Steam Support :: Region Restrictions on Steam (2024)

FAQs

Can Steam ban me for changing region? ›

Yes, Steam can technically ban you for using a VPN to change the store region in order to buy cheaper games. However, if you're using a VPN for other purposes, such as privacy and protection, Steam won't really care, and you most likely won't get banned.

Steam only provides you with the option to change your region when it detects that your IP address is from a different country. If you want to use a different IP address, you'll need a VPN. So, if you don't use a VPN, you won't see the option to change your country.

Your account must have a successful purchase older than 7 days, but not older than a year in order to access the Community Market. The purchase of wallet funds, games, DLCs and software meet this requirement.

Most trade bans are permanent. In rare cases, accounts are suspended in order to ensure they can't be accessed. This may be done because the account has been used for illegal activity, or to prevent the account's use until it can be restored to its owner in cases where a lock might not suffice.

In most cases, there are no region restrictions on products purchased directly from the Steam store. However, products purchased as gifts may have region restrictions.

Visit https://help.steampowered.com for help with your issue. Select the most relevant option on the page and the Help site will guide you to self-solve the issue or send a help request to the Steam Support team.

There are 194 countries in the world but Valve says that Steam is avaible in 237 countries. there are territories that are considered countries by valve that arent recognized by the world as being their own separate country like Taiwan.

this:You must have a valid Steam purchase that is between 30 days and a year old with no recent chargebacks or payment disputes. To remove this restriction... In order to access the market, you need to make a purchase in the steam store, then wait 30 days.

Open the Steam Settings menu. Go to the "Family" tab on the left side of the window that opens. In the "Family View" section click "Manage" and select "Disable Family View" in the Family View window. Confirm your selection on the next window.

Once you have made the equivalent of $5.00 USD or more in total Steam purchases, you will gain access to the restricted Steam features. How can I add a friend with a limited account? Limited accounts are restricted from adding friends.

What happens if I change my Steam store region? ›

Before revealing how to change Steam country, let's take a look at several important things one should keep in mind when doing so. Changing your country to buy games at cheaper prices is a violation of Steam's Terms of Service. So, if you attempt to do so (with or without a VPN), your Steam account may be banned.

In most cases, there are no region restrictions on products purchased directly from the Steam store. However, products purchased as gifts may have region restrictions.

Using a VPN to access Steam can be against Steam's terms of service, and if detected, it can result in a ban or suspension of your Steam account. Steam's policy prohibits the use of VPNs to circumvent geo-restrictions or access content not intended for your region.

Steam ToS specifically talks about geography, so yes, you can get banned for purchasing games out of your region. It does mention that the idea of hiding your place of residence is what makes it a violation of TOS, not the act of buying games from a different region itself.