How do I delete my Steam account and start over?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
To delete your Steam account and start over, you can follow a series of straightforward steps: go to the Steam website, log in to your account, navigate to the Account Details page, and click on the Delete My Steam Account button at the bottom of the page. This process will permanently remove your account, so ensure you have backed up any important data and are aware that you will lose access to all your Steam games and stored information.
Understanding the Deletion Process
The deletion process involves several key steps, including confirming your account ownership and waiting for a 30-day restriction period before the account is fully deleted. It’s essential to understand that deleting your Steam account is a permanent action and cannot be reversed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Steam account and make a new one with the same email?
Email addresses can be reused for new accounts, but account names are unique and cannot be used again, even if the original account has been deleted.
What happens if I delete my Steam account?
Deleting your Steam account will result in the loss of all Steam games, stored information, and money in your Steam Wallet, as well as make all Steam product keys invalid.
How do I permanently remove a game from my Steam account?
To permanently remove a game, go to the game’s support page and click on the I want to permanently remove this game from my account button at the bottom.
How do I delete a game on Steam and get my money back?
To refund a game, navigate to Steam Help, log in, find the purchase, and select the problem you are having with the product to initiate the refund process.
Do you lose all your games if you delete your Steam account?
Yes, deleting your Steam account will result in the loss of all Steam games, including both online and offline games, and costs won’t be refunded.
Can I make a new Steam account and keep my games?
No, creating a new account will not allow you to access games purchased or activated with your previous account, as Steam games are tied to the account they were originally purchased or activated with.
Does uninstalling Steam delete progress?
Generally, no, you keep your progress if it has been saved to the Steam cloud, but you might lose progress in older games where cloud saving is not supported.
Do Steam accounts get deleted over time?
No, Valve does not terminate accounts for inactivity; deletions are only processed upon the account holder’s request.
Are you allowed to have 2 Steam accounts?
Yes, you can access different Steam accounts from one computer, but you can only access one account at a time, and each account maintains its own custom content and configuration files.
Can I unlink my Steam account?
You can unlink your Steam account from an EA Account to link it to a different EA Account, but you cannot unlink your Steam account again for six months after it has been linked.
Can you factory reset Steam?
You can factory reset your Steam Deck by going to Settings, then System, choosing Advanced, and selecting Reset to Factory State, which will wipe all user info, installed games, and applications.
Can I change my Steam account name?
Your SteamID and Steam Account Name cannot be changed, but you can change your player name at any time in your Profile Settings.
How long does it take to delete Steam?
After initiating the deletion process, your account will be restricted for 30 days before it is permanently deleted, during which time you cannot access your account or its associated games.
Will I lose everything if I uninstall a game and reinstall it?
No, you can reinstall a game at any time, and your game saves will be playable if they were saved to the cloud.
How do I delete Steam cloud saves?
To delete Steam cloud saves, you need to enable the Steam Cloud, delete the AppID Folder, trigger the Steam Cloud Conflict Dialogue, delete stored cloud files, and overwrite content in the Steam Cloud with local files.
Can I sell my game on Steam?
No, you cannot sell used games on Steam; only unplayed games that have been granted as an extra copy can be traded.
How do I transfer games from one account to another?
You cannot directly transfer digital games between accounts; games are tied to the account they were purchased or activated with, and creating a new account will not grant access to previously purchased games.
What happens if you delete a game you paid for on Steam?
Deleting a game you paid for will result in the loss of saved items and progress, and you will need to reinstall the game if you wish to play it again, starting from its original settings.
How do I clear Steam download cache?
You can clear the download cache by opening the Settings panel, selecting the Downloads tab, and clicking the Clear Download Cache button, after which you will need to log in to Steam again.
Is the Steam refund lawsuit real?
There was a class action lawsuit against Valve, but it was ruled that users must file individual arbitration claims for compensation, and there is no collective lawsuit.