Paypal is one of the most popular payment platforms in the world and, naturally is the choice for millions of users around the world looking to make international payments. Marketplaces like Steam also incorporate PayPal into their billing services to make paying easy.
However, as seamless as service providers want the payment experience to be, it can run into hiccups from time to time. In this article, we’re talking about Paypal not working on Steam, its reasons, and what you can do to fix the problem.
Why isn’t Paypal working with Steam?
There are a number of reasons why you aren’t able to make payments with Paypal on Steam. Some common causes include:
- Internet connectivity issues
- Server issues with Paypal
- Steam and Paypal aren’t linked correctly
- Issues or restrictions on your Paypal account
- Not enough funds in your Paypal account
Also read: How to fix Steam error 16?
How to fix Paypal not working with Steam?
Here are nine fixes you can try out.
Power cycle your router
Restarting your router can fix a bunch of seemingly random issues with your network, which could, in turn, be causing problems with Steam. If you don’t have internet connectivity or an active connection, you’re going to get such issues on Steam. So try restarting your router to rule out any network issues that may be causing problems.
Use Steam in the browser instead
Sometimes the Steam client might find it difficult to connect with third-party services like Paypal. In such cases, it’s best that you close the Steam client and use the Steam website for your purchase instead. Once you’ve bought the game, you can then relaunch the Steam client and proceed to the installation.
Check Steam servers
Another thing you should do is check whether or not the service itself is working or not. Steam is used by millions across the globe, and the occasional outage here and there isn’t anything surprising.
You can use this page to check Steam’s server status
Clear the Steam browser cache
Clearing the Steam browser’s cache can also help resolve such errors.
Step 1: Open Steam, click on Steam in the top-right menu and click Settings.
Step 2: Head over to the Web Browser section and press the Delete Web Browser Cache and the Delete All Browser Cookies buttons.
Now restart Steam, and it should be able to work with Paypal just fine.
Temporary purchase block
If you’ve been buying a lot of games in a relatively short period of time, chances are Steam will put a temporary purchase block on your account that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to lift. During the block, you won’t be able to use any payment method, let alone Paypal.
Flush DNS
Misconfigured DNS settings can cause a lot of headaches, including interferences in online services. Here’s how you can reset them.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R and type in cmd, and hit enter.
Step 2: Type in ipconfig /flushdns to reset DNS settings to default.
If the above command doesn’t help, try entering these commands in the Command Prompt one at a time.
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip resetIf you suspect an issue with your router’s DHCP assignment, use these commands to release your old IP and request a new one.
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renewIf this doesn’t work, reset your network stack using the following commands.
ipconfig/flushdns
nbtstat -R
nbtstat -RR
netsh int ip reset C:\resetlog.txt
netsh winsock resetNow try paying with Paypal on Steam again. The payment should go through just fine.
Limited Paypal account
Sometimes, your Paypal account can get limited if you’ve got pending bills, have compliance issues or any other anomalies pending on your account. In such cases, Paypal refuses all incoming and in some cases, outgoing payments as well meaning you’ll likely run into an issue when trying to pay for your Steam games. To resolve this, login to Paypal and check to see what problem is causing your account restriction.
Remove and re-add Paypal account from Steam
Removing your Paypal account from Steam and then adding it again can also fix the issue. Here’s how.
Step 1: Open Steam, click your username in the top right and select Account details.
Step 2: Click the Delete button next to your Paypal payment method.
Once you’ve removed Paypal as a payment method, go back and try purchasing the game again. When asked for the payment, select Paypal and the payment should go through without any issues.
Steam Support
If nothing else works, your best bet is to contact Steam Support. You’ll find specific instructions for how to carry out actions like buying and even refunding games. If not, you can just get in touch with one of their customer service representatives and they’ll walk you through the purchase process.
Also read: Top 7 games like Ghost of Tsushima on Steam
