Steam Guard and your phone number
Quick answer
Steam lets you add a phone number for account recovery and to set up the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, which then generates sign-in codes in the Steam app. A phone also removes some trading and market restrictions. Because the phone becomes a recovery path for an account that may hold years of games, use a number you'll keep. A temporary Noir SMS number can receive a one-time code, but it's recycled later, so it's not a good permanent recovery number for Steam.
Steam accounts are valuable, which makes them a target for phishing and takeovers. Valve's protection centers on Steam Guard, and the phone number plays a supporting role.
What the phone number is used for
- Recovering the account if you lose access to your email.
- Setting up and moving the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator to a new phone.
- Confirming sensitive changes on the account.
Email codes vs the mobile authenticator
| Method | How codes arrive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Guard by email | Email to your account address | Basic protection; trades and market listings may be held for days |
| Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator | Generated in the Steam app | Stronger, removes most trade holds, needs the app |
| Phone number | SMS for recovery and setup | Supports the above; doesn't generate login codes by itself |
Why not a temporary number here
If you ever need to recover your Steam account by SMS, the number has to still be yours. Temporary numbers are recycled. Use your own number for Steam, and save the revocation code that Steam gives you when you set up the authenticator.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove my phone from Steam?
Yes, from Account details, after confirming by SMS or with your authenticator. Make sure you still have email access first.
What's the Steam Guard revocation code?
A code shown when you add the mobile authenticator. It lets you remove the authenticator if you lose the phone. Write it down.
Services in this guide
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