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Enable Steam Guard, preferably through the Steam Mobile app if you can keep the phone and recovery details safe. Before you need them, record the authenticator recovery code, secure the email account linked to Steam, and use different passwords for Steam and email. If you suspect a takeover, secure your email and device before changing your Steam password; if you cannot sign in, use Steam’s official recovery workflow.
What Steam Guard protects—and what it does not
Steam describes Steam Guard as an additional authentication level. When you sign in from an unrecognized device, Steam asks for a special code delivered either to your verified email address or through the Steam Mobile app, depending on your settings. Steam also lets you review and deauthorize previously authorized devices. Steam Guard overview
Steam calls its mobile authenticator the strongest account-security option because authorization uses a device you possess. It reduces the risk of unauthorized sign-ins, but it cannot protect an email account or device controlled by someone else, or a secret you disclose. Steam identifies compromised email, malware, phishing, and sharing a Steam Guard file among the ways accounts can still be compromised. Steam Guard overview Steam account security recommendations
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| Option | Where the code comes from | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Email Steam Guard | Your verified contact email address | Protect that inbox and use a password different from your Steam password. If you lose access to the inbox, email-delivered codes may not be available. Steam Guard overview |
| Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator | The Steam Mobile app on your phone | Steam recommends this as the stronger option. Codes change every 30 seconds, are single-use, and can be generated offline if the phone has the correct time. A phone number is not mandatory to add the authenticator, but can enable SMS password-reset and authenticator-transfer recovery options. Steam Mobile Authenticator Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator setup |
Pick the method you can reliably access and recover. A verified, well-secured inbox is essential for email authentication. Mobile authentication adds a phone-based approval step, so keep its recovery code and any available phone-number recovery route usable.
#1 Best Overall
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
Turn on Steam Guard
Enable email Steam Guard
- Verify the contact email address on your Steam account.
- Open Steam settings and choose Manage Steam Guard.
- Follow the prompts to enable email authentication, then confirm you can access the verified inbox.
Use a unique password for the email account. If an attacker controls that inbox, email-delivered Steam Guard codes and account-recovery messages may also be exposed. Steam Guard overview
Add the mobile authenticator
- Sign in to the Steam Mobile app and select Add authenticator.
- Follow the setup prompts. Steam may ask you to verify a phone number by SMS where available; a phone number is not required to add the authenticator.
- Write down the recovery code Steam displays and store it somewhere safe and private. Do not share it with anyone.
- If offered, print backup codes rather than keeping a screenshot. Keep any recovery or authenticator-removal codes private.
The app also supports QR sign-in and sign-in confirmation. Steam’s setup guidance lists iOS 13.0 or later and Android 5.0 or later; check the current Steam support page for applicable device requirements. Steam Mobile Authenticator Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator setup
Prepare for a lost phone or a planned phone change
If your phone is lost
- Contact your wireless provider about a replacement phone using the same number, if possible.
- If you have the number, use Steam’s SMS recovery prompts where available.
- Use the authenticator recovery code you recorded during setup if prompted. Steam also explains where to find the recovery code in the app when you still have access to it.
- If you cannot authenticate, go to Steam Support and follow the account-access prompts.
Never give another person an SMS recovery code, authenticator-removal code, or recovery code—even if they claim to be Steam Support. Steam Mobile Authenticator Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator setup
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If you still have the old phone
- Keep both the old and new phones available.
- Install Steam Mobile and sign in on the new phone.
- Select Move Authenticator and confirm the move through SMS as prompted.
- Preserve the new recovery code Steam displays.
Steam’s authenticator-transfer guidance describes this process.
Rank #3
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 2TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Stunning 7.4" HDR OLED & 90Hz Motion】 Experience striking contrast and brilliant clarity with the all-new 7.4-inch HDR OLED display. Designed from the ground up for gaming, it features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and pure blacks. This handheld is capable of delivering an immersive visual experience, ensuring your Steam library looks better than ever with vibrant colors and amazing motion rendition.
- 【30-50% More Battery & Efficient Performance】 Play your favorites longer with up to 50% more battery life. By fitting a larger battery and a power-efficient OLED panel, this device provides extended gameplay sessions. It’s the perfect travel companion for long flights or commutes. The updated AMD APU ensures high-speed performance for AAA titles while maintaining incredible energy efficiency.
- 【3X Faster Downloads with Wi-Fi 6E】 Never wait for a game again. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, this Steam Deck OLED offers increased bandwidth and lower latency, delivering downloads up to 3 times faster than previous models. This ensures stable online play and rapid updates, making it the most reliable wireless gaming handheld for modern high-speed home networks.
- 【Responsive Touch & Enhanced Connectivity】 Enjoy a vastly improved touchscreen with higher fidelity and faster haptics. We’ve added a dedicated Bluetooth antenna to improve connections for multiple controllers. Whether using the built-in trackpads or the included external controller, this allows for precision play in everything from FPS to complex strategy games.
Respond to a suspected account compromise
- Secure the computer first. Scan it for malware and review suspicious applications and browser extensions. Steam recommends scanning before resetting a stolen account’s password. Steam account security recommendations Steam Guard overview
- Secure the associated email account. Change its password and apply your email provider’s security measures before resetting Steam. An attacker who still controls the inbox could undermine Steam recovery. Steam account security recommendations
- Check authorized devices. If you see an unfamiliar device, use Steam’s Sign out everywhere option to end its access. Steam account security recommendations
- Change passwords. Once the email account and device are secure, change your Steam password and review other accounts that may share credentials.
- Use only official Steam pages. Enter credentials and request help through help.steampowered.com; do not follow login links from unsolicited messages or alleged support chats.
Recover access if you cannot sign in
Start at Steam Support and follow the account-recovery prompts. Steam says Support can verify account ownership and recover an account, including when a hijacker changed its email address, password, and phone number. Be ready to provide proof of ownership and any possible account login names or email addresses. If the form asks for an email address, it may need one previously used on the account rather than the address currently attached to it; follow the prompts as written. Steam account security recommendations
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep your Steam account safer day to day
- Use distinct passwords for Steam and its contact email.
- Keep the email account protected, since Steam relies on it for email authentication and recovery.
- Do not share your password, Steam Guard codes, recovery codes, or Steam Guard files.
- Avoid untrusted links and never enter Steam credentials on a site that is not an official Steam site.
- Sign out of shared computers and review authorized devices when something looks unfamiliar.
- Keep your computer free of malware and suspicious apps or browser extensions.
Steam says it will never ask you to provide Steam Guard files, and its support workflow is handled through help.steampowered.com. Treat requests for credentials or secret codes through chat, email, or an unfamiliar website as unsafe. Steam Guard overview Steam account security recommendations
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Rank #4
- 512 GB NVMe SSD: Fast storage for quicker game load times and space for larger game libraries.
- OLED Display: 1200x800 resolution with deep contrasts and vibrant colors for a captivating visual experience.
- Custom AMD APU: Power-efficient Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU for desktop-level gaming performance.
- Expandable Storage: Add more space with a microSD card slot, ensuring you can bring even more games with you.
- Versatile Controls: With built-in thumbsticks, trackpads, and touchscreen controls, you have full control over your gaming experience.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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