How to Set Up Family View on Steam

Setting up Steam Family View is a great way for parents to manage and monitor their children’s gaming activities on Steam. If you need instructions on setting up a Steam account, click here. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Access Steam Settings

1. Launch Steam: Open the Steam application on your computer.
2. Log In: Ensure you are logged into your Steam account that you want to use for parental controls.
3. Access Settings: Click on “Steam” in the top-left corner of the Steam client. From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”

Step 2: Enable Family View

1. Navigate to Family View Settings: In the Settings window, find and click on the “Family” tab located on the left-hand side.
2. Enable Family View: Look for the option labeled “Family View.” Click on “Family View” to start the setup process.
3. Create a PIN: Steam will prompt you to create a 4-digit PIN code. This PIN will be required to exit Family View or make changes to the settings in the future. Choose a PIN that you can easily remember but isn’t obvious to your child.

Step 3: Customize Family View Settings

1. Select Apps and Features: After setting up the PIN, you can customize which features of Steam your child can access. This includes the Steam Store, Library, Community, and Friends.
2. Set Restrictions: You can also set specific restrictions such as blocking access to the Steam Store or preventing your child from making purchases.
3. Manage Library Content: In the Family View settings, you can select which games and apps your child can access from your Steam Library. You can individually mark games as “Allowed” or “Blocked” by checking the boxes next to each title.

Step 4: Exit Family View

1. Enter the PIN: To exit Family View and return to the regular Steam interface, you’ll need to enter the PIN you created earlier.
2. Make Changes: Once you’ve exited Family View, you can make adjustments to the settings anytime by repeating the steps above.

Additional Tips:

• Communication: It’s helpful to communicate with your child about the boundaries and restrictions you’re setting up. Explain why Family View is important and how it helps ensure they have a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
• Regular Check-ins: Periodically review the games your child is playing and adjust the settings as necessary. Steam allows you to quickly update permissions based on your child’s maturity level and your preferences.

By setting up Steam Family View, you can create a safer and more controlled gaming environment for your child while still allowing them to enjoy the games they love.