THE KEY POINT
An authenticator helps protect an account; it does not make every login request or trade trustworthy.
01
Follow the setup inside Steam
Valve’s setup walkthrough starts in the official Steam Mobile app, on the Steam Guard tab. Follow its Add authenticator flow and the verification prompts shown for your account. Save the recovery code privately when Steam presents it.
The official walkthrough explains the available sign-in methods: scanning a Steam sign-in QR code, confirming an app notification, or entering the current authenticator code on Steam.
02
Pause at every unexpected request
- Did you start this sign-in yourself?
- Is the service and account on the confirmation screen the one you intended?
- Does a chat message pressure you to approve something immediately?
- Are you being asked to send a code or recovery information to another person?
03
Plan for losing access
Keep a private note of where your recovery information is stored. Do not put it in a support template, shared document or screenshot. Use Steam’s own recovery process if you cannot sign in.
Changing security settings just to remove a restriction can create a different problem. Read the exact Steam notice before making a change, and retain the notice in your troubleshooting record.
BEFORE YOU CONTINUE
Quick checklist
- Use the official Steam Mobile app.
- Keep recovery information private.
- Approve only sign-in requests you recognize.
Official sources
Read the official documents below for the service’s rules and account instructions.