Buying blockbuster-level titles on Steam can be expensive. The average price of a Steam game has steadily risen since 2018 (data measured by Statista), which is why you never want to accidentally throw away Steam gift cards or misplace product codes. However, we can avoid these issues altogether by instantly redeeming our gift cards and product codes from the Steam app.
Anyone with a working Android phone can install Valve's Steam app. Redeeming Steam keys and wallet codes takes only minutes after signing into your account. The only tricky part is navigating your way through the Steam app, especially if you relied on the Steam desktop app (or web browser) until now. So, to help with this transition, we've created a guide to show the steps for adding your Steam gift cards, Wallet codes, and Steam keys to your Steam account.
How to download and install the Steam app
You may need to get past your Steam Guard when logging in to your Steam account in the Android app. Steam Guard is an additional layer (two-factor authentication) of security tied to your account; any time you try to log in on an unrecognized device and different location, it prompts you to enter a code to access your Steam account. Otherwise, you cannot access the account and the app.
One fantastic feature of the updated Steam app is using a QR sign-in instead of entering a code for your Steam Guard. That way, accessing the app across your devices will only take seconds. First, navigate to the shield icon, then tap Add authenticator to get started.
1. Navigate to the Google Play Store.
2. Enter "Steam" in the search bar or grab the widget below.
3. Once you've downloaded and installed the app, tap Open to launch the app.
How to redeem Steam codes and keys on your mobile device
It's convenient to quickly redeem purchased or gifted Steam codes and keys while on the go. Thankfully, Valve's revamped Steam app has an improved UI design over the previous version, making navigating your library of games and handling account information even more straightforward. Below we've outlined the steps to redeem Steam codes and keys while you're using the app.
Redeem Steam Wallet codes on the Steam app
Before proceeding with the steps below, ensure your Steam app is working and fully up-to-date. Also, have your Wallet code ready.
1. Navigate to the Steam app and log into your account.
2. At the top of the app, tap on Wallet > Redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code.
3. Enter your Wallet code in the box and tap Continue to submit; the amount will automatically be added to your funds.
How to redeem Steam keys on mobile
It is possible to redeem your Steam keys using the Steam mobile app. But instead of entering a Wallet code or Steam gift card, copy and paste the Steam key into the Wallet code box and tap Continue.
You may not receive a confirmation email from Valve after entering the Steam key using this method.
Alternatively, if you're purchasing your Steam keys via a third-party source, you can receive a redirect to Steam to redeem your codes. For example, Humble Bundle will have a Reveal your Steam key section, and you can tap on the code to redeem it, redirecting you to Activate a Product on the Steam page on your mobile browser (it will have the same UI as the Steam app). Before going this route for redeeming codes on Steam, ensure you're logged into the correct Steam account.
If you're receiving the "Invalid Product Code" error, check if the key can be registered on Steam; if yes, retry the new number and letter combinations 0 = O, 1 = L, and 8 = B.
Reviewing your product activations and licenses on the Steam mobile app
You have a way to review your newly activated products and purchased licenses using the Steam mobile app; you'll want to review this carefully after you've redeemed your Steam keys while using the app. Below are the steps for reviewing your activated products and licenses.
1. Launch the Steam app and tap on your profile picture icon.
2. Tap on Account Details.
3. While on your account page, scroll and tap View licenses and product key activations. You can review your product activations by title and date on this page.
Third-party Steam keys
If you're looking to redeem a Steam key, chances are you've purchased the key outside of Steam. Some of the best third-party websites, like Humble Bundle and Green Man Gaming, offer flash sales and affordable pricing that's too good to pass up. Luckily these keys are safe to redeem on Steam and often have instant digital delivery — almost like you've bought the key right from Valve's digital shelf. You can easily redeem these keys inside the Steam app.
Are retail CD keys accepted on Steam?
Purchasing physical box games may not be the norm anymore, but some boxed PC games still exist and can be bought from retailers. The product will specify if it's redeemable and accepted on Steam. Fortunately, even non-Steam titles can still be added to your Steam library, so you don't have to worry about library management.
How to purchase digital gift cards and funds in the Steam app
Maybe you've been burned by purchasing and losing physical Steam cards, which, thankfully, there's a way to buy digital gift cards within the Steam app; here's how.
1. Launch the Steam app and tap on Wallet.
2. Tap on Redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code.
3. Scroll down to "Where can I purchase Steam Gift Cards and Wallet Codes" and tap Purchase Digital Gift Cards.
4. Select any Gift Card amount, and choose a friend; review your purchase and confirm your final order. Your friend will receive the digital steam gift card automatically.
How to add funds to your Steam wallet
Adding funds to your wallet is a great way to control your spending on digital goods. Plus, it ensures you won't lose any codes and keys since you'll buy games directly from the Steam store or top-up on any subscription services using the money sitting in your Steam wallet.
1. Launch the Steam app and tap on Wallet.
2. Select a fund level, tap Add funds, choose a payment method, and tap Continue. Once you've reviewed your order, confirm, and your funds will be added automatically.
How to download games remotely using the Steam app
You'll have to ensure the Steam app is registered with your PC before proceeding; otherwise, this feature will not work.
1. Launch the Steam app and tap on the hamburger menu icon.
2. Tap on Library, then select a game currently registered in your library.
3. Ensure you are signed into your Steam desktop app and tap on Remote Download > Download.
To see an up-to-date list of your Steam library, you must exit and reload the Steam mobile app — otherwise, any recently added games via Steam keys will not appear in your library list.
Easily redeem your Steam codes while on the go
Thanks to the Steam app, your mobile device becomes the perfect intermediate between your PC and Steam Deck. With Valve's mobile Steam app, you no longer need to depend solely on the desktop client to redeem Steam keys and codes and download your games.
Additionally, with the mobile market gaining overlap with other hardware, there's certainly no shortage of Android titles to play on PC — and if you ever run into problems with accidental purchases while juggling multiple gaming ecosystems, you can always follow Valve's policy for refunding Steam games!
