steam guard backup code is only 6 digits

[DualPolarity91]

just wanted to let anyone who wasnt aware know, the "backup code" steam guard shows you and tells you to write down when you activate it, is only a 6 digit code, and if you get logged out of your mobile app, like randomly happened to me earlier today, you need a SEVEN digit backup code to get back in. I dont know if this code is for something else, like steam support, or what, but if you have steam guard, i highly recommend going into your account details->account security->manage steam guard->get backup steam guard codes to get a list of backup codes and write them down or print and save them somewhere, because the one steam guard gives you does not work

[Muppet among Puppets]

The one you get to write down is the recovery code, to remove auth in case you need to.
You can not log in with it.

[PERASTIKOS ON THE GOOD]

i need healp for steam

[StickyPawz]

Found this 2020 post via google by fellow user "Brujeira"

The backup codes are codes that you can use to log in instead of using an authenticator code if you don't have it with you - an emergency measure. The recovery code is only used if you want to remove the authenticator from the account but don't actually have it any more - basically for when your phone is lost/stolen/wiped or things like that. That's why you're told to write it down on a piece of paper and store it somewhere safe - it's a last resort that you'll only use if you have no other option.