at least seven days before the exchange is made. Otherwise, the operation will be delayed by the service for up to 15 days. Also, using an authenticator called Steam Guard, you can confirm account logins, sales and other trading platform operations.
You can enable or disable Steam Mobile Authenticator from a dedicated Android or iOS application. Currently, two-factor authentication works on iOS 6.1 and higher, Android 2.2 and higher, and Windows Phone starting with version 8.1. For smartphones with other operating systems, you will have to use Android emulators on your smartphone or computer. Using an additional layer of security is more secure than just a username and password. It is also recommended to link your phone number to your account so that you can log in if access is lost for some reason.
Using an Authenticator
Instructions on how to enable Steam Mobile Authenticator:
Now the application will generate a new access code every 30 seconds. When logging into your account, you need to have time to enter the current value before the system deletes it and replaces it with a new one.
Disabling Steam Mobile Authenticator is also very easy:
Now the request will occur when you log into Steam from a new device or browser. You need to open your email and copy the received code from there. It is not recommended to completely disable the authenticator.
Problem Solving
How to log into Steam if you have lost your mobile phone:
If you decide to purchase a new smartphone, then you need to do the following:
- Remove mobile authentication.
- Log out of your account in the mobile application.
- It is also recommended to delete all personal information and do a factory reset if you want to sell your old device.
You can make a backup copy of the codes in case you lose your phone:
If you bought a new device, you can transfer the authenticator to it as follows:
- Install the program on your new device.
- Click "Login".
- When prompted for authentication, click "I don't have access to codes."
- Follow the instructions on the screen. Your old cell phone must be accessible.
- After the transfer, all activities on the Marketplace will be suspended for several days. This is done for your own safety and to confirm that the action was actually performed by you and not by attackers.
When replacing a device, you often need to delete the number from your account:
And finally, tips for using an authenticator safely:
- Never share your account password or mobile authentication codes with anyone.
- Do not enter your credentials on third-party sites or click on suspicious links.
- Technical support does not ask users to send a code and password.
- Do not download or run suspicious software that was recommended to you in a chat or by e-mail.
- Do not download or open programs that offer to optimize or fix errors in Steam. Typically, this software is designed to hack your account.
- Print out your Steam recovery codes.
Obviously, the mobile ID significantly increases the security of using the platform. However, it usually does not cause any trouble in use. Problems may arise when changing your phone, or when reinstalling the system. But if you follow all the instructions, no errors should occur. Therefore, it is not recommended to disable Steam Guard, unless you decide to change your smartphone. Leave comments about your experience using two-factor authentication, what difficulties you encountered, and how you managed to solve them.
If you are unable to log in using Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, please recover your account on our support site (help.steampowered.com).
What is "Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator"?
Troubleshooting
General questions
How to log in to your account using an authenticator?
If the authenticator is activated, then after entering your login and password you will be asked to enter the generated code.
- Open the Steam mobile app. If you are logged into your account, go to the Steam Guard section (the very first section in the menu) and enter the code from there (if you are not logged into your account, you will see the current code on the login page).
- Enter your current code when prompted. Don't worry if the code on your phone screen turns red and changes - it doesn't expire instantly.
The code cannot be used more than once, and old codes cannot be used. If you just used one code, wait for another one to appear.
No one Do not share your authenticator code or enter it anywhere other than official Valve websites. Steam Support never will not ask for your codes.
Where can I view my authenticator code?
The current authenticator code can be obtained from the Steam mobile app.
- Open the Steam mobile app.
- If you are not logged into your account, you will see the current code on the login page.
- If you are logged into your account, go to the Steam Guard section where you can find the code.
Can I use two-factor protection if I don't have a phone?
Not yet. Support for independent authenticators may be available in the future, but is not currently available.
What's the best way to take advantage of two-factor protection?
First of all, understand that improved security for your account doesn't him invulnerable.
- No one Do not share your password or mobile authenticator code.
- Do not enter your username, password or authenticator code anywhere other than official Valve websites. Check every link. Often, hackers try to make malicious links look like official ones. If in doubt, do not follow them.
- No one Do not share your password or authenticator code. Both Steam Support and Valve will never ask for your codes.
- Don't download and do not run programs that are suggested to you by email or chat: in the vast majority of cases they are malicious.
- Don't download and do not run programs that offer to clean or improve Steam; such programs may be malicious.
How to disable Steam Guard mobile authenticator?
To remove two-factor protection from your account, open the Steam mobile app, go to the Steam Guard section and select Remove Authenticator. Confirm the deletion in the confirmation window that appears by clicking “Delete Authenticator” again.
What devices does Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator work on?
The mobile authenticator works on all devices with iOS version 6.1 and higher, Android version 2.2 (Froyo) and higher, and Windows version 8.1 and higher.
Troubleshooting
If you are unable to log into your account using Steam Mobile Authenticator, please regain access to your account on our support site: help.steampowered.com
Why are my items on hold?
If the account has not been protected by Steam Mobile Authenticator for the previous 7 days, then all exchanges and sales of items on the Marketplace will be held for a period of 15 days. There will be no item retention if your account is protected by Steam Mobile Authenticator for more than 7 days. Adding a Mobile Authenticator will not remove any holds already applied on trades or items for sale.
I suddenly lost access to my mobile app account and can no longer see authentication codes. What should I do?
Please make sure you are using the latest version of the application and try closing the application and starting it again. This problem is rare and usually resolves by running the application again. Do not uninstall or install the application again. If you delete the app from your device, you will need to restore the authenticator at https://help.steampowered.com.
Help! I no longer have access to my old phone and I can't log into my account! What to do?
If possible, contact your mobile operator and ask for a new SIM card with the same number. Steam will be able to send SMS notifications to it, and you can recover your account by following the instructions below.
If you don't have access to your phone and don't remember your recovery code, contact Steam Support. Click on the “I need help” button located on the top right of this page so that they can help you disable the authenticator. If you don't have access to the email address associated with your Steam account, please provide .
My authenticator codes are not working!
If you can't sign in to your account using authenticator codes:
- Check if the time displayed on your phone is correct. Authenticator codes are generated based on the time set on the phone, and if it is incorrect, the code will be incorrect.
- If you use an authenticator on multiple of your accounts, make sure you enter the codes for the correct one.
Is it possible to transfer the authenticator to a new phone?
Yes, you can.
You will need access to the phone number associated with your account (for verification via SMS) or the recovery code that you wrote down when activating the authenticator.
Log into your account in the Steam mobile app on your new device. When asked to enter an authenticator code, select “Help! I no longer have access to the authenticator codes." Follow the step-by-step instructions in the app to transfer the authenticator to a new device or disable the authenticator on an old one.
Once an Authenticator has been transferred, any exchanges or listings on the Marketplace will be held for a few days to protect your items in case the changes were not made by you. More information can be found in the article.
I'm going to buy a new phone. What do you need to take care of?
If you keep your same phone number, you don't need to do anything in advance. After purchasing a new phone, you can transfer the authenticator to it using
If two-factor authentication is enabled on an old phone whose number you will not be able to use in the future, you must:
How do I remove a phone number from my account?
Log into your account through the Steam store, then:
- Go to page "About your account"(in the drop-down menu under your person name at the very top of the page).
- Select "Manage your phone number".
- Select "Delete phone number".
- To delete a number, you need to enter the code from the authenticator or SMS. Select one of these options and follow the further instructions.
Can I get backup codes in case I lose my phone?
Yes, you can generate backup codes for emergencies. It's quite easy to do this:
- Sign in to your Steam account.
- In the drop-down menu under your login in the upper right corner of the page, select "About the account."
- Select "Setting up Steam Guard".
- Select "Get spare codes".
- Enter your current authenticator code (or the recovery code you received earlier).
- You will see a page with codes that you can use instead of the codes generated by your phone. Additionally, you will receive an email notification every time you create new codes and use one of them.
The recovery code was not saved. How to find it?
Log into your account in the Steam mobile app, and on the Steam Guard page you will see a “Recovery Code” option. For security reasons, you will not see the recovery code if you are unable to log into the mobile application.
I don't receive SMS notifications!
If you are not receiving SMS notifications from Steam, make sure your mobile operator allows you to receive them. Messages may come from a 6-digit number, and you need to make sure that your operator supports receiving messages from such numbers. Steam also doesn't send too many SMSs in a short period of time, so it's worth waiting and trying again within an hour. Also make sure your inbox is not full.
Why is my phone number not working?
To begin, make sure you enter your phone number in international format (begins with a + sign and the country code).
Check that the country code is correct (Steam automatically selects your country of residence, but you can change it manually in the menu under the phone input field).
Valve does not work with some numbers - in particular, with numbers that use VOIP technology, as well as with numbers that cannot be sent SMS. If your number is rejected and you believe it is an error, please contact Steam Support.
General questions
Why can't I add numbers using VOIP technology?
Valve does not work with numbers using VOIP technology because they do not provide the required level of security. If you cannot add a number because the system detects it as using VOIP technology, you will need to use a different mobile number. Some operators use VOIP technology to provide mobile phone services, but we are not able to support such numbers. You will receive a notification if the number you entered cannot be used.
Can I use multiple phones at the same time for authentication?
No, you can only use one authenticator per account.
Is it possible to use one phone number on several accounts at the same time?
Yes. You can use one phone number on multiple accounts. To do this, you need to log into each account in the Steam mobile app and follow the instructions to activate the mobile authenticator. Codes will appear in the mobile app for all accounts, regardless of which account you log into. Accounts associated with the same phone number may be treated as one if they violate the Steam Subscriber Agreement, Steam Rules, or Steam Restrictions.
Do I need to pay for SMS messages that I receive?
Standard SMS fees may apply, please check your plan information for details.
Why am I not prompted to enter a code when logging into Steam after saving my data?
To speed up the login process, we don't ask for a code if you have saved your Steam login information. If you want to be prompted for a code every time you log in, do not save your login information: go to the Steam client settings, select the “Account” tab and check the “Don’t save data on this computer” option.
Do VAC and game bans apply to all accounts linked to the same phone number?
If an account that has a phone number associated with it receives a VAC ban or a game ban, all accounts using the same phone number will also be banned. Even if there is no blocked game on other accounts, they will not be able to purchase this game due to blocking.
Phone number blocking is not supported in all games and is at the discretion of the developers.
There are often situations when you enter your password and login, click log in, and the system says that the data was entered incorrectly. Here you will need account recovery. The procedure is not particularly difficult; it is performed in the store itself or directly on the service website.
Profile name is known
Usually users simply forget their password. Considering that the program itself substitutes it when you log in, so you don’t need to enter data every time, this is a quite common problem. To solve this problem, there is a special item in the store interface. To restore your account, you must do the following:
- Launch Steam on your computer. A Steam account login window will open in front of you. At the bottom, click the “Recover Account” button.
- The system will go to the information clarification window. You need to select the first item and click the “Next” button.
- In the empty line you should enter the name of your Steam account.
- Next, you should go to your email to find an incoming letter from the support service. It will contain an alphanumeric recovery code that will allow you to continue the procedure.
- Enter this recovery code in the Email code field, and then click Next.
- The system will ask you to create a new password. Be sure to write it down in a notepad or other safe place.
- Click the "Done" button and then return to the main store data entry page.
This instruction is the answer to the question of how to recover your Steam password. The whole procedure takes from 5 to 10 minutes. However, it is only effective if you remember your profile name.
Account name is unknown
How to recover your Steam password if you forgot your profile name? In this case, you can also restore your account, but the procedure is a little more complicated. To recover your Steam password, follow the instructions below:
Now you know the name of your entry, so you can use the first instruction. You don't have to re-create a new Steam account or buy your favorite games.
How to return a stolen account
Have you already bought dozens of games, and your account was daringly stolen? To return it, you need to contact Steam technical support. Before doing this, you should prepare information that will confirm the fact that you are the owner of this profile. It is recommended to provide the following information:
- The name of the hacked Steam profile.
- The email address to which the account was linked.
- If you made purchases through PayPal or a bank card, you can provide cardholder information. This includes the first and last name, the last 4 digits of the number or directly the id number in the PayPal payment system. This information will help in recovery.
Once you have everything prepared, you can write on Steam. To do this, go to the website. Go to the "Support" section. In it you need to find the subsection “Problems with your account”, and then select the line “Return of a stolen account”.
Click on the “Contact Support” button. Next you should describe your problem.
It is recommended to write as much truthful information as possible to the service employees in the letter. There is no need to write to support several times. This will not only not speed up its work in any way, but may also cause your profile to be blocked for spam.
Additional proof can be a physical copy of the game. There is a license key on the disc box. Add the ticket number of your support request next to it, take a photo of it, and then attach it to the request. This will significantly increase the chance of the account being returned to your control.
Important nuance! It is recommended to write a request to the service in English, since Valve is located in the USA. If you leave a message in Russian, most likely it will simply not be accepted for consideration. On the Internet you can find examples of address in English. Copy them, and then simply substitute your data.
Hacking protection methods
One of the most common questions is how to protect a purchased Steam account from recovery. Nobody wants to lose an account with many games and waste their time recovering. How can you protect yourself? There are several ways.
The first thing we recommend doing is changing your email address. If an attacker gains access to your email, it will be easy for him to steal your profile. Regularly changing your mailbox password minimizes the chances of it being hacked. Also, never tell anyone your Steam password. Beware of phishing sites. They have an almost identical interface and a very similar address, but they are created only to steal your data.
An effective method is to activate Steam Guard. This is special protection using the verification method. Every time you try to log into your profile, you will receive a code by email or mobile phone. Without it, it will be impossible to log into your account. Additionally, you can install the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator application on your mobile gadget. This will significantly increase the level of protection for your profile.
In addition to all the tips described above, install a high-quality antivirus. Malware can steal account information and then send it to attackers. If the antivirus program is working correctly, it will always warn you about a dangerous site or downloading an infected file. All these tips will help you avoid problems with recovery for a long time. No thief can take away your favorite games.
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