Lost access to Steam Desktop Authenticator files and codes - how do I recover my account?

I was using Steam Desktop Authenticator and then the hard drive it was on broke. Now, my Steam account is asking for an auth code but I don't have one and the SDA code to transfer accounts from A to B was on that drive. I do not have a phone. Is there any way I can get into my Steam account now?


Solution 1:

Steam Support Page

Help, I lost (or sold) my phone and can't log in! What do I do?

If possible, you should contact your wireless service provider and get a replacement phone with the same phone number. Steam will be able to send SMS messages to your replacement phone, and you will be able to recover your account as described below.

If you no longer have access to your phone and don't have your recovery code, you'll need the assistance of Steam Support. Use the "Help me with my issue" button at the top right of this page to get help removing your authenticator. If you don’t have access to the email address that is currently associated with your Steam Account please provide proof of account ownership within your ticket.

You will need to contact Steam support, using the Steam Support link above. As for providing proof of ownership;

Providing Proof of Ownership

Proof of Ownership is established by submitting payment information previously used on the account or providing retail product codes that have been activated through Steam.

Please select a purchase method used on the account from the list below for detailed instructions on providing Proof of Ownership.

The link above contains how to provide your proof of ownership according to different payment methods.

Finally, I recommend that you do not to use unauthorised 3rd party verification methods in the future for Steam. They can get you in the exact trouble you are in right now.

Solution 2:

As long as you can provide proof of ownership you can recover the account with the help of Steam Support.

From the official Steam Support Knowledgebase page:

Help, I lost (or sold) my phone and can't log in! What do I do?

If possible, you should contact your wireless service provider and get a replacement phone with the same phone number. Steam will be able to send SMS messages to your replacement phone, and you will be able to recover your account as described below.

If you no longer have access to your phone and don't have your recovery code, you'll need the assistance of Steam Support. Use the "Help me with my issue" button at the top right of this page to get help removing your authenticator. If you don’t have access to the email address that is currently associated with your Steam Account please provide proof of ownership within your ticket.

They may require multiple forms of proof of ownership at their discretion, but if it's your account you should have no issue. Be polite, reasonable, and to the point. They are still people and will often enjoy some flavor like a story about what happened, but probably don't have time to read a life story.