Securing your Steam account is crucial to protect your game library and personal information from unauthorized access. With the latest updates to the Steam mobile app, you can now enhance your account security using two-factor authentication (2FA), among other new features.
Protecting Your Steam Account with Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Steam account, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to gain access. Here’s how it works:
- Setting Up 2FA: To enable 2FA, you need to use the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator. This involves downloading the Steam app on your mobile device and setting up the authenticator within the app. You can choose to receive verification codes via the app or through email.
- How 2FA Works: When 2FA is enabled, you will need to enter your username, password, and a one-time code generated by the Steam Guard app to log in. This ensures that even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your account without the verification code.
- Using the Steam Guard App: The Steam Guard app is specifically designed for Steam and does not integrate with other authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy. However, some users have found workarounds to use other apps by extracting the secret keys from the Steam app.
Additional Security Features
QR Code Sign-In
In addition to 2FA, the updated Steam app introduces QR code sign-in. This feature allows you to log in to your Steam account by scanning a QR code with your mobile device’s camera, eliminating the need to type in your username and password.
Sign-In Confirmation
The app also includes sign-in confirmation, which requires you to approve or deny each sign-in attempt. This adds another layer of security, ensuring that you are aware of all login attempts and can block any unauthorized access.
Authorized Devices
The Authorized Devices page allows you to manage the devices that have access to your Steam account. You can view the list of devices and remotely sign out of any device, enhancing your control over account security.
Other Key Improvements
Better Navigation and Library Access
The redesigned Steam app offers improved navigation, making it easier to access various sections such as the Store, Community, News, and your game library. You can now quickly view your game content, discussions, guides, and support from within the app.
Remote Game Downloads and Uninstalls
You can now remotely download games and updates to your PC directly from the mobile app. This feature also allows you to uninstall games remotely, providing greater flexibility in managing your game library.
Customizable Notifications
The app offers customizable notifications for various events such as wishlist updates, sales, comments, trades, discussions, and friend requests. This ensures you stay informed about the activities that matter to you without being overwhelmed by unnecessary notifications.
Trade and Market Confirmations
To prevent unauthorized trades, the app includes trade and market confirmations. These ensure that items do not leave your account without your explicit approval, adding an extra layer of security to your trading activities.
Enhancing Your Overall Experience
Improved Store Browsing
The updated app features an improved Store browsing experience, optimized for mobile screens. This makes it easier to discover new games and manage your purchases on the go.
Multiple Account Support
The Steam app now supports using multiple Steam accounts, making it convenient for users who manage multiple accounts.
By leveraging these new security features and improvements, you can significantly enhance the security and usability of your Steam account, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience.