The Steam Mobile Authenticator is a security feature built into the Steam Mobile App that adds a second layer of protection to your Steam account and lets you sign in using a QR code or a time-based code. Setting up the steam mobile authenticator is the most effective way to prevent unauthorized access to your account and secure your game library and items.
What is the Steam Mobile Authenticator?
The Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator is a feature of the Steam Mobile App that adds an extra security layer to a Steam account. Valve says the app can be used to sign in with a QR code, or by entering account name and password and then confirming with the mobile app. The mobile app also shows a confirmation page for sign-in attempts, and Valve says it includes details such as a map and the approximate geolocation of the device trying to sign in. With the Mobile Authenticator enabled, every trade you initiate will have a 15-day hold period, ensuring that you have ample time to verify and confirm the transaction, reducing the risk of fraudulent trades or unauthorized access to your items.
How to Set Up Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator
- Open the Steam Mobile App on your phone.
- Sign in with your Steam account credentials.
- After sign-in, you land on the Steam Guard tab.
- To start authenticator setup from the app, Valve says to open the Steam Guard page and select Add authenticator.
- Valve also says you may need to verify the action via email and SMS during setup.
During the setup process, you will be shown a Recovery Code. Make sure to write this down and keep it in a safe place, as it will be necessary if you ever lose access to your mobile device.
How to Sign In With a QR Code
To sign in with a QR code, open the Steam Mobile App and go to the Steam Guard menu, which Valve identifies as the middle shield icon in the bottom navigation bar. Tap Scan a QR code there, then hold the phone up to the Steam sign-in panel and scan the QR code.
How to Sign In With a Steam Guard Code
If you prefer a code instead, Valve says to go to the Steam Guard page and select Show Steam Guard code. Valve says you can enter that code on the sign-in form after entering your account name and password.
How to Approve or Deny a Sign-In Request
When a sign-in request arrives on the phone, Valve says the app shows a confirmation page so you can approve or deny the attempt.
How to Remove the Authenticator
To remove two-factor authentication later, open the Steam Mobile App, go to the Steam Guard page, tap the gear icon, and select Remove Authenticator. Valve also documents the shorter path as: open the Steam Mobile App, go to the Steam Guard page, select Remove Authenticator, then confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phones are supported?
Valve’s retrieved support pages say the feature is in the Steam Mobile App on a phone, but they do not list supported iPhone or Android models in the pages retrieved here. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.
How often do codes change?
Once enabled, Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator generates a new code every 30 seconds.
Where is the QR sign-in option?
In the Steam Mobile App, go to the Steam Guard menu using the middle shield icon in the bottom navigation bar, then choose Scan a QR code.
Can I use this authenticator if I need to set up Duo Mobile on a new phone?
No, the Steam Mobile Authenticator is tied to the Steam Mobile App on your phone, not to a separate authenticator app. If you need to set up Duo Mobile on a new phone, that is a separate process for a different service.
Can I use this authenticator if I need to set up Microsoft authenticator on new phone?
No, the Steam Mobile Authenticator is part of the Steam Mobile App itself. If you need to set up Microsoft authenticator on new phone, that is a separate process for a different service and does not replace Steam's own authenticator.
What happens if I lose my phone or uninstall the Steam Mobile app?
If you lose your phone or uninstall the Steam Mobile App without disabling the authenticator first, you may have difficulty accessing your Steam account. In such cases, Steam provides a recovery process that involves verifying your identity and proving ownership of the account through additional means, such as providing purchase details or previously used login credentials.
It's important to set up recovery codes for your Steam Mobile Authenticator. Recovery codes are backup codes that you can use to access your account in case you lose your phone or cannot receive the verification codes.
