Anyone who’s tried purchasing games or items on Steam may have encountered a frustrating issue: Steam Cart Error Code 2, which typically prevents users from adding items to their cart. This seemingly small glitch can stand in the way of taking advantage of sales or making game purchases, causing major annoyance when you’re ready to check out. While this error can arise from multiple underlying causes, there are several effective troubleshooting steps that can help fix the issue.
TL;DR
Error Code 2 on Steam prevents users from adding items to their shopping cart, often due to server connectivity issues, account-related problems, or browser cache errors. To fix the problem, users should try restarting Steam, clearing browser cache, switching networks, or logging in via the web version of Steam. If the problem continues, contacting Steam Support may be necessary.
What Is Steam Error Code 2?
Error code 2 is a general or ambiguous error code that Steam generates when something prevents a selected item from being added to your shopping cart. While the error message may not tell you much, it usually involves a problem with communication between your local client (app or browser) and the Steam servers.
Common reasons for this error include:
- Steam server outages or maintenance
- Problems with your internet connection
- Account-related issues such as bans, restrictions, or regional limitations
- Cache or cookie conflicts with the Steam client or web browser
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Steam Cart Error Code 2
1. Check the Status of Steam Servers
Before tweaking settings or restarting your device, start with the easiest fix: check if Steam is down. Sometimes, error code 2 appears because Steam’s servers are temporarily offline or experiencing high traffic.
- Visit steamstat.us to view real-time server status.
- Check Steam’s official Twitter or status page for news on maintenance or outages.
If there’s a server outage, you may need to simply wait until services are restored.
2. Restart the Steam Client
Errors that come and go can often be resolved by giving the client a quick reset.
- Completely exit Steam (including closing it from the taskbar or system tray).
- Wait a few seconds, then relaunch the client.
- Try adding the item again.
3. Use Steam via a Web Browser
If the desktop client is giving you trouble, try purchasing through a browser instead. Go to store.steampowered.com, log in with your credentials, and attempt to add items to the cart.
This workaround can help isolate whether the issue is with your local desktop client.
4. Clear Web Browser and Steam Client Cache
Corrupted cache files can cause strange behavior in both browsers and the Steam app. Try clearing them using the following steps:
For your web browser:
- Go to your browser settings
- Navigate to history or privacy settings
- Clear browsing data (make sure to select cache and cookies)
For the Steam client:
- Open Steam and go to Settings > Web Browser
- Click Delete Web Browser Cache and Delete All Browser Cookies
- Restart Steam
5. Switch to a Different Network or Use VPN
Sometimes, your current network setup might be causing issues with Steam’s server communication. You might be using a restricted network or an IP range that Steam doesn’t like.
- Try switching from Wi-Fi to a wired connection
- Use a different network (e.g., mobile hotspot or a public network)
- Optional: Use a reputable VPN set to a region matching your Steam account’s region
6. Log Out and Log Back In
This simple trick is surprisingly effective. It can help refresh your session and fix issues related to expired session tokens or cookies.
- Go to Steam > Change Account in the desktop client
- Log out, then close and reopen Steam
- Log back in and retry adding the item to your cart
7. Disable Browser or Network Extensions
If you’re using any browser extensions (like ad-blockers) or firewalls, they might interfere with how Steam loads and functions, especially on the web version.
- Temporarily disable browser extensions like Ghostery, uBlock Origin, etc.
- Pause or reconfigure software firewalls or parental control applications if they are too restrictive
Then, refresh the page and try adding the item again.
8. Try Purchasing Later
If you’re trying to shop during large events like Steam Summer or Winter Sales, servers might be overloaded. In such cases, just waiting 15–30 minutes and trying again can work wonders.
Steam’s cart system might limit the number of simultaneous item selections or purchases during peak hours.
9. Reach Out to Steam Support
If all else fails, contacting Steam Support is your best option. If your account has region locks, limitations on purchases, or account flags, support staff can clarify and resolve the issue.
- Visit help.steampowered.com
- Select Purchases > I have a problem with my Steam Store
- Submit a ticket describing the problem, including any error codes
Preventing Steam Cart Errors in the Future
While you can’t control Steam servers, here are a few tips to minimize the chances of encountering Error Code 2 again:
- Maintain a stable and reliable internet connection when shopping on Steam
- Keep the Steam client updated to the latest version
- Regularly clear your browser and client cache if you make frequent purchases
- Avoid using aggressive ad blockers or VPNs unless necessary
FAQ: Steam Cart Error Code 2
- Q: What triggers Steam Cart Error Code 2?
A: It’s usually caused by connection issues, server outages, client bugs, or cache problems. - Q: Can I still purchase games after seeing the error?
A: Yes, but you may need to follow the troubleshooting steps to fix the cart and complete your purchase. - Q: Is this error linked to my Steam account?
A: Sometimes. If your account has region locks, pending bans, or restrictions, you may see cart-related errors. - Q: Will changing regions in Steam fix the problem?
A: Not always. In fact, switching regions unnecessarily might cause more problems, especially if not living in that country. - Q: How long does it usually take to resolve Error Code 2?
A: Depending on the cause, it may be fixed within minutes if it’s just a client cache issue or require up to 24–48 hours if waiting on support.
In most cases, Steam Cart Error Code 2 can be quickly resolved by following the above fixes. Keeping your client updated, reducing clutter in your cache, and monitoring server activity are all good habits to maintain a seamless shopping experience on Steam.