Steam How to Change Email: Full Guide
To change the email address on your Steam account, sign in at store.steampowered.com, go to Account Details under your profile name, click “Change” next to your current email, and follow the verification steps. This guide covers the full process, including what to do if you’ve lost access to your old email, how to handle mobile authenticator requirements, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Why You Might Need to Change Your Steam Email
Your Steam account email is the primary way Valve contacts you about purchases, security alerts, and account recovery. You might need to change it if you’ve switched internet providers (and lost an old email address), if you’re consolidating multiple accounts, or if you suspect your email has been compromised. Keeping a current, secure email on your Steam account is essential for receiving two-factor authentication codes and resetting your password if you ever forget it.
Before You Start: What You’ll Need
Changing your Steam email requires you to prove you control the account. Have the following ready:
- Access to your current email address (or a way to recover it)
- Your Steam password and, if enabled, your Steam Guard code (from the mobile app or email)
- A new email address that you can receive mail at
If you have Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator enabled (which you should), you’ll need to confirm the change from the app. If you’ve lost access to both your email and your authenticator, the process becomes much more difficult and may require contacting Steam Support with proof of purchase.
Step-by-Step: Changing Your Email on Steam (Desktop/Web)
- Open your web browser and go to store.steampowered.com. Sign in with your Steam account name and password.
- Click on your profile name at the top-right corner of the page, then select Account Details from the dropdown menu.
- On the Account Details page, look for the Contact Info section. Next to your current email address, click the Change link.
- Steam will ask you to verify your identity. Enter the Steam Guard code from your mobile authenticator or email.
- Enter your new email address in the field provided, then click Continue.
- Steam will send a verification email to the new address. Open that email and click the link inside to confirm the change.
- Once confirmed, your email is updated. You may be signed out of all other devices for security.
Changing Email via the Steam Mobile App
You can also change your email from the Steam mobile app (iOS/Android). Open the app, tap your profile avatar, then select Account Details. Follow the same steps: tap Change next to your email, verify with your authenticator, enter the new email, and confirm via the link sent to the new address. The mobile interface is slightly different but the flow is identical.
What If You’ve Lost Access to Your Old Email?
This is the most common problem. If you can’t receive the verification code at your old email, you have a few options:
- Recover the old email first. If your email provider (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) offers account recovery (e.g., via a phone number or backup email), try that first. Once you’re back into the old email, follow the normal change process.
- Use your mobile authenticator. If you have the Steam Mobile app and the authenticator is still working, you can often change your email without needing access to the old inbox—the app itself serves as proof of identity.
- Contact Steam Support. If you have no access to the old email and no authenticator, you’ll need to submit a support ticket. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership, such as a CD key from a physical game, a screenshot of a retail purchase receipt, or the last four digits of a credit card used on the account. This process can take days, so be patient.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Typos in the new email. Double-check the new address before submitting. A typo means you won’t receive the verification link and will have to start over.
- Using a temporary or disposable email. Steam may flag these, and you won’t be able to recover your account later if you lose access. Use a permanent address you control.
- Not checking spam folders. The verification email can sometimes land in spam. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check spam/junk before requesting a resend.
- Ignoring the 15-day trade hold. Changing your email may trigger a temporary restriction on trading and selling items. This is a security measure, not a punishment—it gives you time to notice if someone else made the change.
Security Considerations After Changing Your Email
After you’ve successfully changed your email, take a few extra steps to secure your account:
- Enable Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator if you haven’t already. This adds a second layer of protection beyond your email.
- Review your Account Details page for any other email addresses or phone numbers you don’t recognize—remove them.
- Check your Authorized Devices list and deauthorize any you don’t use.
- Consider changing your Steam password as well, especially if you suspect your account was compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the email change to take effect? The change is immediate once you click the verification link in the new email. However, some features (like trading) may be restricted for up to 15 days as a security measure.
Can I change my Steam email without a phone number? Yes, a phone number is not required to change your email. You only need access to your current email or your Steam Guard mobile authenticator.
Will changing my email affect my Steam wallet or games? No, your games, wallet funds, and friend list are tied to your account, not your email. Changing the email only affects how you receive notifications and reset passwords.
What if I don’t receive the verification email? First, check your spam folder. If it’s not there, wait a few minutes and try again. If it still doesn’t arrive, make sure you entered the address correctly. You can also try resending the email from the Steam interface. As a last resort, contact Steam Support.
Can I use the same email for two Steam accounts? No, each email address can only be associated with one Steam account. If you try to use an email already in use, Steam will reject it.
Is it possible to change my Steam email if I only have the mobile app? Yes, the mobile app supports email changes, but you’ll still need to verify via the app’s authenticator or a code sent to your current email.
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