How to Redeem Steam Code on Mobile and Desktop

Steam codes are unique codes used on the Steam platform. They come in various types, including game activation keys, wallet codes, and gift cards. Redeeming a Steam code lets you unlock games, add wallet funds, or access exclusive content.

Keep reading, this article explains how to redeem a Steam code and provides other tips and solutions.

What Are Steam Codes?

A Steam code is a mix of letters and numbers that lets you unlock games or add value to your Steam account.

There are different types of Steam codes, each with its own purpose:

1. Steam Game Code (CD Key / Product Key)

• What it does: Unlocks a specific game or software.
• Example: ABCDE-FGHIJ-KLMNO

2. Steam Wallet Code

• What it does: Adds a specific amount of money to your Steam Wallet.
• Example: 1A2B3-C4D5E-6F7G8

3. Steam Gift Card Code

• What it is: A physical or digital card with a Steam Wallet Code on it.
• Used for: Works the same as a wallet code (they’re basically the same thing).

4. Steam Beta Key / Promo Code (Less common)

• What it does: Gives access to a beta test or promotional content.
• Usually distributed by: Developers or during events.
• Example: AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC

Important Notes:

• Codes are usually for one-time use and are tied to your Steam account after redemption.
• Be cautious of scams, fake code generators, and unauthorized sellers.
• Codes may have regional restrictions or expiration dates depending on their type.

How to Redeem Steam Code on the Steam Desktop Client

It is simple to use a Steam code on the desktop client. You can do this on your PC and Mac.

Activate Steam Game Code

Here’s how to activate your Steam game code on the Steam desktop client.

Step 1. Launch the Steam desktop app and sign in to your account.

Step 2. Click on “Games” in the top left of the Steam app. A drop-down menu will open.

Step 3. Select “Activate a Product on Steam” from the drop-down menu.

Step 4. Scroll down the policy page and click “Agree”.

Step 5. Enter your Steam game key in the field provided and click “Confirm” to activate your game. Now the game should be added to your Steam library. Launch the game and enjoy it!

Related: How to Fix Steam Disk Write Error on Windows or Mac [10 Ways]

Redeem Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code

Here’s how to redeem your Steam wallet code or gift card via the desktop client.

Step 1. On the Steam desktop app, log in to your account.

Step 2. Click on “Games” in the top left of the Steam page. A drop-down menu will open.

Step 3. Choose “Redeem a Steam Wallet Code…” from the drop-down menu.

Step 4. Enter your wallet code or gift code in the “Steam Wallet Code” field and click “Continue”.

Step 5. Enter your mailing address if prompted. The prompt will appear if you haven’t purchased any products on Steam.

Now your Steam wallet code or gift card should be successfully redeemed. You can check if the added amount is correct.

How to Redeem Steam Code on the Steam Website

It is straightforward to activate a Steam key via the website. Simply enter the links we give you and follow the on-screen instructions. You can do this on the browsers of both your desktop and mobile devices.

Use Steam CD Key

Here’s how to redeem a Steam game key on the website.

Step 1. Visit https://store.steampowered.com/account/registerkey

Step 2. Log in with your Steam credentials.

Step 3. Enter the CD key in the “Product Code” field.

Step 4. Agree to the terms and click the “Continue” button. Now the game should be added to your Steam library.

Redeem Steam Wallet Code or Gift Card

Here’s how to use a wallet code or a gift card on Steam.

• Go to https://store.steampowered.com/account/redeemwalletcode
• Enter the code from a Steam gift/prepaid card into the “Steam Wallet Code” field.
• Click “Continue”. Now, funds should be added to your Steam Wallet balance.

How to Redeem Steam Code on the Steam Mobile App

Unlike the desktop version of Steam, redeeming game keys and wallet codes is the same process on the Steam mobile app. Here are the detailed steps.

Step 1. Open the Steam mobile app on your phone or tablet.

Step 2. Log in to your account.

Step 3. Tap “WALLET” at the top of the Steam store.

Step 4. Under “Current Wallet balance”, tap “Redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code”.

Step 5. Enter your gift code or wallet code into the “Steam Wallet Code” field and tap “Continue”. Now, the game or funds should be added to your Steam account.

You can also go to the browser on your mobile device to redeem the Steam key.

• To activate a product code, open this link and follow the on-screen instructions: https://store.steampowered.com/account/registerkey
• To use a wallet code, open this link and enter your code: https://store.steampowered.com/account/redeemwalletcode

How to Redeem Steam Beta Key

The Steam beta key helps you unlock the beta version of the game. However, unlike redeeming the game code and wallet code, using a beta key can only be done on the Steam desktop client. Here’s how to do so.

• Open Steam on your computer.
• Click “Library” at the top of the Steam screen.
• Right-click on the game you want to use a beta key on. A drop-down menu will open.
• Choose “Properties”.
• Go to the “Betas” tab in the “Properties” tab.
• Enter the beta key into the field under “Private Betas”.
• Click “Check Code”.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to download the beta version of the game.

Tips and Warnings for Activating Steam Code

Tip 1. Only buy codes from trusted sources (official retailers). Nowadays, there are many websites selling Steam codes, which is a convenient way. However, some sellers claim that their Steam keys are very cheap or free, attracting you to bite the bait and fall into the trap, meaning even if you pay the bill but you still can’t get a real Steam code.

Here is the link to the list of official retailers for Steam wallet code or gift card: https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/5BB2-E986-A733-CF0E

Tip 2. Beware of fake key generators. Some tools that claim to “generate Steam game activation codes for free” are basically malware or scams. As soon as you click on these websites, viruses and Trojan horses may invade your device, hacking your Steam account or even stealing your property.

Tip 3. Codes cannot usually be transferred once redeemed. If you activate a Steam game (such as Elden Ring) using a CD key, that code will be bound to your account, and no one else will be able to use it. Even if you want to change accounts, give the game to someone else, or request a refund, you will not be able to transfer the code that has already been redeemed.

“Can’t Redeem Steam Codes” – Common Causes and Fixes

If you still can’t redeem a Steam key, it might be due to multiple factors. Here are they and their fixes.

“Code already used” error: If you already have the game, you can’t redeem its game code again. You can request a refund for this activation code or transfer it to someone else.

“Invalid code” or typo problems: If you type the code wrong or it doesn’t even exist, you will see the “Invalid code” message. You can directly copy and paste the code instead of typing it.

Region-locked codes: Some product codes or wallet codes are restricted in specific regions. You should read the description of the code first to see if there’s any geo-restriction.

Contacting Steam Support for unresolved issues: If none of the above factors cause the error, you can contact Steam support for further help.

How to Redeem a Steam Code – FAQs

Q: How to Receive a Steam Gift via Link?

Here’s how to receive a game via link.

• Open the gift link sent to you.
• Log in to your Steam account.
• Click “Accept Gift” to add the game to your library.

Q: How to redeem a Steam game code on the Steam Deck?

Redeeming a game key on Steam Deck works much like on a PC. That said, we offer another way to do it.

• Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
• Select “Settings” from the left side menu.
• Scroll down and select “Library”.
• Click “Add Game” in the “Add to Library” square.
• Enter your product code into the field and select “Confirm”. Now the game should be added to your Steam library.