In short
- "Random key" means a product key for a randomly chosen Steam game; the game is revealed when you activate it. The tier names in GiftGame (Silver, Gold, Diamond) separate the pools the key comes from and do not promise a specific game.
- The key is activated in the Steam client via Add a Game → Activate a Product on Steam or on the registration page in a browser.
- An "already used" error means the key was registered to another Steam account; Steam does not allow a second registration.
A Steam random key is a Steam product key whose game is not revealed in advance; you enter it in the Steam client through "Add a Game" and "Activate a Product on Steam", and the game is added to your library. According to Steam, the same can be done on the product key registration page in a browser.
What is a Steam random key?
According to Steam's help page, a product key (CD key) is a string of letters and numbers that registers a game to a Steam account. A "random key" is a product where the game behind the key is not stated beforehand: when you activate it, Steam shows which game was added. In GiftGame, random key rewards are delivered as digital keys; names such as Silver, Gold and Diamond separate the pools the key comes from. Which game you get is not known in advance and no specific game or price is promised.
Where does your key arrive in GiftGame?
When you pick a Steam random key reward with GG in GiftGame:
- You choose the reward and the GG is deducted from your balance.
- Your request is approved.
- After approval the key arrives as a message in your inbox in the app; in your web account it opens with Show code.
The key is shown only inside your GiftGame account. Do not give it to anyone on Discord or in chats offering to "check your key"; see the safety guide.
Step by step in the Steam client
The flow from Steam's "Retail CD Keys" and "Activating a Product on Steam" pages:
- Open the Steam client and log in.
- Click Add a Game at the bottom left.
- Choose Activate a Product on Steam.
- Accept the Steam Subscriber Agreement and enter the key from your GiftGame inbox.
- Follow the on-screen steps; the game is added to your library and can be downloaded.
The same can be done from the top menu: Games → Activate a Product on Steam...
Activating in a browser
According to Steam, a key can also be registered in a browser: open Steam's product key registration page (store.steampowered.com/account/registerkey), sign in with your Steam account and enter the key. The game is added to your library the same way.
If you get an error
| Error | Steam's explanation | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid Product Code | Shown when the key is not meant for Steam registration or was typed wrong. | Check look-alike characters: Steam suggests trying Q, D or O for 0; I or L for 1; 8 for B; 6 for G. Use copy and paste. |
| Duplicate product code (already used) | The key was tied to a Steam account before and cannot be registered again. | Check your own library and other Steam accounts; if the problem persists, write to GiftGame support. |
| Region restriction | According to Steam, some publishers restrict keys to certain regions; registering in another region fails. | Write to GiftGame support with your order number. |
| Game not in the library | The registration may not have completed. | Restart Steam and refresh the library. |
Steam's page says a registered key also serves as proof of purchase and proof of account ownership, so keep the key somewhere safe and never share it.
Other redeem guides: Steam wallet code, Google Play code, Razer Gold PIN. Ways to collect GG are in the how to earn GG guide, other questions in the FAQ.
Sources
- Steam Support: Activating a Product on Steamhelp.steampowered.com (opens in a new tab)
- Steam Support: Retail CD Keyshelp.steampowered.com (opens in a new tab)
- Steam Support: duplicate key errorhelp.steampowered.com (opens in a new tab)
- Steam: product key registration pagestore.steampowered.com (opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions
What does Steam random key mean?
It is a Steam product key whose game is not stated in advance; when you activate it, Steam shows which game was added to your library. No specific game or price is promised.
Where do I enter the key on Steam?
In the Steam client click Add a Game at the bottom left, choose Activate a Product on Steam and enter the key. Steam's product key registration page in a browser works too.
I get an "already used" error, what should I do?
According to Steam this means the key was tied to a Steam account before and cannot be registered again. Check your own accounts; if the problem persists, write to GiftGame support with your order number.
Can I swap the game I got?
No. With a random key the game is not known in advance and an activated key is tied to the account; Steam does not exchange retail keys.
Can the key be region restricted?
According to Steam, some publishers restrict their keys to certain regions and registration in another region fails. If you get such an error, write to GiftGame support.
Thanks, your feedback was saved.
