LoginScout

Steam Guard recovery

Lost your phone with Steam Guard? How to get back into Steam

A new phone, a factory reset, or a broken screen can lock you out of Steam if the mobile authenticator was on the old device. Here is how to get back in and make sure it never happens again.

Store your recovery codes Gaming password manager

How to get back in after losing Steam Guard

  1. Step 1

    Find your recovery code

    Steam gave you a recovery code starting with “R” when you set up the authenticator. Check your notes, screenshots, or password manager.

  2. Step 2

    Remove the authenticator with the code

    On the sign-in screen, choose that you no longer have access to the authenticator, then enter the R-code to remove it.

  3. Step 3

    No code? Use Steam Support

    At help.steampowered.com, choose that you deleted or lost your authenticator and follow the ownership checks. It can take longer.

  4. Step 4

    Re-add the authenticator on your new phone

    In the Steam mobile app, set up Steam Guard again. Steam will show a new recovery code.

  5. Step 5

    Save the new code in LoginScout

    Paste the new R-code into the notes on your Steam card straight away.

Why keep the recovery code in a vault

Phones break

The code on your phone is useless if the phone is the thing you lost.

Screenshots vanish

Camera rolls get cleaned up. A vault card does not.

Seconds, not days

With the code you fix it yourself. Without it you wait on support.

Next to the login

The password and recovery code stay on the same card, where you will look.

Trade holds after removing Steam Guard

Removing or changing the authenticator can trigger a temporary trade and market hold. That is normal and protects you.

Plan phone switches before big trades so the hold does not catch you out.

Questions people ask

What is a Steam Guard recovery code?
A code starting with R that removes the mobile authenticator if you lose your phone.
Can I get my Steam recovery code again?
Yes, while you still have the authenticator, from Steam Guard settings in the mobile app.
How long without Steam Guard means a trade hold?
Steam applies holds after security changes. The exact length is shown in your account.
Should I store my R-code in LoginScout?
Yes. Keep it in the notes on your Steam card, encrypted in your vault.

Keep the identity with the login.

Create a free vault, then upgrade for a private temp mailbox and burner numbers when the library grows.

Create free vault See pricing