Steam error code E87 indicates a problem signing into your Steam account, often caused by system issues, client problems, account glitches, or connectivity issues. This guide provides a complete set of troubleshooting steps to resolve the error and get you back to gaming.
How to fix Steam error code E87
Follow these troubleshooting steps in order, testing your login after each one until the issue is resolved.
- Check if Steam servers are down by visiting sites like Steamstat.us, IsSteamDown.com, or Downdetector. If there’s an outage, wait for it to be resolved before trying again.
- Power-cycle your router: unplug it and disconnect all cables, wait 2-3 minutes, plug it back in, let it fully boot, then reconnect your devices and try logging in.
- Force-close Steam and relaunch it:
- On Windows: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open Task Manager, end the Steam.exe process, then relaunch Steam.
- On Mac: Press Option + Command + Esc, force-quit Steam, then relaunch it.
- On Windows, run Steam as an administrator: close Steam, search for it in the Start menu, right-click the icon, and select Run as administrator.
- Repair the Steam installation:
- On Windows: Right-click Steam in the Start menu, select Open file location, copy the Target path from Properties, open Run (Win + R), paste the path, add /repair at the end, and press OK.
- On Mac: Uninstall and reinstall Steam from the official site.
- If repair fails, uninstall Steam completely, then download and reinstall the latest version from store.steampowered.com/about, following the on-screen prompts.
- Reset your Steam password: on the login page, click Help, I can’t sign in > I forgot my Steam Account name or password, complete the captcha, and follow the email reset link.
- Log in if possible, then toggle Steam Guard: go to Account Details > Manage Steam Guard, turn it off if enabled or on if disabled, then try logging in again.
- While in Steam Guard settings, deauthorize all devices: select Deauthorize all other devices (or similar option).
- Verify your computer’s date and time are correct:
- On Windows: Go to Settings > Date & Time and enable Set time automatically.
- On Mac: Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time and enable automatic settings.
- On Windows, create a NoReact login shortcut: right-click the Steam desktop shortcut > Properties > add -login -noreactlogin to the end of the Target field, click Apply, then launch from this shortcut.
- Flush Steam core files:
- On Windows: Press Win + R, type steam://flushconfig, and press OK.
- On Mac: Open Safari, enter steam://flushconfig in the address bar, and press Enter.
- Clear temporary files:
- On Windows: Press Win + R, type %temp% and delete all files; repeat with temp.
- On Mac: In Finder > Go > Go to Folder, enter ~/Library/Caches/ and delete Steam-related files.
- Add Steam to your firewall exceptions: in Windows Defender Firewall, allow Steam.exe for both Private and Public networks.
- Test without VPN: if using one, disable it for a direct connection; if not, try enabling a VPN to bypass any regional blocks.
- If nothing works, contact Steam support at help.steampowered.com or call 425-889-9642, and provide details of steps you’ve tried.
Once you’ve fixed the error, log in fully and launch a game to confirm everything works smoothly. Enable automatic Steam updates in Settings > Interface to avoid future client issues.
Regularly clear temp files and check your firewall rules monthly for ongoing stability. Consider enabling two-factor authentication permanently for better account security. Backup your game saves via Steam Cloud where available to protect your progress.
