What Does "Already Been Activated" Mean
When you try to redeem a Steam Gift Card and see the message "This code has already been redeemed" or "Already Been Activated" — Steam is telling you that the code was used previously. The balance from that code was credited to someone else's account.
This is one of the most frustrating situations: you paid real money but the code is empty. Acting correctly is crucial to recovering your funds or getting a replacement.
Root Causes
| Cause | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Code was activated by a previous buyer (seller fraud) | Medium |
| Physical card was compromised in store (code scanned) | Medium |
| Code accidentally redeemed on your other account | Low |
| Valve database error (false positive) | Rare |
| Code sold twice by a dishonest seller | Medium |
Step-by-Step Actions
Step 1 — Check Your Other Steam Accounts
If you have multiple Steam accounts, log into each one and review the transaction history. The code may have been entered on a different account of yours.
Step 2 — Collect All Purchase Evidence
Before taking any other action, save:
- Screenshot or photo of the code
- Purchase receipt (PDF or email)
- Screenshot of the Steam error message
- Any communication with the seller
You will need this evidence for both Steam support and the seller.
Step 3 — Contact Steam Support
Submit a ticket at help.steampowered.com:
- Topic: Steam Wallet code — Already Redeemed
- Attach your screenshots
- Include the code and purchase date
Valve can verify whether the code was activated and, if fraud is confirmed, may block the funds or assist with a replacement.
Step 4 — Contact the Seller
A trustworthy seller will replace the code or issue a refund when presented with evidence. An unreliable seller will refuse — which is exactly why buying from verified stores matters.
Step 5 — File a Chargeback With Your Bank
If the seller refuses and the purchase was made by bank card, you can file a chargeback request. You will need your receipt, the Steam error screenshot and records of your communication with the seller as evidence.
How to Avoid This in the Future
- Only buy Gift Cards from authorised or trusted stores
- For physical cards — ensure the scratch-off coating on the code is intact
- Check the code immediately upon receiving it
- Keep your receipt until after the code is successfully redeemed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find out which account my code was activated on? No. Valve does not disclose this information. Only Steam support can see transaction details.
What if Steam support refuses to help? Resubmit the ticket with a clear focus on the fact that the code was purchased legitimately. Escalate if needed. Simultaneously pursue the seller or your bank.
Can reporting this to the police help? For significant amounts, possibly. A police report can strengthen a chargeback claim as evidence of fraud.
On Marix, every code is verified before sale — we guarantee the key has never been used. Buy Steam Gift Cards on Marix →