One little question about our all beloved Steam Authenticator:
If I used my phone number for it (and use the version for desktop): Will there be any negative consequences? Like spam-sms I'll receive or taxes/costs I'd have to pay? (And does anyone know which desktop version would be best to get; maybe with link?)
Thx in advance
-Cookie

8 years ago

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I've been using it for quite a while and have never once received a message or call or anything, so it's pretty safe to say you probably won't either.

8 years ago
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Same as HCL. No spam yet and I've been using it for as long as it's been available.

8 years ago
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https://www.reddit.com/r/tf2/comments/3ug38r/introducing_the_steam_desktop_authenticator_beta/

I use this one for my alt accounts, so far so good, been using since it was released.

8 years ago
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No cost whatsoever unless your carrier charges you for receiving SMS
which would be unusual unless you live in a deserted bunghole.

8 years ago
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I live in somewhere that's not a deserted bunghole, but I still get charged to receive SMS

8 years ago
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If it weren't you'd be at liberty to pick one that doesn't - wherever that might be. :D

8 years ago
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at liberty, yes. but it's not a viable option.
I have a grandfathered unlimited data plan, which haven't been offered here in years. If I were to switch to a new plan that included free texts (all plans these days), I would lose the unlimited data.

8 years ago
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Paying to receive SMS? Limited data? Sounds like a desert alright.

8 years ago
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not a desert, but not the developed world either

8 years ago
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so, did i get that right (i just read a bit more): once i activate this steamguard i need to check my desktop-steam-app-thingy for a (new) code to give in everytime i want to access my steam account? so basically relog each time?
and also would i have to download that steam app if i got it for desktop? or would i just have to get the desktop-program and type in my phone number?

8 years ago
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There is no other official application for the steam authenticator except the phone application. You can save the login on 1 computer,
as long you don't change the user you won't have to view/enter the steam auth. code from your phone every time you try to login - else you will.

It will still ask sometimes for a login in your browser or elsewhere (buying) for your auth code from the phone application (which
doesn't require interwebs to view the codes) only for trade confirmations and probably removing the steam auth altogether, you
require a interweb connection on your phone):

^ Meaning you won't receive SMS messages for those actions ... you get a SMS only when you try to remove the authenticator and the first time you're installing it on your phone/linking the number to your steam account. Still you will need to connect your phone
to your wifi which is free anyway as long you have a phone that supports wifi.

8 years ago*
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and also would i have to download that steam app if i got it for desktop? or would i just have to get the desktop-program and type in my phone number?
(thx for the help btw)

8 years ago
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Not that i know - the unofficial Desktop Authenticator substitutes the phone authenticator application (so you won't need that but you will still need a SMS-capable phone).

8 years ago
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one last question: if i get for example bluestacks: do i have to link to phone or is email address ok as well?

8 years ago
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i don't know exactly i don't use either of those but i'm assuming you will need a phone number regardless as those only substitute/emulate the application that would run on your phone not the entire safety measure ( > the phone number)

8 years ago
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You could take WinAuth which seems to be well liked.
Nothing bad happens to the number, they only need it to send codes with SMS for added security.

8 years ago
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I haven't had anything like that myself.

8 years ago
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