Steam CAPTCHA Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It!

Have you ever been blocked from logging into Steam by a pesky CAPTCHA? No matter how you refresh, Steam CAPTCHA not working, right?

This guide will explain CAPTCHA, why Steam CAPTCHA is not working, and how to fix it. These solutions include clearing browser cache, switching devices, and adjusting internet settings, but not only these!

What is CAPTCHA Mean?

Do you know what a CAPTCHA is?

A CAPTCHA test is a way to determine if an online user is a real person or a bot. The full name of CAPTCHA is “Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart.”

You may have seen these tests while browsing the internet, such as when registering an account or purchasing. They help manage bot activity, although they are not perfect.

How do CAPTCHAs work? You may have encountered classic CAPTCHAs, which usually ask you to identify distorted letters. This is because bots cannot easily identify distorted characters, but humans can.

What about advanced bots? Some advanced bots can use machine learning to identify these distorted letters.

As a result, traditional CAPTCHAs are being replaced by more sophisticated tests, such as Google’s reCAPTCHA.

What Causes the Steam CAPTCHA Not Working?

Steam is one of the largest video game stores in the world. You can buy games, create games, or chat with friends on Steam.

If you play games on Steam, you may have encountered a situation where Steam CAPTCHA does not work. You will see an error like “Your response to CAPTCHA does not appear to be valid.” or “Steam CAPTCHA not working.“

What could be causing this?

• Browser cache: The browser cache can cause the problem with Steam CAPTCHA not working.
• DNS cache: Similar to browser cache, DNS cache can also be the culprit.
• Chromium-based glitches: If you use a Chrome or Edge-based browser, these glitches can make Steam CAPTCHA impossible.
• Proxy/VPN interference: Using a proxy or VPN can sometimes interfere with CAPTCHA.
• Internet connection issues: A weak or unstable internet connection can cause Steam CAPTCHA errors.
• IP blocking: Your IP address can also affect Steam CAPTCHA if it is blocked or flagged.

How to Fix Steam CAPTCHA Not Working?

Now that you know what makes your steam CAPTCHA impossible, let’s look at how to fix it!

Way 1: Clear data or cookies of browser

Corrupted files or too much cache usually cause the steam CAPTCHA not working. Clearing the cache and cookies will remove corrupted files that may interfere with the CAPTCHA.

Here are the steps to clear data and cookies in different browsers:

Google Chrome:

1. Launch Google Chrome.
2. Click the three dots button (⋮) in the upper-right corner.
3. Go to Clear browsing data.
4. Select the time range you want to clear.
5. Check the boxes next to “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
6. Click Clear Data to complete the process.

Safari:

1. Launch Safari.
2. Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy.
3. Click Remove stored cookies and data.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three dots button (•••).
3. Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Choose what to clear.
4. Select “Cookies and other site data.”
5. Click Clear now.

Follow the steps to resolve the “Steam CAPTCHA not working” issue.

Way 2: Clear DNS cache

Clearing the DNS cache can resolve this problem and get Steam CAPTCHA working properly again.

How to Clear DNS Cache：

For Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Click on the search bar in the Taskbar and type cmd.
   • Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as administrator.
2. Flush DNS Cache:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:ipconfig /flushdns netsh winsock reset
3. Restart Your Computer: After executing the commands, restart your computer and check if the Steam CAPTCHA is working.

For Mac:

1. Open Terminal:
   • Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Flush DNS Cache:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Return:sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Restart Your Computer: After running the command, restart your Mac and see if the Steam CAPTCHA issue is resolved.

By following these steps, you should be able to clear any corrupted DNS cache that might be causing the “Steam CAPTCHA not working” error.

Way 3: Change the browser

If clearing your browser and DNS cache doesn’t fix the Steam CAPTCHA not working issue, the problem may be with the browser itself.

Try switching to a different browser, such as:

• Microsoft Edge
• Brave
• Mozilla Firefox
• DuckDuckGo
• Opera

Open the Steam website on a new browser and try to create your account or log in. See if that fixes the Steam CAPTCHA not working issue.

Way 4: Disable or change VPN and proxy server

VPNs and proxy servers sometimes interfere with communication between your computer and the CAPTCHA server. Try disabling them to fix the steam CAPTCHA not working issue.

For VPNs:

Turn off the VPN or use a better VPN, such as LightningX VPN.

It uses advanced encryption protocols to ensure data transmission security. It has servers in more than 50 countries around the world, with fast and stable connections. Unlimited bandwidth and traffic.

For proxy servers on Windows:

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet.
3. Click Proxy.
4. In the Manual Proxy Setup section, click Use a proxy server.
5. Toggle Use a proxy server to Off and click Save.

For proxy servers on Mac:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Select your network type (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Click Details.
4. Select the Proxy tab, uncheck all options, and click OK.

You can fix the Steam CAPTCHA not working issue by disabling your VPN or proxy server.

Way 5: Check your internet connection

CAPTCHA requires a stable internet connection. If your internet connection is interrupted or unstable, you may experience CAPTCHA failures.

How to check your internet connection?

Open your browser and try searching for anything. If the website loads fine, your internet connection is working fine.

If you can’t open the webpage, switch to another internet connection or restart your router.

Ensuring that you have a stable internet connection can resolve the Steam CAPTCHA not working issue.

Way 6: Switch internet protocol version to IPv4

IPv6 is replacing IPv4, but not all servers fully support it. This may interfere with CAPTCHA verification. Switching to IPv4 will resolve the issue.

For Windows:

1. Open Network Connections:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type control panel and press Enter.
   • Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
   • Click on the name of your connection next to “Connections.”
2. Disable IPv6:
   • In the Wi-Fi Status window, click Properties.
   • In the Properties window, uncheck the box for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
   • Ensure Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) is checked.
   • Click OK to save the changes.

For Mac:

1. Open Terminal:
   • Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Disable IPv6:
   • Type the following command and press Enter:sudo networksetup -setv6off Wi-Fi
   • Type your admin password and press Enter.

To re-enable IPv6 later on Mac, go to System Settings > Network. Select your network type, then click Details > TCP/IP. Finally, next to “Configure IPv6,” choose Automatically.

Way 7: Change another device

If none of the above fixes the Steam CAPTCHA impossible issue, try logging into your Steam account on another device, such as a phone, tablet, or computer.

Wrapping Up

Okay, we covered a lot here. You learned what CAPTCHA is, why it sometimes doesn’t work, and how to fix the “Steam CAPTCHA not working” issue.

These simple actions can fix the problem and get you back into your Steam account with ease.

Happy gaming, and may your CAPTCHA annoyances never return!