Skip to main content

How to redeem codes on Steam

steam library customization sgdboop custom art
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Steam, and PC gaming in general, has become almost exclusively digital. Even if you can find a boxed copy of a PC game today, you're almost guaranteed to open it up and just find a code inside. That Steam code only needs to be entered once to give you access to the game, whether it comes from a boxed copy or more likely an online seller. If you're used to simply purchasing games with your Steam wallet funds or attached credit card to add it to your library directly, you may have no idea how to redeem a product on Steam. Not to worry — the process is as simple as can be.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • A Steam product code

How to redeem a product code on Steam

Redeeming any product code on Steam can be done in a few quick clicks so you can start downloading and playing your new game ASAP.

Step 1: Open up Steam and make sure you're logged in.

Step 2: Click on the Games tab.

The steam homepage.
Valve

Step 3: From the dropdown, select Activate a Product on Steam. This is also where you can add funds to your wallet.

The Steam code redeem page.
Valve

Step 4: Type or paste in your activation code, hit Confirm, and it will be added to your library.

Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over four years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things…
How to create folders on PS5
Ratchet and Clank on the PS5 home screen.

While the PlayStation 5 is a great step forward from the PS4 on a technical level, there's one disappointing change from the PS4 to PS5: the removal of folders. This handy feature lets you create your own custom section on your home screen where you could organize your games however you wish.

After a firmware update, the PS5 has now added Gamelists, which are similar to folders, but not quite as useful. Still, if you want to tidy up your best PS5 games for easy browsing, here's how to make folders on your PS5.

Read more
How to gameshare on the PS5
Playstation 5 with a controller.

There's a lot to love about PlayStation 5. There is an an incredible catalog of PS5 games, it supports most PS4 games, there are so many great upcoming PS5 games as well.. Sharing games nowadays isn't quite as easy as it was in the past, as most games are now digital — meaning you can give a physical disc to a friend after you beat the game or for them to test out over the weekend.

However, PS5 uses a gameshare feature known as Console Sharing that makes this process a bit easier. It's not a perfect system, but here's how to gameshare on PS5.

Read more
Grand Theft Auto 5 is no longer supported on Steam Deck
Trevor, Michael, and Franklin are all holding guns in GTA 5 promotional art.

One of the most popular games on Steam has hit a snag for Steam Deck players. Grand Theft Auto 5 and Grand Theft Auto Online are no longer supported for Valve's PC handheld.

Rockstar Games explains in a post for Update 1.69 (and spotted by The Verge), that its game won't be supported by Steam Deck due to the integration of BattlEye Anti-Cheat for Grand Theft Auto Online. The goal was to put a limit on cheating in its open-world MMO, but that came at the cost of Steam Deck support.

Read more