What to Do if You Can't Connect to Steam Servers

More troubleshooting steps to fix Steam server connection errors

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: June 19, 2024 Fact Checked

Are you encountering the "Error communicating with Steam servers" error message? Many factors can cause this message, from offline Steam servers to a corrupted cache in your client. But you can easily fix the error regardless of the cause. Follow these troubleshooting steps to get rid of that message.

The Most Common Fix for the Steam Server Error

Delete the Cache in Settings/Preferences > Downloads > Clear Cache. You can also try restarting Steam or deleting old files that can be corrupted in your Steam folder. Check for programs that might prevent Steam from communicating with its servers.

1

Check your ISP.

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Some ISPs don't work with Steam. A few examples are 012.net, Bluewin, Dutch Telecom, ISPFree, and Micronet Broadband.^{[1]
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- If you have any of these providers and want to use Steam, see if there's another ISP in your area to switch to.

2

Delete the cache.

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Clogged cache files can cause bugs that interfere with Steam. Once you clear the cache, you'll see the Store loading like normal. Go to Settings/Preferences > Downloads > Clear cache.^{[2]
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- On Mac, you'll see "Preferences" instead of "Settings" when you click "Steam" from the menu along the top of the window.

3

Restart Steam.

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A simple restart might do the trick. Temporary glitches can prevent Steam from loading properly, so closing it and opening it again can fix the error. To completely close the platform, go to Steam > Exit. Just make sure Steam still isn't running in the background with Activity Monitor or Task Manager, then open Steam again.
- If this happens whenever Steam auto-starts whenever you turn on your computer, disable that feature so you manually open Steam.
- If you're using a Steam Deck, you'll need to restart your device instead. Press and hold the Power button for 4(LCD) or 7(OLED) seconds to prompt the restart.

4

Repair corrupted Steam files.

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Corrupted files can interfere with your normal Steam activity. Follow these steps to delete all your old files so you can make room for updated files.
- You will lose any custom mods or custom content doing this.
- Close Steam and go to your Steam library. (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam is the default for Windows, Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/Steam is default for Mac).
- Delete everything inside the Steam folder except "steamapps" and the executable program.
- Relaunch Steam to see if the error is resolved.

5

Check for interfering programs and apps.

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Services meant to protect your computer might be blocking Steam. Anti-virus software, VPNs, P2P Clients and File Sharing software, Firewalls, and security applications are installed on your computer to prevent fraudulent or malicious activity, but these can also prevent your Steam client from accessing the servers.
- Check if any of them are preventing Steam from connecting to its servers, then turn it off or allow Steam to continue working to solve the "Error Communicating" issue.^{[3]
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6

Check server status.

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You can't troubleshoot servers if they are offline. Go to https://steamstat.us/ and make sure the servers are up before you start troubleshooting.
- The best option is to wait for the servers to come back online.

7

Change Download Region

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Change your download region to use another server. If the servers are down in your area, changing the download region should let you download games using a different server.
- Go to Settings/Preferences > Downloads > Download Region. Pick a close region, then try playing/installing your game again.^{[4]
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- On Mac, you'll see "Preferences" instead of "Settings" when you click "Steam" from the menu along the top of the window.

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If you are using a Steam Deck, there are other troubleshooting methods for you to use. Check out this wikiHow article instead for more Steam Deck-specific instructions.

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