Help
Everything about packages, Steam sign-in, the AutoRestarter and the chat bot. Still stuck? Ask on Discord.
Getting started
How do I start idling?
Create an account, add your Steam account (you sign in on Steam’s own site), scan the QR code with the Steam mobile app, choose a package, pick your games and press Start on the Accounts page.
Do you need my Steam password or Steam Guard codes?
No. You approve the sign-in in the Steam app by scanning a QR code. Steam gives us a session token, which is stored in a private, access-restricted area of our server and never shown to anyone. You can end it any time with “Sign our servers out” or from Steam’s Authorized devices page.
My games list is empty
Steam only shares your library if your profile’s “Game details” are set to Public. Change it in Steam under Edit Profile, Privacy Settings, then press “Reload from Steam”.
Can I play while idling?
Yes. When you launch a game on your own PC, Steam pauses our session. Idling resumes on its own after you stop playing.
Packages and payment
What do packages cost?
Prices are per Steam account, per month. The first account: Blue (7 games) $5.49, Yellow (16 games) $7.99, Red (32 games) $10.49. Each extra account: Blue $6.49, Yellow $9.49, Red $11.99. Prices are fixed in pounds, euros and US dollars. You pay exactly the amount shown, with no conversion fees from us. Every month you pay for is a full 31 days of idling, including February.
How does IDLERMACHINE work?
Enter it when you sign up (or on the Billing page) and the first month of any package is 50% off. It’s tied to the Steam account, not your website account, so each Steam account can use it once.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Each Steam account can idle one game free for 24 hours. Start it from the Billing page.
How do I see how many days I have left?
The Accounts page shows days left for every Steam account, and you’ll see a warning when fewer than 3 days remain on a package that won’t renew.
How do referrals work?
Share your code from the Referrals page. When a friend signs up with it and pays for a package, you get 2 bonus days that you can add to any paid account.
Staying online
What is the AutoRestarter?
Steam disconnects everyone during updates and maintenance. Our servers reconnect your account straight away when Steam comes back, and every 30 minutes the AutoRestarter restarts any account that should be online but isn’t. The countdown is shown at the top of every page.
Why does my account say “Steam sign-in needed”?
Steam ended the saved session, for example after a password change or if you removed our device in Steam. Open the account, go to Steam sign-in and scan a new QR code.
Chat bot
What can the chat bot do?
It sends your away message when friends message you (once per person, at most hourly, or every time) and answers custom commands such as !discord. !commands lists every command you set up.