How To Fix Steam Won’t Go Online Or Stuck In Offline Mode

There may be times when Steam won’t go online or gets stuck in offline mode. If you’re experiencing any of these problems lately, there’s a set of troubleshooting steps that you can do to fix them. 

This guide will show you some of the common solutions that we find effective in fixing Steam connection troubles.

Reasons why Steam won’t go online

There are many factors that you should consider if Steam is not connecting or not going online. Let’s discuss each of them briefly.

Random app or software bug.

If left running for an extended period, an application or your computer may develop a minor bug. To see if that’s the case, you should try to refresh the system or the application in question by restarting it. 

Steam server outage.

In some other cases, the problem may have something to do with server-side issues. Try checking news outlets for a possible server outage for Steam services. You can also use third party site like downdetector.com to check if there’s an on-going outage for Steam.

You can also opt to go official by using Steam’s own server status page.

PC internet connection issue.

Your computer’s internet functionality should also be considered when Steam can’t suddenly go online. Your computer’s NIC or Network Interface Card may not be working right, or if you’re on a laptop, the wireless card may be damaged or malfunctioning. Try to use wired connection in your PC if your wireless functionality is down.Do further PC troubleshooting if you suspect that your computer’s internet connection is the one causing the problem.

Network devices not working.

Another possible source of the problem can be your modem or router. Try to power cycle your network devices by unplugging them (if you’re using both) from the wall outlet for at least 30 seconds. Afterwards, turn your modem or router again and see how internet connection works on your PC. Then, check Steam one more time to see if it can now go online.

Steam files are corrupted.

Steam uses a set of files and folders or library in order to work. If one or more files are outdated or corrupted, it may encounter trouble when trying to go online. 

Sets of troubleshooting steps to do if Steam won’t go online

You can fix any Steam issues you’re having if you follow this guide. 

  1. Restart Steam Client.

    This is a simple troubleshooting step that can fix your issue if it’s due to a minor bug or temporary power glitch problem. Log out of your Steam account, close the Steam client and sign back in. In many cases, this is enough to fix a Steam issue.log out 1

  2. Check Steam Server Status.

    Visit the official Steam server status page to see if there’s on-going outage. Valve’s Steam services are not up 100% of the time and in some rare cases, there may be system-wide problems that can happen.Steam server status

  3. Reboot your PC.

    Another simple troubleshooting step that you can do is to reboot your computer. Some Steam client issues are caused by minor power bugs in a PC. Restarting a system is the minimum that you must do to try to fix whatever Steam issue you’re having.Restart 1

  4. Check the modem or router.

    Troubleshooting your network equipment may help if there’s no Steam-server issues. There are a number of steps that you can do by following this router troubleshooting guide from Steam.Fix Steam won't go online by troubleshooting the router

  5. Reconfigure the PC’s firewall.

    If it’s your first time to install Steam on your computer, it’s possible that your computer’s firewall may be blocking it from connecting to the Steam network. Steam may also stop working if there’s a recent system update in your computer that affects network configuration. 
    Try to check your computer’s firewall so that it can allow Steam to connect online.firewall

  6. Clear download cache.

    Steam may not work properly if one or more necessary files in its cache is corrupted or outdated. You can force Steam to redownload the cache in order to fix the issue.Clear download cache 3

  7. Recreate the Steam shortcut.

    Some Steam issues are fixed by editing the shortcut icon. Follow these steps to modify the shortcut:
    Locate your Steam icon (for example in your desktop folder).
    Create a shortcut of Steam in the same directory.
    Click Properties and head over to the General tab.
    In the Target dialogue box, add -tcp in the end and click Apply.
    Use this shortcut to launch Steam.Steam shortcut

  8. Re-install Steam application.

    If there’s no known internet problem with your network and Steam servers are up and running, you can try to reinstall Steam client to fix the issue. Deleting the Steam client from your computer will also delete your installed games so you’ll have to also reinstall them afterwards.
    Make sure to get the Steam client from their official website only.reinstall Steam

Suggested readings:

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