01
Enable Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator
Steam Guard adds a second entry factor. A mobile authenticator is more convenient than an email code, because the code is generated in the Steam application and is tied to the device.
If your account actively uses the marketplace, inventory, or expensive games, mobile Steam Guard should be turned on before large top-ups.
Check your current phone number.
Save the recovery code.
Do not share login codes with anyone.
02
Check store country
Store Country determines the currency and availability of certain purchases. Steam describes the store's country in Account Details and associates it with payment methods.
If the store's country and the selected top-up method conflict, purchasing may become inconvenient or impossible.
Open Account Details.
Check the wallet currency.
Don't buy a regional item without checking the restrictions.
03
Understand the refund policy
Steam Refunds typically work for games and applications that were recently purchased and used for a short period of time. But top-ups, gifts and in-game purchases may have separate conditions.
Before purchasing a game after top-up, check the product page, regional restrictions and system requirements.
| What to check | Why |
|---|---|
| Date of purchase | Refunds limited to time after purchase |
| Game time | Long-term use reduces the chance of refund |
| DLC and in-game goods | They may have separate rules |
04
Do not log into Steam using other people's links
Phishing is often disguised as a prank, trade, support or balance check. The link is similar to Steam, but leads to a different domain.
It is safer to manually open steampowered.com or the Steam application than to click on a link from a chat.