What Happens When You Revoke Your Steam API Key
Revoking your Steam API key will immediately disable your existing key and generate a brand new one. This kills access with the old key across any linked accounts, tools, or integrations, so it‘s an essential step if your key gets compromised or leaked unexpectedly in the wild internet.
Without updating the new key everywhere, you may suddenly lose access to critical Steam functionality you rely on for gaming or development. So today we‘ll dive deeper on:
- The immediate impacts of revoking API keys
- When you should consider revoking your keys
- Step-by-step instructions to manage revoked keys
- Just how bad it can get if you don‘t stay on top of key security
- Pro tips for keeping your account and new keys safe
If you use Steam for gaming, trading, building apps, or even just collecting those sweet trading cards, stick around as we uncover it all!
Instant Access Changes When You Revoke Keys
As soon as you revoke your existing Steam Web API key, any tools or services connected to your Steam account via that key will break or act unpredictably.
Specific things likely to go haywire include:
- Custom trade bots won‘t function properly, if at all
- Mobile apps and sites leveraging your account data will fail
- Listings may disappear on integrated marketplaces like Skinport
- Automated inventory managers could incorrectly move items
- Developer products relying on account details will require immediate updates
Additionally, any pending Steam Community market listings or trade offers will often cancel or expire once that key deactivates. Only by quickly updating the new API key can you restore custom integrations.
Real-World Steam API Disasters
Take the CSGOFloat incident in 2020 where a site migration accidentally leaked API keys, causing items to disappear from thousands of Steam inventories. Without access, bots malfunctioned and trades failed, creating feelings of fear and uncertainty across the community. Even today you can still find unclaimed items in limbo from that debacle!
While extremely rare, it exemplifies why properly managing and updating API keys matters greatly. Don‘t be that person screaming on Reddit when things vanish without warning!
When Should You Revoke Your Steam Web API Key?
There‘s a few smart times to consider revoking your existing Steam API key:
1. You believe your key got leaked or compromised
If your key accidentally goes public or you notice unapproved trades on your account, revoke it ASAP. This instantly cuts off access to anyone abusing existing integrations. You can then safely update the new key only where it‘s explicitly needed.
2. You‘re no longer using integrated services
If you remove tools like custom trade bots or inventory managers, there‘s no reason to keep the associated key active. Revoking it adds an extra layer of security in case it leaks in the future.
3. You want to periodically rotate as a security best practice
Much like changing passwords over time, rotating API keys every so often can prevent unauthorized use even if accidentally exposed. Just be sure to update any active tools beforehand!
| Reason to Revoke Key | Overall Risk Rating |
|---|---|
| Key potentially leaked | Very High |
| No longer used in any services | Moderate |
| Standard rotation best practice | Low |
(Risk refers to account vulnerabilities if keys remain unchanged)
Step-By-Step: How to Revoke and Manage Steam API Keys
Through Steam‘s Web API site, the process of revoking and rotating API keys is simple:
- Login to your Steam user account
- Navigate to the Steam Web API site
- Locate the revoke button and confirm your action!
Once confirmed, your existing Web API authorization will disappear, with a brand new key appearing at the top.
📝 Now copy down this updated API key since you‘ll need it for any active custom services, bots, or other tools linked to your account.
To ensure no disruptions to gaming or inventory management, head into relevant sites/apps and swap the new key over right away. Overlooked tools can wreak havoc until updated, from failed trades to stuck item transfers.
For the best account security over time, be sure to:
🔑 Revoke unused legacy keys – This prevents oddball account access if exposed in the future
🔐 Periodically rotate active keys – Adds protection in case they ever leak publicly
🤝 Only enable sharing where absolutely needed – Limit integration use to trusted platforms
💾 Keep a list of enabled services – So you know what needs key updates when rotating
Follow these tips and you‘ll be far less likely to encounter account disruptions from outdated or leaked API keys down the road. Ultimately it takes vigilance, but that‘s a small price for keeping your Steam integration safely humming along!
About the Author
A lifelong PC gamer and Steam expert with over 200 AAA titles and 5,000+ CS:GO hours under his belt. His passion is enabling safe access to Steam‘s integration capabilities while minimizing account security risks.
