Steam, the popular gaming platform, can occasionally throw some unexpected errors, and one of them is Error Code E87. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this issue and provide you with effective solutions to get back to gaming seamlessly.
Understanding Steam Error Code E87
Steam Error Code E87 is an error that occurs during the sign-in process, and it’s often accompanied by the message, “Something went wrong while attempting to sign you in. Please try again later.” Many users have encountered this error under various circumstances. It may have cropped up after a Steam update that introduced Multi-Factor Authentication, a password change, or even without any account changes. If you’re facing this issue, let’s explore some troubleshooting steps.
How to Fix Steam Error Code E87
1. Restart the System
– First, quit Steam.
– Power off your device.
– Wait for 1 to 2 minutes.
– Power on the device and launch Steam.
– Check if the error still appears.
2. Check Two-Factor Authentication
– Visit your account settings.
– Ensure Two-Factor Authentication is correctly activated. If not, enable it and check for the error.
3. Change Account Password
– Change your account password.
– If you recently changed your password and started experiencing the error, change it again.
– Check if the error still persists.
4. Revert to Old Username
– If you recently changed your account username and encountered the error, try logging in with the old username.
– The new username may not have updated in the Steam system, causing the error.
5. Other Workarounds
– Switch devices: If you’re logging in from the Steam website, try using the Steam client instead, and vice versa.
– Try different browsers: Test if using alternative browsers resolves the error.
– Use a mobile hotspot: Create a hotspot connection from your phone and connect your device to it. See if the error is resolved when using the mobile hotspot.
– Contact Steam Support: If the error persists, reach out to Steam support to report the issue and receive further assistance in resolving it.
Causes for Steam Error Code E87
1. Restart the System
Cause: This fix is recommended to resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that might be causing the error. Restarting the system can refresh system processes and eliminate any temporary issues.
2. Check Two-Factor Authentication
Cause: If Two-Factor Authentication is not properly activated or configured, it can result in authentication failures, leading to the Steam Error Code E87. Verifying and correctly enabling Two-Factor Authentication can help resolve the issue.
3. Change Account Password
Cause: In some cases, an incorrect or recently changed password can cause conflicts during the authentication process, resulting in the error. Changing the account password again can help synchronize the information and resolve any discrepancies causing the error.
4. Revert to Old Username
Cause: When a username is changed, there can be a delay in updating the new username in the Steam system. This can lead to authentication failures, as the system might still recognize the old username. Trying to log in using the old username helps determine if this is the cause of the error.
5. Other Workarounds
– Switch devices: Different devices or platforms might have varying compatibility issues with the Steam login process. Switching between the Steam website and the Steam client can help identify if the error is device-specific.
– Try different browsers: Certain browser configurations or extensions can interfere with the Steam login process, resulting in the error. Testing different browsers helps determine if the issue lies with a specific browser.
– **Use a mobile hotspot:** Network issues or restrictions on the primary network connection can cause authentication problems. Creating a mobile hotspot and connecting the device to it helps determine if the error is network-related.
– **Contact Steam Support:** If none of the above fixes resolve the error, it could indicate a more complex issue that requires assistance from Steam support. By contacting Steam support, users can report the problem and receive specialized help to diagnose and resolve the underlying cause of the error.
Steam Overview
Steam, developed by Valve, is a digital distribution service and online store primarily focused on video games. It was first released in September 2003 as a software client with the main purpose of providing automatic updates for Valve’s own games. Over the years, it expanded to include games from other publishers.
Steam offers a wide range of features and services to enhance the gaming experience, including digital rights management (DRM), game server matchmaking, social networking functions, and game streaming services.
Valve introduced Steamworks, an API that allows developers to integrate various Steam features into their products, including in-game achievements, microtransactions, and support for user-created content.
As of 2021, Steam boasts an extensive library of over 34,000 games and more than 132 million monthly active users. It has become the largest platform for distributing PC games digitally.
Steam Error Code E87: FAQs
1. What is Steam?
Steam is a digital distribution service and online storefront developed by Valve. It primarily focuses on providing video games and related content to users.
2. When was Steam launched?
Steam was launched in September 2003 as a software client by Valve.
3. What are some features of Steam?
Steam offers various features, including automatic game updates, digital rights management (DRM), game server matchmaking with Valve Anti-Cheat measures, social networking functionalities, game streaming services, and a virtual collectable marketplace.
4. Can I use Steam on different operating systems?
Initially developed for Microsoft Windows, Steam expanded its compatibility to include macOS in 2010 and Linux in 2012.
5. Are there mobile apps for Steam?
Yes, Steam provides mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to access online features and manage their accounts on the go.
