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How to Redeem a Steam Key

Redeem a Steam key from the Games menu or Steam’s browser activation page. Learn how to identify the code and resolve common activation errors.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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To redeem a game key that is intended for Steam, sign in to the Steam account where you want the game, then select Games > Activate a Product on Steam… and follow the prompts. You can also register a key through Steam’s browser activation page. Steam’s support pages often call retail product codes “CD Keys.”

Redeem a key in the Steam client

  1. Open Steam and sign in to the account where you want the game registered.
  2. Choose Games from the menu at the top of the client.
  3. Select Activate a Product on Steam…
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions and enter the product code when prompted.
  5. After successful activation, the product is registered to that Steam account.

Use Steam’s browser activation page

If you would rather not use the client, sign in to Steam in a browser and use the official product activation page. Both routes are for codes intended to register products on Steam; Steam does not establish that one is safer or more reliable than the other.

Check what kind of code you have

Before entering a code, check the packaging or seller’s email to confirm it is specifically a Steam CD key or product code. A code for another platform or publisher service will not add a game to your Steam account.

There is a separate kind of key issued through Steam for use with a third-party client or service. For some products, Steam displays these in the Library under Manage > CD keys. Such a key is for registering with the external service, so follow that publisher’s or service’s instructions rather than treating it as a retail Steam product key.

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Keep a retail key somewhere safe after redeeming it: Steam says it can serve as proof of purchase and ownership. A digital key that was not included in physical packaging cannot be used as proof of account ownership.

Fix common Steam key errors

“Invalid Product Code”

  • Confirm that the code is intended for Steam, not another platform or service.
  • Check the characters carefully. Steam notes that these are commonly confused: 0/Q/D/O, 1/I/L, B/8, and G/6.
  • If the code is definitely for Steam and still fails, contact the retailer.

“Duplicate product code”

This message means the key has already been tied to a Steam account and cannot be registered again. If you think you redeemed it previously, use Steam account recovery help. If you bought the key but have never successfully redeemed it, contact the retailer for a replacement; Steam says it cannot issue one.

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  • Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
  • When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
  • This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
  • Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
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“Game not available in your territory”

Retail key territory restrictions vary by publisher; there is no single rule for all keys. Check the packaging or ask the seller whether the key works in your territory before buying. Steam says it cannot refund purchases of third-party retail keys.

The key is for another service

If Steam lists the code under Manage > CD keys for use outside Steam, redeem it through the relevant publisher or service using its instructions.

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  • Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
  • When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
  • This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
  • Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
  • This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.
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Do not bypass a region restriction

Do not use a VPN or proxy to disguise your location when redeeming a region-restricted Steam gift. Steam says this violates its terms and may result in account restrictions.

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  • Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
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  • This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
  • Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
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