4 min read
Why Steam asks for a phone number
Steam uses phone verification to protect accounts and to limit abuse, for example on trading, chat or free trials. The code arrives by SMS.
Can you skip the phone on Steam?
You can usually create a Steam account with email; the phone appears for security or extra features.
Your options without a SIM card
VoIP numbers are often refused, and a code from a public SMS site can be used by anyone to hijack the account.
- Email or Google/Apple sign-in, when the app allows it. Free, and no number at all.
- A second SIM or eSIM. Costs a monthly plan, but the number stays yours.
- A private temporary number from CoveSMS. Only you see the code, and you pay nothing if it doesn’t arrive within 20 minutes.
Step by step: get the Steam code online
- Buy a Steam number in your dashboard.
- In Steam’s settings or prompt, choose the country and paste the number.
- Ask for the code.
- Enter the code from your dashboard.
If the code doesn’t arrive
- If the number is already linked to another account, cancel for your balance back and buy another.
- Some games limit verification by region: match the country to your account region.
- No code within 20 minutes means the number closes and the price goes back to your balance.
After you’re in: stop depending on the number
A temporary number is single-use. Set up another way in before it closes:
- Turn on an authenticator app for Steam logins.
- Save backup codes somewhere safe.