Steam OpenID Login Explained: Security Guide for Users
Table of Contents
Many websites and tools offer "Sign in with Steam" as an authentication option. While convenient, this raises important security questions: Is it safe? Can the website access my Steam account? Should I trust third-party sites with Steam login?
This comprehensive guide explains how Steam's OpenID authentication system works, what information websites can access, security best practices, and how to protect your Steam account when using third-party services.
What is Steam OpenID?
Steam OpenID is an authentication protocol that lets you log into third-party websites using your Steam credentials:
How It Works (Simple Version):
1. You click "Sign in with Steam" on a website 2. You're redirected to Steam's official login page (steamcommunity.com) 3. You log in with your Steam credentials (on Steam's site, not the third-party site) 4. Steam asks if you want to share your identity with the website 5. You approve, and Steam sends confirmation back to the website 6. You're logged in to the third-party site
**Important**: The third-party website never sees your Steam password.
OpenID vs OAuth:
**OpenID** (Steam uses this): - Proves your identity - "Who you are" - Provides basic profile information - Limited data access
**OAuth** (used by Google, Facebook): - Grants specific permissions - "What the app can do on your behalf" - Can request extensive permissions - More flexible but potentially more invasive
Steam's implementation focuses on identity verification with minimal data sharing.
What OpenID Is NOT:
- It's not giving the website your password - It's not granting access to your Steam inventory - It's not allowing the site to make purchases - It's not letting the site play games on your account - It's not a backdoor to your Steam account
Think of it like showing your driver's license to prove you're old enough to enter a venue—you're proving identity without giving control.
What Information Websites Can Access
Understanding what data is shared helps you make informed decisions:
Automatically Shared Information:
When you authenticate via Steam OpenID, websites receive:
Steam ID64:
Your unique Steam identifier (a 17-digit number). This is your permanent account ID and can't be changed.
Profile URL:
Your Steam Community profile URL, which may be your custom URL or your Steam ID.
That's It for Basic Auth:
Those are the only things automatically shared through OpenID authentication itself.
Additional Data via Steam Web API:
After authentication, websites can query Steam's Web API for additional public information:
If Your Profile is Public:
Display name
Avatar/profile picture
Country
Account creation date
VAC ban status
Game library (games you own)
Playtime statistics
Achievement progress
Friend list (if also set to public)
If Your Profile is Private:
Only Steam ID64 and profile URL available
Most other data returns as null/empty
Privacy settings are respected
What Websites CANNOT Access:
Even with Steam login, websites cannot: - See your Steam password - Access your payment methods - Make purchases on your behalf - View your trade/purchase history - Access your inventory without separate Steam trade authentication - See your private messages - Change your account settings - Install or play games - Access Steam Guard codes - View your email address (unless public on profile)
Checking What You've Shared:
Unfortunately, Steam doesn't provide a dashboard of which sites you've authenticated with via OpenID. This is a limitation of the OpenID protocol—sessions are typically temporary and not centrally tracked.
**Best Practice**: Keep track manually of sites where you've used Steam login.
Is Steam OpenID Safe?
When used correctly, Steam OpenID is quite secure:
Security Advantages:
1. Password Protection:
The biggest advantage—third-party sites never receive your password. Even if the site is compromised, your Steam credentials remain safe.
2. Steam Guard Integration:
Your existing Steam Guard protection (mobile authenticator or email) applies to OpenID logins, adding two-factor authentication.
3. Centralized Control:
Changing your Steam password or enabling Steam Guard protects all sites using OpenID authentication.
4. Limited Data Access:
Only public information can be accessed—nothing sensitive or financial.
5. Session-Based:
Most OpenID implementations use temporary sessions that expire, requiring re-authentication periodically.
Potential Risks:
1. Phishing Sites:
Fake Steam login pages that mimic the real thing. Always verify you're on steamcommunity.com before entering credentials.
Red Flags:
URL isn't steamcommunity.com
HTTPS certificate warnings
Spelling errors in URL
Unusual login page design
2. Malicious Websites:
Even though they can't access your password, malicious sites could:
Track your Steam ID across platforms
Scrape your public profile data
Associate your gaming identity with other online activities
Sell your profile data
3. Data Aggregation:
Multiple sites using Steam login can collectively build a profile of your activities across the web.
4. Session Hijacking:
If a website doesn't properly secure their session management, attackers might hijack your authenticated session.
Protection Measures:
- Only use Steam login on reputable websites - Check SSL certificates before logging in - Use Steam Guard mobile authenticator - Set your profile to Private or Friends Only - Log out from suspicious sites immediately - Clear browser cookies regularly
Identifying Legitimate vs Phishing Login Pages
Protecting yourself starts with recognizing real Steam login pages:
Legitimate Steam OpenID Login:
Correct URL Patterns:
https://steamcommunity.com/openid/login
https://steamcommunity.com/login
Always includes steamcommunity.com domain
Always uses HTTPS (padlock icon in browser)
Visual Indicators:
Steam's standard login interface
Proper Steam branding and colors
Correct grammar and spelling
Steam Guard code entry (if enabled)
"Remember me" option
"Help, I can't sign in" link
Phishing Attempts:
URL Red Flags:
Misspellings: steamcommunnity.com, steamcomunity.com
Wrong domains: steam-community.com, steamcommunity.net
Subdomains: steamcommunity.fakesite.com
No HTTPS or certificate errors
Visual Red Flags:
Low-quality Steam logo
Spelling or grammar errors
Different color schemes
Missing features (no Steam Guard option)
Unexpected additional fields
Suspicious advertisements
The Golden Rule:
Always check the URL bar before entering credentials. If there's any doubt, manually type steamcommunity.com into your browser rather than clicking links.
Browser Protection:
Modern browsers help protect you: - Chrome/Firefox warn about phishing sites - Password managers won't autofill on wrong domains - HTTPS certificate warnings catch fake sites
Never ignore these warnings when logging into Steam.
Best Practices for Using Steam Login
Follow these practices to use Steam OpenID safely:
Before Logging In:
1. Verify the Website's Legitimacy:
Check reviews and community discussions
Look for Steam Navigator listings (we vet sites in our Resources)
Research the website's reputation
Check how long the domain has existed
Look for professional website design and active maintenance
2. Check Privacy Policy:
How will they use your Steam data?
Do they share data with third parties?
How long do they store your information?
Can you delete your data?
3. Consider Alternatives:
If the site offers email/password registration instead of Steam login, consider which gives you better control.
During Login:
1. Verify Steam's Login Page:
Confirm URL is steamcommunity.com
Check for HTTPS padlock
Don't ignore certificate warnings
2. Use Steam Guard:
Mobile authenticator preferred over email
Adds two-factor authentication
Protects even if password is compromised
3. Read Permission Requests:
Steam will tell you what the site wants to access. Review before approving.
After Login:
1. Adjust Privacy Settings:
If the site displays profile data you'd prefer private:
Go to Steam → Profile → Edit Profile → Privacy Settings
Set Game details to Private or Friends Only
Control what future sites can access
2. Monitor Account Activity:
Regularly check Steam's account page for:
Unusual login locations
Unrecognized devices
Suspicious account changes
3. Logout When Done:
Don't stay logged in indefinitely on third-party sites, especially:
Shared computers
Public computers
Websites you rarely use
4. Clear Sessions Periodically:
Browser cookies store session data. Periodic clearing removes old authentication sessions.
When to Use Steam Login vs Email Registration
Each authentication method has pros and cons:
Use Steam Login When:
Benefits:
Quick signup (no email verification needed)
One less password to remember
Site needs access to your public Steam data (game libraries, stats)
Reputable gaming site/tool
You trust the website
Examples:
Steam calculator sites (like Steam Navigator)
Gaming community forums
Trading websites
Game library management tools
Achievement tracking services
Use Email/Password When:
Benefits:
More privacy (site doesn't see Steam profile)
Better control over data sharing
Can create anonymous account
Concerned about linking gaming identity to the service
Examples:
Non-gaming websites
Sites you're unsure about
Services where Steam integration isn't needed
Sites with poor security reputation
Any site that seems suspicious
Combined Approach:
Some sites offer both options. Consider: - Use email registration initially - Link Steam account later if needed - Gives flexibility and control
For Maximum Privacy:
If you want to use Steam login but protect privacy: 1. Set Steam profile to Private 2. Use email registration when possible 3. Minimize linking gaming identity across sites 4. Consider separate "public" Steam account for third-party logins
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If you suspect a security issue:
Immediately:
1. Change Your Steam Password:
Go to Steam → Settings → Account → Change Password
Use a strong, unique password
This invalidates all existing sessions
2. Review Steam Guard Settings:
Ensure Steam Guard is enabled
Use mobile authenticator if possible
Check authorized devices list
3. Check Account Activity:
Review recent purchases
Check inventory for missing items
Verify no unauthorized trade offers
Review family sharing settings
4. Deauthorize Devices:
Steam → Settings → Account → Deauthorize all other devices
For Ongoing Protection:
1. Enable All Security Features:
Steam Guard mobile authenticator
Email verification for market/trades
Trade hold confirmations
2. Monitor Your Email:
Watch for Steam security notifications about:
Password changes
Email address changes
Payment method changes
New device authorizations
3. Use Unique Passwords:
Don't reuse your Steam password anywhere else. If another site is breached, your Steam account stays safe.
4. Regular Security Audits:
Monthly checks:
Review sites where you've used Steam login
Clear unnecessary browser sessions
Update passwords periodically
Check for unauthorized account changes
Reporting Issues:
If you discover a malicious site: - Report to Steam Support - Report to your browser (Chrome/Firefox have phishing report options) - Warn gaming communities - Share on security forums
Conclusion
Steam OpenID authentication provides a secure, convenient way to log into third-party gaming websites without sharing your password. When used responsibly—verifying legitimate login pages, using Steam Guard, and monitoring your account—Steam login is safer than creating passwords for dozens of different websites.
Key Takeaways:
Steam OpenID never shares your password with third-party sites
Only public profile data can be accessed
Always verify you're on steamcommunity.com before logging in
Use Steam Guard mobile authenticator for additional security
Control data sharing through Steam privacy settings
Only use Steam login on reputable, trusted websites
Monitor your account regularly for suspicious activity
Steam Navigator uses Steam OpenID authentication to provide personalized tools while respecting your security and privacy. Our calculators and comparison tools access only publicly available data and never store your credentials.
Ready to try Steam login safely? Use our [Library Comparison Tool](/compare_games) and [Steam Level Calculator](/calculator/level) to see Steam authentication in action!