You had your heart set on purchasing a newly released game or snagging a classic hit at a discount on the Steam store. You made your selection and clicked to make your purchase, but now you’re faced with an error that has left your newly acquired game stuck in a perpetual “working” status. Frustration sets in as you wonder how to resolve this issue and finally enjoy your new game. We understand your predicament, and we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix the Steam purchase stuck on a “working” error.
@Steam so this is the second day I’ve tired to purchase these on your mobile App, and once again it’s stuck on the second screen, two days ago I got an email saying there’s been an error so I thought I’d try again and still not working 🙁 please help pic.twitter.com/Sm237DvElP
— 🥀 Riannon // ℜ𝔬𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔯𝔬𝔱 🥀 (@Riannstein) November 27, 2022
Steam Purchase Stuck – Best Fixes
When you encounter the “working” error while trying to make a Steam purchase, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. We’ll cover each of these steps to ensure you can get back to gaming without further delay.
Steam Purchase Stuck on “Working”
First, let’s take a closer look at the issue at hand. You’ve made your selection and initiated the purchase, but instead of a smooth transaction, you’re left with a frustrating “working” status that seems to go on indefinitely. This can be caused by various factors, including pending transactions, network issues, or payment problems. Let’s address these one by one.
Check if the Steam Server is Down
The first and simplest step to take is checking if the Steam server is experiencing any outages or issues. Steam’s server status can be accessed online to determine if there’s a widespread problem affecting users. If the servers are down, you won’t be able to complete your purchase, and you’ll need to wait until the issue is resolved. However, if the servers are up and running, but you’re still facing the same problem, proceed to the next solution.
Cancel Pending Transactions
Pending transactions can often lead to the “working” error on Steam. If you have a previous purchase that has not been verified, it can interfere with your ability to make new purchases. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
- Open the Steam launcher and click on “Account Details.”
- Next, click on “View Purchase History.”
- Select any games that have a “Pending” tag and hit “Cancel this transaction.”
- After cancelling the pending transactions, restart Steam and try purchasing your desired game again.
Disable Proxy and VPN Apps
If cancelling pending transactions doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to check if any proxy or VPN software is causing the problem. Steam’s policy prohibits the use of VPNs to purchase games at lower regional prices. If you have any such software enabled, disable it, and then attempt your purchase again. If disabling proxies or VPNs doesn’t work, move on to the final solution.
Check your Payment Details & Account Balance
If you’ve exhausted the previous options and the “working” error persists, it’s time to ensure your payment details are accurate. Any discrepancies in your payment information can lead to failed purchases. Additionally, make sure you have a sufficient balance in your Steam account to cover the cost of your desired game. If your payment details are accurate and you have enough balance, your purchase should proceed without a hitch.
These are the key fixes for resolving the Steam purchase stuck on “working” error. If you’ve followed these steps and your issue remains unresolved, it’s advisable to reach out to Steam’s customer support for further assistance. Once your issue is resolved, you can finally enjoy your newly acquired game without any hindrance.
