Steam Code Not Working? Steam Guard, Wallet and Keys

Steam codes fail when entered in the wrong place, expired, or locked to another region. Check if it is a Steam Guard code, a wallet code or a game key.

Three kinds of Steam code

Steam Guard codes

• Use the latest email code; older ones stop working.
• Mobile app codes change every 30 seconds; type the current one.
• Set the phone clock to automatic.
• Make sure the app is signed in to the same account.

Wallet codes

1. Sign in on the Steam website or client.
2. Open Account details › Add funds › Redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code.
3. Enter the code exactly.

Wallet codes can be limited to the currency or region they were bought for. A card from another country may be refused. If a newly bought card says invalid, the store may not have activated it; keep the receipt.

Game keys

• Keys must be activated in the Steam client, not on the store page.
• Some keys are region locked.
• A key already used on another account cannot be reused.
• Keys bought from grey-market sites may be revoked later.

"Too many attempts"

Typing several invalid codes in a row can pause redeeming for a while. Wait an hour before trying again. See Steam too many requests.

Scams with Steam codes

People asking you to pay them in Steam gift cards, or to send a photo of the card, are scammers. Steam Support never asks for gift cards.

Missing Steam Guard emails? See Steam code not received.

Gift cards sent through Steam

Digital gift cards sent by a friend on Steam are added from your inbox, not by typing a code. Accept the gift from notifications, and check that your region matches the sender's currency rules.

FAQ

Why is my Steam wallet code not working?

It may be region locked, not activated, or already used.

Where do I enter a Steam game key?

In the Steam client under Activate a Product on Steam.

Why is my Steam Guard code wrong?

It may be old, or your phone clock is off.

Related: Steam too many requests · Steam code not received · Steam two-factor codes.