It is possible to get a trade ban on Steam if you violate the rules of the service. Minor violations lead to temporary blocking, but in case of relapse or fraud, this period can increase, up to permanent closure. You can also get blocked based on a combination of complaints about dishonest exchanges. Typically, this requires several such statements. Let's figure out what kind of blocking this is, how to view information about it, and how you can try to remove it.

What it is?

Essentially, Trade Ban is a mechanism for protecting trading platforms from fraud and all kinds of shady schemes. We must pay tribute to Steam - here the protection system for an ordinary player is much more reliable and effective than anywhere else. The main reason is the cancellation of accepted exchanges. However, there are many nuances. For example, you may be banned if you attempt to conduct a transaction with previously stolen equipment. Or groups of ill-wishers may flood your account with complaints and drain you.

What functions become unavailable when blocked:

• community shopping and marketplace;
• sending or receiving gifts;
• exchange between players and activation of digital keys.

Thus, the player is deprived of many advantages, which is a powerful incentive to comply with the rules.

Please note that if you received a trade ban in Steam by mistake, the first thing to do is write to support to find out the reasons. No one is protected from errors, and in this case one can hope for a quick removal of the blocking. Steam support service works quickly - you can count on a quick response. Be sure to provide evidence of a fair transaction and describe the situation in detail.

How to find out how long a trade is banned?

In some cases, a trade ban is given in order to protect the user’s account. For example, if someone tries to change their email address or other significant personal information. In such a situation, the blocking is issued automatically. Depending on the complexity of the violation, the account is closed for 7, 15 or 30 days.

Steam validation rejected error - how to fix

To find out the exact duration of the ban, you need to try to make an exchange.

1. In the Steam client, go to the tab "Reference" – "Steam Support".
2. In the window that appears, select the item "Exchange, gifts...".
3. Try to make an exchange by clicking the appropriate menu item.
4. If you see the inscription: “The ability to exchange is currently disabled on your account”, – then you have a trade ban.
5. You can find out about the reason for blocking and the period by clicking on the inscription: "I want to understand why...".

If fraud occurs, then after the blocking is lifted, a probationary period begins. By the way, other players are notified that you have previously had problems when trading or exchanging. Here is a visual instruction video.

How can I remove a block for 7 or 15 days?

It is worth distinguishing between Trade Ban on Steam, resulting from actions that violate the rules of the service, and security measures. Let's talk about these cases separately.

Security lock

It's easier to prevent a ban than to try to remove it. But what if you reinstalled the operating system or logged in from another device?

1. Steam is closed (check in processes too). In the Steam directory we find files starting with "ssfn...". Don't forget to turn on show hidden files to see them all.
2. Copy them from the folder to another location. For example, on the desktop.
3. We launch Steam, enter our username and password, but after a window appears informing us that a verification code has been sent by email, we close the application again.
4. At this moment, files appear in the Steam folder again "ssfn...". We do not delete them, but return the previously transferred files to their place.
5. Launch the Steam client. After entering your login and password, a message about sending a verification code should not appear.

By the way, read this article too: Content is still encrypted - solving an error when updating games on Steam

If the ban has already been received, then you can try to rename the existing files starting with "ssfn...". To do this, replace the last 2-3 digits with others. Here's a visual video.

Another way to remove a trade ban, but without the ability to make purchases.

1. Open the Steam client, select a tab "LB".
2. Select in bookmarks Google.
3. In the address bar we type the site: csgroup.ru. Select from the top right "Log in via steam".
4. Select an account and press the button "To come in".

Please note that contacting support will not help remove the trade ban until the end of the ban period.

Ban trade on Steam for violating the rules

In this case, we have a completely different picture, however, you can try the methods described above. However, the only way out of the situation is to contact the support service with a detailed description of the current situation. Of course, this does not guarantee a favorable outcome, especially if there is an actual violation of the rules.

Fraudsters who deliberately deceive players and sometimes try to deceive the support service often receive punishment for cheating or attempting to cheat. In this case, the sentence may be increased.

Registration and downloading of the client of the popular entertainment platform Steam is absolutely free. But, like any quality service, Steam is interested, first of all, in increasing earnings. Therefore, there are a number of usage restrictions for new users. This was also done to protect against spam and bots. You can remove the restriction in Steam by fulfilling certain conditions of the service.

Otherwise, the following functions will not be available:

• open a group chat;
• vote in Greenlight, reviews and workshop;
• trading platform;
• limit on the number of messages in discussions;
• increasing levels and receiving trading cards;
• adding items to the workshop;
• commenting on objects in the workshop;
• access to Web API;
• chat in the browser and mobile application;
• adding screenshots;
• creating groups.

To remove all restrictions, you must spend at least $5. Moreover, the following actions will not lead to full access:

• activation of games purchased outside the platform;
• adding shortcuts to third-party games to the library;
• adding games received through promotions;
• activation of promotional codes from manufacturers of computer equipment, for example, video cards;
• Amounts returned to the bank do not count towards the required payment. If your account's total purchases fall below the required $5 after a refund, your account will be limited.

The most significant are restrictions on the Steam marketplace and adding friends. Because without this, normal use of the system is impossible.

There are also regional restrictions in Steam that do not allow you to play games purchased outside the region. This was done to avoid situations where the game was bought abroad and cheaper, and then sent as a gift to a Russian user.

Now let’s look at whether it’s possible to create an unlimited Steam account without purchasing $5 worth of content.

Removing restrictions

Previously, there were many ways to remove some of the restrictions without making an actual purchase. For example, it was possible to open the ability to invite friends by activating a free game. As soon as she appeared in the library, the restriction was lifted.

The restriction on the trading platform could be removed by activating any game worth more than 5 USD. However, now, even if you bought a disk for $100, activating it will not unlock access.

Currently, adding friends to a limited account is only possible in such a way that he sends you an invitation, and you accept it.

You can try to bypass regional restrictions by manipulating the VPN. But since Steam is an online platform, there is a risk that sooner or later this will be noticed and you will be banned.

Thus, to get full access to all functions of the service, you need to purchase the game for at least $5:

Once your purchase appears in your library, you will be able to use all Steam features.

To remove the time limit for making an exchange, you must install the Steam Guard mobile application. If this is not done, then you will be able to use the purchase only 15 days after it was made. To connect a mobile authenticator, do the following:

Now every time you log into your account on your computer, you will need to enter a code. At this point, open Steam Guard in the mobile application and enter the currently valid code. It is regenerated every 30 seconds. This way you will not only remove the restriction, but also increase the security of your account.

Thus, at the moment, most of the ways to create an unlimited Steam account for free do not work. Or you risk getting banned. In principle, 5 dollars is not such a big amount if you are passionate about computer games. After all, this is just a one-time payment, and not just like that, but for content. But you will receive a full set of functions and will be able to take advantage of all the advantages of the system.

It must be said that there are many alternative stores on the Internet that sell keys and games that allow you to use paid content for free. How to do this is indicated in the instructions on the sites themselves, applicable to specific applications. If you know of ways to open access to all Steam functions without any financial costs or for less than $5, please tell us about them in the comments.

Today we will talk about how to open the Steam trading platform, we will tell you what it is and how it works.

Trading platform: description

This is a section that gives players the opportunity to both buy and sell many in-game items. The currency from the Steam user's wallet is used as payment.

You can specify the price for an item when you put it up for sale, which you will have to pay if you decide to purchase it. Also, a commission of 10% is deducted from the entire cost of the item. You should also take into account that there is also a fee when crediting money to your Steam wallet, amounting to 5%. In connection with recent updates, the question of how to open a trading platform on Steam has become quite relevant. Now, to do this, you will have to buy at least one game worth $5 or several games that will total $5. After this, 1 month should pass, only then you will gain access to the site itself, where you can already buy or sell any items without restrictions.

Registration

However, before you think about how to open a trading platform in Steam, you should first register in the client itself.

To do this, just fill out a few fields: come up with a name for yourself, write your email. address, password, enter the characters that will be shown in the picture, accept the user agreement and click the "Create account" button.

Instructions: "How to open a trading platform in Steam"

In the client, go to the “Community” tab, there we find the “Marketplace” option and click on it, after which we find ourselves in the section we need. At the bottom there is a list of items that you can buy, on the right there is a button like “Sell item”. When you click on it, you will be taken to your inventory. There, select the item you want to put up for sale and click the “Sell” button. A window with a sales chart will open. Here you can find out what the current price is for this item. Place it in the “Buyer will pay” tab and click the “Ok” button. Now all you have to do is wait for someone to buy your item.

Restrictions

Also, before you open a trading platform on Steam, you should find out what restrictions apply there.

Each user who has not yet sold anything and has forgotten the password will have access to the trading platform blocked for 15 days after switching on. If the password is reset on an active user account, then the blocking time will be only 5 days, but if the account has been inactive for the last two months, then the access restriction time will be one month. There is one more thing: if you use a new payment method for your account, you will be blocked for a week.

Buying and selling

Only certain types of items are allowed to be bought and sold:

1. Gifts. A gift is a gift, it can be a discount coupon or even the game itself, you can either add the game to your library from the gift (provided that you don’t already have it), or sell or even give it to another player.
2. Game items. They can be obtained by purchasing on the trading platform or by obtaining them in, say, games such as Dota 2 or CS GO. You can then either use such items in the game or sell them at a specified price.
3. Trading cards. You will start receiving them after four hours spent in a particular game, only if they are supported by that project. You can sell the cards or collect the required number and craft an icon for your profile.

That's all. Now you know how to open a trading platform on Steam and how to use it for your own purposes.

There are several reasons why you may not be able to use the Marketplace or trade. The reason is displayed when you try to start an exchange or perform any action on the Marketplace.

Important:

Steam Support cannot change restrictions on trading or using the Steam Marketplace, regardless of the reason why your account has been limited.

Types of restrictions

Holding exchanges or sales on the Marketplace

Holding items does not restrict trading or use of the Marketplace, but will delay the transfer of your items if you are unable to protect your account.

Holding items allows you to protect your account if an attacker has accessed it - you can prevent the theft of items by canceling all transactions that are on hold.

Canceling a confirmed exchange

If you cancel a confirmed exchange that is on hold, the Marketplace and exchange will be unavailable for 7 days.

Account with limited rights

Such an account cannot perform certain actions on Steam. We are restricting access to some features to protect users from those who use Steam for spam and phishing.

Recently authorized device

If you are logged in from a device that has not previously been authorized through Steam Guard (via email), you will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace for 7 days. This restriction does not apply to other devices that were authorized more than a week ago.

Clearing your browser cookies, using a new browser, reinstalling Steam, and formatting your computer will also trigger the restriction.

Exception: If you have activated the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator on your account for 7 days, your use of the Marketplace and trades from new devices will not be limited, as these actions must be confirmed through the mobile application.

Steam Guard is not enabled

To protect your items and Steam Wallet funds from those who might take over your account, we require Steam Guard to be enabled for 15 days. Otherwise, you will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace. Accounts that have Steam Guard disabled are also unable to trade or use the Marketplace.

Steam Guard was recently enabled

If you recently enabled Steam Guard on your account, you will not be able to use the Marketplace for 15 days from the date of activation. Removing Steam Guard, turning it off, and turning it back on will also activate this restriction.

Recent password reset

If you have forgotten your password and want to reset it (note: this is not the same as changing your password), you will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace for 5 days. If your account has been inactive for two months, these restrictions will last 30 days. This helps protect users who have lost access to email.

The password can be changed in the Steam client settings menu. This restriction only works if the password has been reset: for example, using the site https://help.steampowered.com or with the participation of Steam support.

Adding a Mobile Authenticator

Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator provides an additional layer of protection for your account. Adding an authenticator will not remove existing restrictions. Exchanges made within 7 days of adding an authenticator will be held for 15 days. This way, your items will be protected, and you will have time to restore your account in case the authenticator was added by an attacker.

If you have already activated Steam Guard via email, trading and use of the Marketplace will not be limited. If you have not activated Steam Guard via email or mobile device, you will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace for 15 days because Steam Guard was recently enabled.

Removing a mobile authenticator

Removing Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator lowers the security level of your account. To ensure your items remain protected, you will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace for 15 days. If your account is hacked, during this time you will be able to restore and secure it without losing items.

New payment method

Items purchased using trusted payment methods may not be immediately traded or sold on the Marketplace. The waiting period may vary and depends on the game. A payment method verified using our card ownership verification tool is considered secure. You can confirm your bank card and gain access to the Marketplace on this page. Verification amounts are sent to your bank account in the currency set for purchases in the Steam store. If the bank has converted these amounts into local currency, please contact them to obtain the amounts in the original currency.

In the case of unconfirmed payment methods, the standard waiting period is 3 days before it becomes possible to make a purchase on the Marketplace.

Last purchase was made less than 7 days ago

To access the Marketplace, at least one purchase on your account must be made at least 7 days and no more than a year ago. A purchase is considered to be replenishing your Steam wallet and purchasing games, add-ons and programs. Activation of digital keys and gift copies is not considered a purchase.

Any purchase for which payment has been disputed will renew this restriction. Only purchases made after a dispute will be counted towards avoiding this limitation.

Banned from the trading system or Steam community

You will not be able to trade or use the Marketplace if Steam Support has suspended your trading account. Depending on the severity of the violation, the exchange may be blocked for a certain period or forever.

VAC blocking

If your account has been subject to a VAC Ban, Temporary Ban, or Overwatch Ban, you will lose access to the CS:GO Store and will not be able to trade or receive CS:GO items in-game.

Steam support cannot remove VAC ban.

Changing your email address

After changing your contact email address, you will not be able to exchange for 5 days.

Other

• Items purchased in-game or on the Marketplace cannot be exchanged or sold until the time specified in the inventory.
• Items dropped in Dota 2 cannot be exchanged or sold on the Marketplace.

If there were no such restrictions, then one such bot could spam many users with its friend requests. Although, on the other hand, Steam developers could take other measures to prevent such attacks without introducing restrictions. So, let's look at each restriction separately and find out how to remove such a ban.

New Steam users (accounts that do not have any games) cannot add other users as friends. This is only possible after at least one game appears on your account. You can read how to get around this and enable the ability to add as a friend on Steam in this article. The ability to use your friends list is extremely important on Steam.

So, getting the ability to add friends is key. After creating a new account, in addition to the inability to add friends, Steam also has a restriction on using the trading platform.

Restrictions on the use of the trading platform

New Steam accounts also cannot use the Marketplace, which is a local marketplace for trading Steam items. Using the trading platform, you can earn money on Steam, as well as simply receive a certain amount in order to purchase something in this service. In order to open access to the trading platform, you need to fulfill several conditions. Among which are: purchasing games on Steam worth $5 or more, you will also need to confirm your email address.

You can read about what conditions must be met in order to open the Steam trading platform and how to do this in this article, which describes the process of removing the restriction.

After you have fulfilled all the conditions, after a month you will be able to safely use the Steam marketplace to sell your items and buy others. The marketplace will allow you to sell and purchase things such as game cards, various game items, backgrounds, emoticons and much more.

Steam Exchange Delay

Another unique type of restriction in Steam was the delay of exchange for 15 days, provided that you do not use the Steam Guard mobile authenticator. If you have not connected Steam Guard to your account, then you will be able to confirm any exchange with the user only 15 days after the start of the transaction. An email with a link to confirm the transaction will be sent to your email address associated with your account. In order to remove this exchange delay, you need to connect your account to your mobile phone.

How to do this, you can. The Steam mobile app is completely free, so you don't have to worry about spending money to disable the trade delay.

In addition, Steam has small time restrictions that are associated with certain conditions. For example, if you change your account password, you will not be able to use the sharing feature with your friends for a while. After the time has passed, you can safely continue the exchange. In addition to this rule, there are a number of others that arise during the use of Steam. Typically, each such restriction is accompanied by a corresponding notification, from which you can find out the reason, its validity period, or what needs to be done to remove it.

Here are all the main restrictions that a new user of this playground may encounter. They are quite easy to remove, the main thing is to know what to do. After reading the relevant articles, you are unlikely to have any questions about how to remove various blocks on Steam. If you know anything else about restrictions in Steam, then write about it in the comments.