Steam account requirements
A skin arrives via a Steam trade, so trading must be available on your account. Below are Steam's recommendations that will help you receive the item without delays or errors.
In short. Make your inventory public, set an up-to-date Trade URL and turn on the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator. The account must not be limited or have a trade ban or VAC. During delivery, keep Steam open and do not change your Trade URL.
Overview
Trading restrictions are set by Steam. If your account does not meet Steam's requirements, Steam may delay or decline the trade. The order will then get the “Error” status.
Requirements
Steam's recommendations:
| Recommendation | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Public inventory | With a private inventory, the trade will fail — “Error” status |
| Up-to-date Trade URL | After “Create New URL” in Steam, the old link stops working |
| Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator turned on | Without it, Steam puts items on hold. You also confirm the trade in it |
| Do not change your password, sign in from a new device or reset Steam Guard before buying | After any of these, Steam blocks trades for 7 days |
| The account is not limited | To lift the restriction, you need a Steam purchase of $5 or more |
| No trade ban or VAC | With these restrictions, the trade will fail — “Error” status |
| “Family View” is turned off | This mode limits what the account can do |
| Steam is open during delivery | This way, you will see and accept the trade offer in time |
| The Trade URL does not change during delivery | Otherwise, the offer may not reach you |
Examples
You changed your Steam password the day before buying. Steam blocked trades for 7 days, so the trade will not go through. It is better to buy the skin once the block is over. If the order is already paid, open a ticket on the order page.
Your inventory is private. The trade will fail, and the order will get the “Error” status. Make your inventory public and open a ticket — support will send the offer again.
The Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator is not set up. Steam will put the item on hold. Turn on the authenticator before buying.
During delivery, you clicked “Create New URL” in Steam. The old link stopped working, so the offer will not reach you. Open a ticket and include the new link in it.
Important. Check these points before you pay so the trade goes through without delays.
FAQ
What is a limited account?
It is a Steam account with restricted features. To lift the restrictions, you need a Steam purchase of $5 or more.
Why can't I accept a trade after changing my password?
Steam blocks trades for 7 days after a password change, a sign-in from a new device or a Steam Guard reset.
Can I receive a skin without the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator?
Without it, Steam puts items on hold. We recommend turning on the authenticator before you buy.
I have already paid, but my account does not meet the recommendations. What should I do?
Open a ticket on the order page and describe the situation. If the trade fails, support will send it again or refund your money.