How to Remove Steam Trade Holds? A Simple Guide

Steam uses trade holds to keep user accounts and in-game items safe. When a trade starts, Steam holds the items for a set time before sending them to the other person. This waiting period gives users time to check for any unauthorized or suspicious trades and cancel them if needed. Trade holds usually last up to 15 days, but if both users have been friends on Steam for over a year, the hold lasts only one day.

For CS2 players, in-game items like weapon skins, knives, and other cosmetics are valuable both in money and within the gaming community. Players who trade or sell these items need to understand how trade holds work. Knowing the rules helps them complete trades on time, avoid unexpected delays, and keep their inventory safe from scams or account theft. Turning on security features like the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator can reduce or remove trade holds, making trading faster and safer.

What Is Steam Trade Hold?

A Steam Trade Hold is a security measure that helps protect users from unauthorized trades. When both users agree to a trade, Steam holds the items for a set time before transferring them. This delay gives users time to check for any suspicious activity and cancel trades if necessary. It also prevents hackers from quickly stealing items from compromised accounts.

Trade holds usually last up to 15 days, but the exact duration depends on certain factors:

• No Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator – If a user has not enabled the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, their trades will have a 15-day hold. This extra time adds protection for accounts without the added security of the authenticator.
• With Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator – If a user activates the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator and keeps it linked to their account for at least 7 days, trade holds no longer apply. Trades will go through immediately.
• Long-Term Friends on Steam – If two users have been friends on Steam for over one year, the trade hold is reduced to 1 day, even if they do not have the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator.

Steam enforces these trade holds to protect item owners and the wider community from fraud. Following security recommendations, such as enabling the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, helps reduce or remove trade holds, making trading faster and safer.

Common Triggers for Trade Holds

1. Lack of Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator
   If you do not enable the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, your trades will have a 15-day hold. This security measure helps protect your account and items from unauthorized access and fraud. Turning on the authenticator reduces or removes trade holds, making trading faster and safer.
2. Recent Changes to Account Information
   Changing your password or email address can trigger trade holds. These security steps ensure that only the account owner makes changes. After updating account details, Steam temporarily restricts trading to prevent unauthorized transactions. A password change leads to a 7-day hold, while an email change results in a 5-day hold. Knowing about these delays can help you plan trades without unexpected interruptions.
3. Trading with Users Who Do Not Have the Authenticator
   If you trade with someone who has not enabled the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, the trade may be delayed. Even if your account has the authenticator, Steam applies trade holds to ensure security for both users. This reduces the risk of scams or unauthorized trades. To avoid delays, trade with users who also use the authenticator.

Knowing these common reasons for trade holds can help you trade more efficiently and securely, especially in Counter-Strike 2.

Steps to Remove or Prevent Trade Holds

Enable Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator

How to Install and Activate:

1. Download and install the Steam Mobile App on your iOS or Android device.
2. Open the app and log into your Steam account.
3. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner and select “Steam Guard.”
4. Choose “Add Authenticator” and enter your phone number as instructed.
5. Steam will send a confirmation code to your phone. Enter this code to verify your number.
6. Save the recovery code in a safe place. You will need this code to recover your account if you lose access to your phone.

Waiting Period:
Once you activate the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, you must wait 7 days before trade holds are removed.
During this time, trades will still follow the standard hold period.
After the 7-day waiting period, future trades will go through without delays—unless you make other security changes to your account.

Maintain Consistent Account Information

Avoid Frequent Changes:
Changing your password, email, or phone number too often can cause more trade holds.
To avoid resetting security timers and facing new delays, only update your account details when necessary.

Be Cautious with Trading Partners

Check Authenticator Status:
When trading with someone, make sure both of you have the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator activated for at least 7 days.
If either person does not have the authenticator, the trade may be held for up to 15 days.
To avoid long trade holds, try to trade only with users who have the authenticator enabled and who keep their account details consistent.

Navigating Steam Trade Holds

Understanding and managing Steam’s trade hold system is crucial for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) players who engage in trading or selling in-game items. Trade holds are security measures designed to protect users from unauthorized transactions by delaying the transfer of items for a specified period. This delay allows users to detect and cancel any unauthorized or suspicious trades, thereby safeguarding their valuable items.​

To prevent or minimize trade holds, it’s essential to enable the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator. This security feature significantly reduces the hold duration, allowing for more immediate trades. Additionally, maintaining consistent account information and being cautious with trading partners can help avoid unnecessary delays. For CS2 items, be aware that all items acquired from the in-game store, trade offers, or the Steam Community Market are subject to a seven-day re-trade and re-market restriction. By implementing these measures, you can ensure a smoother and more secure trading experience on Steam.