Using third party authenticator for 2FA

[silverhawke]

I've been using Google Authenticator comfortably lately, and I'm wondering if supporting this option is feasible. I don't really want to download the Steam app when I only wanted to use the authenticator, but I really would like to use 2FA.

[Satoru]

The authenticators primary utility is in trade confirmations. 2FA is more a of a side benefit

Also since it uses a 'semi custom' 2FA mechanism (the code generation is standard TOTP but the output is simply a convertion table to a 5 digit alpha numeric) 3rd party authentitcators dont work

[JPMcMillen]

The Authenticator does more than 2FA for Steam. It also provides an extra level of security by confirming all item trades and market listings on a second device where you can double check that the transaction is what you thought you were doing. While I'm sure the Goole Authenticator (or any other authenticator) could be supported by Steam, you'd still be lacking the ability to confirm trades/market listings meaning you'd be stuck with a 15 day hold on those transactions.

[silverhawke]

Hmm, I see... I didn't know it does way more (and that it uses alphanumeric instead). I guess I just gotta download the app, thanks!

[Spawn of Totoro]

Originally posted by silverhawke:

Hmm, I see... I didn't know it does way more (and that it uses alphanumeric instead). I guess I just gotta download the app, thanks!

I use the Google Authenticator for several account as well as several game token ones and Steam Authenticator well on my phone.

You only need the code for Steam one time for the client, provided you don't delete the cookies that it is stored in (somewhere in the Steam director). I have only entered it twice, since the authenticator came out, on this system.

[fede01_8]

Can you delete Steam Guard after authenticating your account? I don't want a couple of apps for that on my phone

[my new friend]

Originally posted by fede01_8:

Can you delete Steam Guard after authenticating your account? I don't want a couple of apps for that on my phone

You don't need the mobile app only Steam Guard email.

[Snapjak]

Originally posted by fede01_8:

Can you delete Steam Guard after authenticating your account? I don't want a couple of apps for that on my phone

Sure, if you don't want to be able to access your account, or confirm trades/market sales.