Phones break
The code on your phone is useless if the phone is the thing you lost.
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.
How to get back in after losing Steam Guard
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Related guides
How to enable Steam Guard Step-by-step 2FA setup, checked against the platform’s help pages. Steam Guard backup codes Steam Guard backup codes versus the R-code, and how to use them. LoginScout home Related LoginScout page. All guides Every LoginScout guide, from game signups to 2FA setup. Gaming password manager A vault built for game and service logins you own. How to recover a hacked Steam account Related LoginScout page. How to recover a hacked Epic Games or Fortnite account Related LoginScout page. How to recover a hacked Roblox account Related LoginScout page. How to recover a hacked Riot account for Valorant or League Related LoginScout page. How to recover a hacked Minecraft account Related LoginScout page. How to recover a hacked Discord account (and stop the scam spreading) Related LoginScout page. Recover a hacked Xbox account Related LoginScout page. Recover a hacked PlayStation account Related LoginScout page. Recover a hacked Call of Duty account Related LoginScout page. Recover a hacked EA account Related LoginScout page. Recover a hacked Battle.net account Related LoginScout page. Recover a hacked Nintendo Account Related LoginScout page. How to make a Valorant account Create the account on the real platform, then store the login in LoginScout. How to make a Battlefield 6 account Create the account on the real platform, then store the login in LoginScout. Can you get GTA 6 for free? Related LoginScout page. Fortnite new season checklist Related LoginScout page.
Keep the identity with the login.
Create a free vault, then upgrade for a private temp mailbox and burner numbers when the library grows.