Key activation
How to activate a Steam key
Redeem your Steam product key in the Steam desktop client or on the Steam website in under a minute.
Steam keys are usually 15 characters in the format XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. You can find the key for every purchase under Dashboard > Orders > order details, and in your order confirmation email.
Option 1: Steam desktop client
- 1Install and open the Steam client, then sign in to the account you want to add the game to.
- 2Click "Games" in the top menu bar and choose "Activate a Product on Steam...".
- 3Click "Next", accept the Steam Subscriber Agreement, and paste your key into the "Product Code" field.
- 4Click "Next". The game is added to your Library and you can start the download right away.
Option 2: Steam website
- 1Go to store.steampowered.com/account/registerkey and sign in.
- 2Paste your key, tick the box to accept the Steam Subscriber Agreement and click "Continue".
- 3The product appears in your Library the next time you open Steam.
Check the region shown on the product page before activating. A key for a different region may be rejected with a "region locked" message.
Frequently asked questions
Steam says "Duplicate product code". What should I do?+
This means the key has already been activated, possibly on your own account. Check your Steam Library first. If the game is not there, open a dispute from your order page with the reason "Already used" and include a screenshot of the error.
Steam says "Too many activation attempts". What does it mean?+
Steam temporarily blocks key entry after several failed attempts. Wait about an hour and try again, copying the key directly from your order page to avoid typos.