Steam Error E20 has become a source of frustration for many players, leading them to seek solutions on various online forums, including the official Steam community. This error code can occur when attempting to log into a Steam account or while browsing the Steam store. It may even result in being kicked out of multiplayer games or experiencing difficulties when logging in through a web browser.
What is Steam Error E20?
Steam Error E20 can appear in different forms, but the most common error message displayed is “Something went wrong while attempting to sign you in. Please try again later”.
This error prevents users from logging into their Steam accounts and can occur at any time. The main causes of this error are typically related to issues with the user’s internet connection or their PC’s firewall protection.
How to fix Steam Error E20
Although there is no official explanation from Steam regarding Error E20, it is widely known that the error is network-related. Therefore, it is recommended to check the Steam Server Status before attempting any potential solutions.
If there are no problems with Steam servers, here are some steps you can take to fix the error:
- Reboot your network router
- Check for packet loss
- Disable Windows Firewall
- Use a VPN connection
- Contact Steam Support
Reboot your network router
An unstable or underperforming internet connection is a common cause of Steam Error E20. By rebooting your network router, you can refresh the connection and potentially resolve the error.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Locate your network router and identify the power source
- Disconnect the power supply from the router, either by unplugging it from the wall outlet or using the power button, if available
- Wait for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute to ensure the router is completely powered off
- Reconnect the power supply to the router and wait for it to fully restart. This process may take a couple of minutes
Once the router has restarted, try logging into your Steam account again and check if the Steam Error E20 persists.
Check for packet loss
Packet loss, which occurs when data packets sent over the network fail to reach their destination, can contribute to Steam Error E20. To check for packet loss, you can use online services or the Windows command prompt.
Here’s how to use the Windows command prompt to send a ping to Google:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box
- Type “cmd” and hit Enter to open the Windows Command Prompt
- In the command prompt window, type the following command: “ping Google.com -n 50” and press Enter
- The command will send 50 packets to the specified website and provide information about packet loss
If any packets fail to reach their destination, they will be indicated as “Request Timed Out” or show a percentage of packet loss.
If packet loss is detected, consider switching from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection for more stable connectivity. Additionally, contact your internet service provider to address any underlying network issues causing packet loss.
Disable Windows Firewall
Sometimes, Steam can be mistakenly identified as a potential threat by antivirus software or Windows Firewall, leading to the occurrence of Error E20.
To determine if these programs are the cause of the issue, temporarily disable them and follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box
- Type “control panel” in the dialog box and hit Enter to open the Control Panel
- In the Control Panel window, select “System and Security” and then click on “Windows Security”
- Within Windows Security, choose “Firewall & Network Protection”
- Click on the network profile that is currently active (Domain Network, Private Network, or Public Network)
- Toggle the switch to turn off the firewall for the selected network profile
After disabling Windows Firewall, attempt to log into Steam and check if Error E20 persists.
Use a VPN connection
If other troubleshooting methods have not resolved Steam Error E20, using a VPN can help bypass certain network restrictions that may be causing the error. Note that using a VPN with Steam is against Valve’s terms and services. Proceed with caution and understand the potential risks involved.
Here’s how to use a VPN:
- Research and choose a reputable VPN service that suits your needs
- Download and install the VPN software on your computer
- Launch the VPN application and connect to a VPN server location of your choice
- After successfully connecting to the VPN, launch Steam and attempt to log in to your account
If the VPN connection successfully resolves the error, be aware of the potential risks associated with using a VPN and ensure you comply with Valve’s terms and services.
Contact Steam Support
If none of the previous solutions resolve Steam Error E20, it is recommended to reach out to Steam’s official customer support for further assistance. There are multiple avenues to contact support, including creating a support ticket using this link or reaching out to Steam Support via their official Twitter account.
Here are the steps to create a support ticket:
- Open the Steam client and click on “Steam” in the top left corner
- Select “Help” from the dropdown menu, then choose “Steam Support”
- On the Steam Support page, click on “Steam Community” to proceed
- Under “I need help with,” select “Something not listed here”
- Scroll down and click on “Contact Steam Support” at the bottom of the page
- Provide a detailed explanation of the issue you are facing and any relevant information
- Submit the support ticket and wait for a response from Steam’s customer support team
If you were unable to find Steam Support in the Steam client, you can visit their support website for assistance.
While encountering Steam Error E20 can be frustrating, following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide can help resolve the issue. It is always recommended to stay up-to-date with the latest information from Steam and seek assistance from their official support channels.
Featured image credit: Steam by Valve.
