Menu
homeAndroid

How to remove steam account restrictions. Accounts with limited rights. Removing a mobile authenticator


Such rules were introduced for a number of reasons. One of the reasons is Steam's desire to push users to purchase games on Steam. Another reason is the need to protect against spam bot attacks. Since new accounts cannot participate in trading on the Steam trading platform, and will also not be able to add other users as friends, then, accordingly, bots that are presented as new accounts will also not be able to do this.

If there were no such restrictions, then one such bot could spam many users with its friend requests. Although, on the other hand, Steam developers could take other measures to prevent such attacks without introducing restrictions. So, let's look at each restriction separately and find out how to remove such a ban.

New Steam users (accounts that do not have any games) cannot add other users as friends. This is only possible after at least one game appears on your account. You can read how to get around this and enable the ability to add as a friend on Steam in this article. The ability to use your friends list is extremely important on Steam.

So, getting the ability to add friends is key. After creating a new account, in addition to the inability to add friends, Steam also has a restriction on using the trading platform.

Restrictions on the use of the trading platform

New Steam accounts also cannot use the Marketplace, which is a local marketplace for trading Steam items. Using the trading platform, you can earn money on Steam, as well as simply receive a certain amount in order to purchase something in this service. In order to open access to the trading platform, you need to fulfill several conditions. Among which are: purchasing games on Steam worth $5 or more, you will also need to confirm your email address.

You can read about what conditions must be met in order to open the Steam trading platform and how to do this in this article, which describes the process of removing the restriction.

After you have fulfilled all the conditions, after a month you will be able to safely use the Steam marketplace to sell your items and buy others. The marketplace will allow you to sell and purchase things such as game cards, various game items, backgrounds, emoticons and much more.

Steam Exchange Delay

Another unique type of restriction in Steam was the delay of exchange for 15 days, provided that you do not use the Steam Guard mobile authenticator. If you have not connected Steam Guard to your account, then you will be able to confirm any exchange with the user only 15 days after the start of the transaction. An email with a link to confirm the transaction will be sent to your email address associated with your account. In order to remove this exchange delay, you need to connect your account to your mobile phone.

How to do this, you can. The Steam mobile app is completely free, so you don't have to worry about spending money to disable the trade delay.

In addition, Steam has small time restrictions that are associated with certain conditions. For example, if you change your account password, you will not be able to use the sharing feature with your friends for a while. After the time has passed, you can safely continue the exchange. In addition to this rule, there are a number of others that arise during the use of Steam. Typically, each such restriction is accompanied by a corresponding notification, from which you can find out the reason, its validity period, or what needs to be done to remove it.

Here are all the main restrictions that a new user of this playground may encounter. They are quite easy to remove, the main thing is to know what to do. After reading the relevant articles, you are unlikely to have any questions about how to remove various blocks on Steam. If you know anything else about restrictions in Steam, then write about it in the comments.

Registration and downloading of the client of the popular entertainment platform Steam is absolutely free. But, like any quality service, Steam is interested, first of all, in increasing earnings. Therefore, there are a number of usage restrictions for new users. This was also done to protect against spam and bots. You can remove the restriction in Steam by fulfilling certain conditions of the service.

Otherwise, the following functions will not be available:

  • open a group chat;
  • vote in Greenlight, reviews and workshop;
  • trading platform;
  • limit on the number of messages in discussions;
  • increasing levels and receiving trading cards;
  • adding items to the workshop;
  • commenting on objects in the workshop;
  • access to Web API;
  • chat in the browser and mobile application;
  • adding screenshots;
  • creating groups.

To remove all restrictions, you must spend at least $5. Moreover, the following actions will not lead to full access:

  • activation of games purchased outside the platform;
  • adding shortcuts to third-party games to the library;
  • adding games received through promotions;
  • activation of promotional codes from manufacturers of computer equipment, for example, video cards;
  • Amounts returned to the bank do not count towards the required payment. If your account's total purchases fall below the required $5 after a refund, your account will be limited.

The most significant are restrictions on the Steam marketplace and adding friends. Because without this, normal use of the system is impossible.

There are also regional restrictions in Steam that do not allow you to play games purchased outside the region. This was done to avoid situations where the game was bought abroad and cheaper, and then sent as a gift to a Russian user.

Now let’s look at whether it’s possible to create an unlimited Steam account without purchasing $5 worth of content.

Removing restrictions

Previously, there were many ways to remove some of the restrictions without making an actual purchase. For example, it was possible to open the ability to invite friends by activating a free game. As soon as she appeared in the library, the restriction was lifted.

The restriction on the trading platform could be removed by activating any game worth more than 5 USD. However, now, even if you bought a disk for $100, activating it will not unlock access.

Currently, adding friends to a limited account is only possible in such a way that he sends you an invitation, and you accept it.

You can try to bypass regional restrictions by manipulating the VPN. But since Steam is an online platform, there is a risk that sooner or later this will be noticed and you will be banned.

Thus, to get full access to all functions of the service, you need to purchase the game for at least $5:


Once your purchase appears in your library, you will be able to use all Steam features.

To remove the time limit for making an exchange, you must install the Steam Guard mobile application. If this is not done, then you will be able to use the purchase only 15 days after it was made. To connect a mobile authenticator, do the following:

Now every time you log into your account on your computer, you will need to enter a code. At this point, open Steam Guard in the mobile application and enter the currently valid code. It is regenerated every 30 seconds. This way you will not only remove the restriction, but also increase the security of your account.

Thus, at the moment, most of the ways to create an unlimited Steam account for free do not work. Or you risk getting banned. In principle, 5 dollars is not such a big amount if you are passionate about computer games. After all, this is just a one-time payment, and not just like that, but for content. But you will receive a full set of functions and will be able to take advantage of all the advantages of the system.

It must be said that there are many alternative stores on the Internet that sell keys and games that allow you to use paid content for free. How to do this is indicated in the instructions on the sites themselves, applicable to specific applications. If you know of ways to open access to all Steam functions without any financial costs or for less than $5, please tell us about them in the comments.

There are several reasons why you may not be able to use the Marketplace or trade. The reason is displayed when you try to start an exchange or perform any action on the Marketplace.

Important:

Steam Support cannot change restrictions on trading or using the Steam Marketplace, regardless of the reason why your account has been limited.

Types of restrictions

Holding exchanges or sales on the Marketplace

Holding items does not restrict trading or use of the Marketplace, but will delay the transfer of your items if you are unable to protect your account.

Holding items allows you to protect your account if an attacker has accessed it - you can prevent the theft of items by canceling all transactions that are on hold.

Canceling a confirmed exchange

If you cancel a confirmed exchange that is on hold, the Marketplace and exchange will be unavailable for 7 days.

Account with limited rights

Such an account cannot perform certain actions on Steam. We are restricting access to some features to protect users from those who use Steam for spam and phishing.

Recently authorized device

If you are logged in from a device that has not previously been authorized through Steam Guard (via email), you will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace for 7 days. This restriction does not apply to other devices that were authorized more than a week ago.

Clearing your browser cookies, using a new browser, reinstalling Steam, and formatting your computer will also trigger the restriction.

Exception: If you have activated the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator on your account for 7 days, your use of the Marketplace and trades from new devices will not be limited, as these actions must be confirmed through the mobile application.

Steam Guard is not enabled

To protect your items and Steam Wallet funds from those who might take over your account, we require Steam Guard to be enabled for 15 days. Otherwise, you will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace. Accounts that have Steam Guard disabled are also unable to trade or use the Marketplace.

Steam Guard was recently enabled

If you recently enabled Steam Guard on your account, you will not be able to use the Marketplace for 15 days from the date of activation. Removing Steam Guard, turning it off, and turning it back on will also activate this restriction.

Recent password reset

If you have forgotten your password and want to reset it (note: this is not the same as changing your password), you will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace for 5 days. If your account has been inactive for two months, these restrictions will last 30 days. This helps protect users who have lost access to email.

The password can be changed in the Steam client settings menu. This restriction only works if the password has been reset: for example, using the site https://help.steampowered.com or with the participation of Steam support.

Adding a Mobile Authenticator

Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator provides an additional layer of protection for your account. Adding an authenticator will not remove existing restrictions. Exchanges made within 7 days of adding an authenticator will be held for 15 days. This way, your items will be protected, and you will have time to restore your account in case the authenticator was added by an attacker.

If you have already activated Steam Guard via email, trading and use of the Marketplace will not be limited. If you have not activated Steam Guard via email or mobile device, you will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace for 15 days because Steam Guard was recently enabled.

Removing a mobile authenticator

Removing Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator lowers the security level of your account. To ensure your items remain protected, you will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace for 15 days. If your account is hacked, during this time you will be able to restore and secure it without losing items.

New payment method

Items purchased using trusted payment methods may not be immediately traded or sold on the Marketplace. Waiting times may vary depending on the game. A payment method verified using our card ownership verification tool is considered secure. You can confirm your bank card and gain access to the Marketplace on this page. Verification amounts are sent to your bank account in the currency set for purchases in the Steam store. If the bank has converted these amounts into local currency, please contact them to obtain the amounts in the original currency.

In the case of unconfirmed payment methods, the standard waiting period is 3 days before it becomes possible to make a purchase on the Marketplace.

Last purchase was made less than 7 days ago

To access the Marketplace, at least one purchase on your account must be made at least 7 days and no more than a year ago. A purchase is considered to be replenishing your Steam wallet and purchasing games, add-ons and programs. Activation of digital keys and gift copies is not considered a purchase.

Any purchase for which payment has been disputed will renew this restriction. Only purchases made after a dispute will be counted towards avoiding this limitation.

Banned from the trading system or Steam community

You will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace if Steam Support has suspended your trading account. Depending on the severity of the violation, the exchange may be blocked for a certain period or forever.

VAC blocking

If your account has been subject to a VAC Ban, Temporary Ban, or Overwatch Ban, you will lose access to the CS:GO Store and will not be able to trade or receive CS:GO items in-game.

Steam support cannot remove VAC ban.

Changing your email address

After changing your contact email address, you will not be able to exchange for 5 days.

Other

  • Items purchased in-game or on the Marketplace cannot be exchanged or sold until the time specified in the inventory.
  • Items dropped in Dota 2 cannot be exchanged or sold on the Marketplace.

In a heated battle against spam and fraud, Valve has tightened the requirements for Steam accounts. Now, to get full access to all Steam functionality, you need to not just “buy something” in the Steam store, but spend at least $5. Details under the cut.

Restricted Steam user accounts

Note:
CD keys, purchasing boxed versions and accepting gifts do not remove restrictions from accounts. Want to know how to remove restrictions? read on.

Steam support cannot remove the restriction from your account.

Why can't I access some Steam features?

We have chosen to limit access to these features to protect our users from spam and phishing scammers on Steam.

Attackers most often use accounts that have not spent any money, thereby reducing the personal risk of their actions. Therefore, the best way to distinguish a scammer from an ordinary user is to study the purchasing habits of our customers. Fraudsters most often do not invest money in Steam products and do not count on the longevity of the account. Due to this general scenario, we have decided to limit some community features on an account until its Steam payments reach or exceed $5.

How can I access these features?

You need to spend at least 5 US dollars in the Steam store.
Here are some examples of payments that count towards the lifting of account restrictions:

  • Place $5 or more in your Steam Wallet (converted to your currency)
  • Buy game(s) that cost $5 or more from the Steam store.
  • Top up your Steam Wallet using a Steam Wallet Code
  • Buy a Steam gift for $5 or more from the Steam Store (receiving a gift from a friend does not count).

Each purchase on Steam will count towards your total USD spend. If your currency is not US dollars, it will be converted to US dollars at the exchange rate on the day of payment.

What features are not available to me?

Limited accounts do not provide access to some Steam features:

  • Inviting friends
  • Opening a group chat
  • Voting in Greenlight, Steam Reviews and Workshop Items
  • Using the Steam Market
  • Frequently post in Steam Discussions
  • Level up your Steam account (locked at level 0) and receive Trading Cards
  • Contribute content to the Steam Workshop
  • Add comments to items in the Steam Workshop
  • Have access to the Steam Web API
  • Use chat in browser and mobile client

What will prevent me from accessing these functions?

I received my games as a gift, will I still have access to these features?

No, games that were received as a gift or through the Steam trading system do not count towards the count.

What if my purchase is returned to the bank or disputed?

If the payment amount is returned to the bank, it will be deducted from the account's total money spent. If a refund brings your account's total spend to less than $5, your account will no longer have access to these features.

For example, if you purchased a game for $5, your account will have access to Community features. If you dispute the payment and the money is returned to the bank, you will lose access to Steam Community features because... Steam did not receive the money in this case.

What if my payment is returned to my Steam Wallet?

Steam Wallet refunds, such as pre-orders, do not affect access to Community features.

What if my currency is not US Dollars?

If Steam Store prices are not in US Dollars, we will still honor payments in US Dollars, converting each payment to US Dollars at the exchange rate on the day of purchase. Once your total payments reach $5 or more, you will gain access to Steam Community features.


Often, attackers use fake accounts on which games and items were not purchased and the Steam wallet was not replenished. To prevent these users from spamming, phishing, or scamming, we limit access to some community features until at least $5 has been spent on the account.

How to access these features?

You should spend no less 5 US dollars in the Steam store. Click here to check if you've spent enough.

For example, restrictions can be removed as follows:

  • Top up your balance with $5 or more
  • Buy games worth $5 or more on the Steam Store
  • Redeem Steam Wallet Code for $5 or more
  • Purchase $5 or more from the Steam Store (receiving a gift or gift card from a friend doesn't count)

The following actions won't be removed account restrictions:

  • Activation of games purchased in retail stores.
  • Launch of free demo versions.
  • Adding third-party games to the Steam library.
  • Use of funds received from selling items on the Marketplace.
  • Adding and launching temporarily free games based on promotions (such as “free weekends”).
  • Install and launch free games (for example, Alien Swarm, or free versions of Portal and Team Fortress 2).
  • Activation of digital keys from manufacturers of video cards and other computer components.

All transactions on Steam are tracked in US dollars. If Steam Store prices are listed in the currency of your region, purchases will be automatically converted to US Dollars based on daily updated exchange rates.

What features are not available?

Limited users do not have access to many features on Steam. In the future, their list may increase:

  • Sending invitations to friends and groups.
  • Sending requests to join groups.
  • Sending invitations to a group chat.
  • Rating reviews and products in the Steam Workshop.
  • Buying and selling on the Steam marketplace.
  • Exchange items in the Steam community (trading cards, card sets, gems and others).
  • Frequently posting to Steam discussions.
  • Obtaining Steam profile levels (the level does not rise above zero) and trading cards.
  • Posting content in the Workshop.
  • Posting comments on items in the Workshop.
  • Using the Steam Web API.
  • Using chat in the browser and mobile client.
  • Publication of illustrations and screenshots in the public domain.
  • Creating messages in exchange offers.
  • Creating Steam groups.
  • Additionally, users with limited rights are not counted when counting the number of members in groups.
  • Subscription to curators.

FAQ

I was gifted the game, will I get access to all features?

No. Receiving games as a gift or through an exchange system does not remove the restrictions.

What if the purchase funds were returned to the bank or the transaction was disputed?

If the money spent is returned to your bank, this amount will be deducted from the total value of all purchases in your account. If your return or dispute results in a charge below $5, you will no longer have access to the features listed above.

For example, if you purchase a game for $5, your account will have access to all features. If you dispute this payment through your bank, the funds will be returned to the bank and you will lose access to these features because Steam ultimately does not receive these funds.

What if my purchase was refunded to my Steam Wallet?

Funds returned to your Steam Wallet (for example, due to a canceled pre-order) do not affect your access to Steam Community features.

There were no restrictions on my account, but now they have appeared. Why?

At the last count, the amount spent on your account was less than $5, so the restrictions came into force. This could be due to a previous counting error, which can happen to accounts that have spent more than $1 but less than $5.

What if the prices in my Steam Store are not listed in USD?

If your Steam Store prices are displayed in a different currency, we will track your purchases in US Dollars by translating the amount of each Steam purchase using the exchange rate that is updated daily. Once you spend an amount equal to $5, account restrictions will be lifted.

How can I add friends if my rights are limited?

As a limited user, you cannot add friends yourself. However, you can accept invitations from accounts that do not have restrictions. For example, if your friend has already spent at least $5 in the Steam Store, they will be able to add you as a friend through your Steam Community profile. You will be able to accept his invitation from your account.

Can I participate in Steam discussions?

Yes, but with some restrictions. First, you must have at least 60 minutes of game time on your account (time spent in free games counts). Secondly, you must own the game in whose community center you want to post. Lastly, users with limited accounts can only create a small number of ads per day.

If a purchase is pending or being processed, when will restrictions be lifted?

Restrictions are lifted only upon successful completion of the purchase. If a purchase is pending or being processed, or if our system is waiting for confirmation of payment from your bank, the funds spent will not affect the limits.

What exchange rate is used to calculate the dollar amount of my purchases?

To calculate the amount of money spent, we use the current exchange rate on the day the purchase was made.