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How can I know if a key is already used?

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mizifail

I have keys for 3 games that I currently have in my library, and I want to make giveaways from them

the proble is: I don't know if the keys are used or not.

I have the games, and when I put the keys to activate them, appears the message: you already have the game, so you can't activate this key.

I tried to activate USED keys just for test and I receive the message: invalid key

I asked some people and they say that invalid key is not the message of an used key.

now my mind is playing tricks on me, so anyone knows how to know if a key is used? xD

1 decade ago*

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10 Comments
Jonex

There is no possible way to check whether a key is valid without activating it. Steam will never create a system to check keys because, simply put, they don't want people trading keys. Games purchased from their store have the trading privileges.

Sorry, you're not the only one who wants it :(

1 decade ago
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DerangedBoar

invalid might mean you are locked out

1 decade ago
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KlassicGamer

If it says you already have the game, then the game you're trying is already in your library. Chances are the keys are unused. I doubt you get that message if the key is invalid.

1 decade ago
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tzuqris

Just wanted to note that you do actually get that message whether the key is used or not. Just in case anybody need that clarified.

1 decade ago
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Gainja

You're talking about chances and doubts - don't do that :p

As has already been said: There's no way to test it. If you own the game already, it will always tell you that, regardless if the key has been used or not.

1 decade ago
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FrozenSkull

You cant!

1 decade ago
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Psymon

You can't check if keys are used or not

1 decade ago
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nosef

Hmm no idea Mizi, you'll be best not giving them away probably :| (you can trade, but you go first so they can check if the key works xD)

1 decade ago
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iCybershot

You can check if a key is used or not by contacting steam support. All they can tell you is weather the key is used or not. They can't tell you who used the key.

1 decade ago
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Raytiger3

Just make a group giveaway with the disclaimer: I DON'T KNOW IF THE KEYS WORK!
And like iCybershot says, you can contact the Steam support to know whether the key is used, or unused.

1 decade ago
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Closed 1 decade ago by mizifail.