To change your phone number on Steam, go to Account Details, select Manage your phone number under Contact Info, enter the new number, and verify it with the SMS code sent to that number. This process updates the phone number used for account security and recovery, making it a straightforward task when you still have access to the old number.
How to change your phone number on Steam when you have the old number
When you still have access to the phone number currently on your Steam account, you can update it directly through your account settings without contacting support. This method works in the Steam application or a web browser.
- Sign in to Steam in the application or a web browser.
- Click your profile name in the top right corner.
- Select Account Details from the dropdown menu.
- Under Contact Info, select Manage your phone number (if a number is already attached) or Add a phone number (if none is on the account).
- Enter the new phone number and select Next.
- Steam sends an SMS confirmation code to the number you entered; enter that code to verify the number.
After entering the SMS confirmation code, the process is complete. Only one phone number can be associated with a Steam account at a time, so adding a new number replaces the old one automatically.
How to change your phone number on Steam when you lost the old number
If you no longer have access to the phone number on your Steam account, you cannot change it through Account Details directly. Instead, you must contact Steam Support to have the old number removed before you can add a new one.
- Go to Steam Support and select the option related to account issues or phone number changes.
- Steam Support requires re-verification of account ownership before they can remove the old number. This typically involves providing proof of ownership, such as access to the email address on the account or answering security questions.
- Once support confirms your ownership, they remove the old phone number from the account.
- After the old number is removed, you can sign in, go to Account Details, and add a new phone number under Contact Info by selecting Add a phone number and completing SMS verification.
This process ensures that only the legitimate account owner can update the phone number when the old one is unavailable, protecting your account from unauthorized changes.
What happens after you change your Steam phone number
After you change your phone number on Steam, several account functions become tied to the new number. SMS-based password reset and authenticator transfer both use the new phone number for verification. If you use the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, you can transfer it to a new device using either the current authenticator or an SMS code sent to the phone number on the account. To move it, Steam says to install the Steam Mobile app on the new device and sign in; if you still have access to the existing authenticator, use Move Authenticator in Steam Guard on the new device.
Only one phone number is allowed per Steam account at any time. This means the old number is immediately disassociated when you add the new one, and all security features relying on SMS will use the updated number.
How to remove a phone number from Steam
If you want to remove a phone number entirely without adding a new one, go back to Account Details > Contact Info > Manage your phone number and select Remove number. This requires confirmation through the account details flow. After removal, you will no longer have a phone number linked to your Steam account, which disables SMS-based password reset and authenticator transfer by SMS.
Updating Your Phone Number on Apps and Accounts
When you are updating phone number on apps and accounts like Steam, the same principles apply: always verify the new number via SMS and ensure you have a recovery method if you lose access to the old number. This keeps your account secure and recoverable across all platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a waiting period before I can change my phone number on Steam?
Steam may require a waiting period before allowing a phone number change for security reasons. This waiting period helps prevent unauthorized changes to your account information.
Will changing my phone number affect two-factor authentication on Steam?
Yes, if you use your phone number for two-factor authentication, changing it requires you to update your two-factor authentication settings. Follow the steps to re-link the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator or SMS-based authentication to the new number.
Are there any restrictions on changing my phone number on Steam?
Steam allows phone number changes but may impose verification processes to confirm ownership of the new number. You cannot have more than one phone number on your account at a time.
Can I add a phone number to Steam without a phone?
Yes, if you are setting up the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, you can choose I don't have access to a phone number below Next in the Steam Mobile app. This allows you to use the authenticator without a phone number. Steam says the mobile authenticator can still be added without a phone number by choosing I don’t have access to a phone number below Next.
What happens if I lose access to my new phone number after changing it?
If you lose access to the new phone number, you must contact Steam Support and re-verify account ownership before they can remove the number. Keep your email address and other recovery options up to date to simplify this process.
Related reading: How To Add Phone Number To Steam.
