Steam says “Unusual sign in attempt”

It’s normal when you sign our servers in to your Steam account. It takes four taps, once per Steam account. Back to Help

Steam says “Unusual sign in attempt”? That’s expected. Here’s what to tap.

Why Steam asks: your accounts idle on our server in a data centre in Nuremberg, Germany, not on your own computer. When you scan, Steam sees a sign-in from that server instead of your home internet, so it asks you to confirm it’s really you. It’s the same check Steam does for VPNs and cloud gaming. You only do this once per Steam account.

Check it’s us first: the Steam app should show Steam Client, IP: 2.31.15.20, Nuremberg, Bayern, DE. Different IP, or you didn’t just scan a code on steamidlermachine.com? Tap Cancel.

  1. Steam app: You scanned a QR code to sign in, Steam Client, IP 2.31.15.20, Nuremberg, Bayern, DE. Sign in to Steam is highlighted.
    Check the IP, then tap “Sign in to Steam”

    It should say 2.31.15.20, Nuremberg, Bayern, DE: that’s our idle server.

  2. Steam app: Unusual sign in attempt. Where are you trying to sign in? Steam Client is highlighted.
    Under “Where are you trying to sign in?”, tap “Steam Client”

    Our servers sign in to Steam the same way the Steam app on a computer does.

  3. Steam app: What are you trying to do? Other is highlighted.
    Under “What are you trying to do?”, tap “Other”

    Idling hours isn’t on Steam’s list, so it’s “Other”. Don’t pick the website, skin or support options.

  4. Steam app: Steam has detected suspicious activity related to this sign in. Sign in to Steam is highlighted.
    Tap “Sign in to Steam”

    Steam lists VPNs and cloud services as possible reasons. Our server works like a cloud service, which is why it was flagged. You’re done: this page updates by itself.

Steam asks this to protect you from scammers. Only follow these steps for a QR code you opened yourself on steamidlermachine.com, and never if someone sends you a code or asks you to scan one.

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