[OUTDATED] Unable to enter serial key [FIX] (Plus additional fixes and quirks)

WARNING: This guide is outdated and all of the images represent older UIs. Despite the UI changes, you would think that this process would still at least work, but it seems like that isn't the case, so I would suggest contacting EA support. You can still try this process, and if nothing else, it *may* add the game to your account if the key isn't already somehow redeemed, and in a super rare case, it may even make the Steam version work without requesting the key (as it used to, and did for me in the first place). The results seem to be overwhelmingly negative in recent years though.

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A guide to redeeming your serial key so you can play multiplayer (as well as some other little fixes and tips) :)
I've seen a lot of bad reviews because people weren't aware that you can simply redeem the code on EA's site. Here you go, noobs. This will also give you the game on Origin.

I. Find your serial key

Option I. You can either launch the game and have Steam give you the key there...

OR

Option II. Go to the game's page in your library (assuming you're in Games Details mode, the default), look in the list of the links on the right, and find CD Key.



Either way, find the key and copy it.

II. Redeem your key on ea.com

• Go to EA's site.
  
  
• Login.
  
  
• Select your profile.
  
  
  
  
• Select Account Settings.
  
  
  
  
• Click Redeem Product Code.
  
  
  
  
• Enter your product code (serial key, CD key, etc.) and click Next.

You should now have the game attached to your EA account. This means you also own the game on Origin[www.origin.com] as well as Steam.

Most importantly, when the game contacts the servers, it will detect that the key is already redeemed and won't ask you for it.

III. Launch the game and enjoy!

You may now play the game without any problems!

Simply launch the game, click login and log into your EA account that you had or created, and then you're ready to go :)

BONUS: Additional fixes

Some users are experiencing some other issues, and here I'll try to keep a collection of them in this section.

If you'd like to address an issue, make a comment and I'll try to add your solution ASAP. Thanks to everyone for helping. If it's a more serious problem and solution, consider adding it to PCGamingWiki[pcgamingwiki.com].

No servers appearing (Submitted by Darth Hippious)

This is an easy one, just click the Search buttion in the server browser.

Failed to request product key from Steam (Submitted by PCMR Peasant)

If this error occurs, then Steam has ran out of serial keys and must acquire more keys. Contact support for more info.

[nicholas]

This doesn't help at all. I'm still getting the serial key prompt, and when I enter the code, it says the code is already in use. WTF??

[OCDonut]

Bought it, had to contact EA with proof of purchase from steam. Only way it'll work, which is stupid but at least it works now.

[Strawberry]

DAMN IT BRO so nothing actually works here. (basing from the comments)

[!Dominic Veretto!]

kimakk steam pon nak scam orang sial

[A-O]

same godamnmm boat....purchased through steam....only provded me 2 keys for the bundle you all talk about it too......and just wasted an hour providing some jerkkkkkffffff RAHUL from EA with every possible proof of purchase from steam for the game and he keeps saying no and hangs up....lets just say i wish i could take a flight to visit RAHUL and his POS SELF. i just wrote a ticket to steam now so lets see what circle jerkk this will become....

[Joe's mom]

still getting "serial key is already in use"

[Mysstic™]

Purchased Bad Company 2 Bundle (the one with vietnam along with the game itself), I followed through this guide and used my serial keys on EA's website, but when I login in the game it still asks me for serial keys and when I enter my key it says my key is already used.

[CodyWinters]

Called EA. Get the same Indian dude that picked up last year and the year before. Dude does not help. Tells me to contact steam. Steam tells me to contact EA. Steam also rejected a refund for this game as I had to purchase it on Origin which is unfair.

[PELLE.]

still getting"serial key is already in use" here...

[CodyWinters]

Any luck lately as of 2022?