How To Fix The Steam “Your Transaction Cannot Be Completed…” Error

Have you ever been super excited about a Steam sale, ready to snag your favorite games at awesome prices? But then, out of nowhere, you hit a snag – a weird error pops up and won’t go away! One common headache is this message: “Your transaction cannot be completed because you have another pending transaction on your account.” Sounds frustrating, right?

In this guide, we’re diving into how to fix this super annoying error. Plus, we’ll also share some handy tips for dealing with other typical Steam Shop glitches. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the Steam world, we’ve got the solutions to keep your gaming journey smooth and fun!

What Causes the Error

Ever wonder what’s really going on when you see the message, “Your transaction cannot be completed because you have another pending transaction on your account”? Let’s break it down.

It’s All About the Connection

The main troublemaker here is a mix-up between your home internet (your local network) and Steam’s own computers (their servers). When you buy something online, there’s a super important thing called ‘secure certificates’. These are like digital IDs that make sure the payment is safe and legit. But sometimes, your internet and Steam’s system don’t see eye to eye on these certificates.

Steam’s Safety Net

To protect you from any possible mistakes or, worse, fraud, Steam puts your purchase on hold. It’s like saying, “Hold up, let’s make sure everything’s safe before we go any further.” And because of this safety check, Steam won’t let any new payments through until the issue is all cleared up. That’s the reason you’re seeing that pesky error message.

How Can I Get Rid of It?

Struggling with the “Your transaction cannot be completed because you have another pending transaction on your account” error? No worries! Here’s a step-by-step guide to fix it:

1. Check if Steam is Taking a Nap (Server Down?)

🔍 Quick Server Check:

• Sometimes, Steam’s servers might be on a break (a rare but possible hiccup).
• You can use Downdetector to check if Steam’s servers are down.
• If they are, just chill and wait. Once Steam’s up and running, restart the app and check your cart again.

2. Is the Game Being Stubborn? (Product Issues)

🎮 Fixing Game Purchase Glitches:

• The game you’re trying to buy might be causing the glitch.
• Here’s how to cancel a purchase:
  1. Open the Steam app.
  2. Click your profile icon (top right).
  3. Select “Account details.”
  4. Go to “Store & Purchase History” and then “View purchase history.”
  5. Find any “Pending” purchases and click on them to cancel.
• After canceling, try buying the game again or go for other games in your cart.

3. Is Your VPN Getting in the Way?

🌐 VPN Troubles:

• If your VPN (Virtual Private Network) location doesn’t match your Steam account location, things can get tricky.
• Here’s a quick fix:
  1. Close Steam completely (check the taskbar’s hidden icons).
  2. Exit your VPN from the hidden icons menu or use the Task Manager to end its process.
• Once your VPN is off, restart Steam and check if the issue is resolved.

4. Maybe It’s Just the Steam App

🛠 Refreshing the Steam App:

• Sometimes the Steam app itself might have a hiccup.
• Clearing the Steam cache might help:
  1. Open Steam.
  2. Click “Steam” (top left), then “Settings.”
  3. Go to “Downloads” and hit “Clear Download Cache.”
• Restart Steam and see if that fixes the problem.

5. Try the Steam Website Instead

💻 Web Browser to the Rescue:

• If the app is being stubborn, try buying the game directly from the Steam website.
• Log in, find your game, add to cart, and checkout.

6. When in Doubt, Ask for Help!

🆘 Steam’s Help Desk:

• If you’ve tried everything and it’s still not working, it’s time to ask the experts.
• Check out the Steam customer service for more help and advice.

Other Common Steam Store Issues

Steam is awesome, but sometimes it throws a curveball with some common issues. Don’t worry, here are easy fixes for them!

1. When the Steam Store Just Won’t Load

🔄 Refreshing Steam:

• If Steam is being stubborn and not loading, it’s probably a download glitch.
• You can fix it right from Windows! Here’s how:
  • Type “Run” in your search bar.
  • Type steam://flushconfig in the text bar.
  • Click “OK” on all the pop-ups.
  • Restart Steam, and it should update smoothly (you’ll need to log in again).

2. Can’t Find Your Games? They Haven’t Vanished!

🕵️‍♂️ Finding Missing Games:

• Steam keeps all your bought games safe, even those not sold anymore. If a game’s playing hide-and-seek, here’s what to do:
  • Check if you’re viewing all games, not just the installed ones. Look for a play icon above the search bar in the Library tab.
  • Gifted games might be hanging out in your inventory. Some need to be redeemed before showing up in your library. So, peek into your inventory for any game codes.
  • Was the game part of a special event? Some games are available only for free weekends or as limited demos. They’ll show up in your library during the event but disappear afterward.

Wrapping Up: Navigating Steam Like a Pro!

Steam is like a treasure chest for gamers, offering a world of amazing games. But, let’s face it, sometimes it throws a wrench in the works with those pesky errors. Don’t let them get you down, though!

Getting past that frustrating “Your transaction cannot be completed because you have another pending transaction on your account” error is crucial, especially when those awesome sales are on. With the tips we’ve shared, you’re now equipped to tackle this issue head-on. So, the next time a sale comes around, you’ll be snagging deals like a pro!

Got your own tricks for dealing with Steam’s pending transaction bug? Or maybe some other cool Steam hacks? We’re all ears! Drop your wisdom and experiences in the comment section below. Let’s make our Steam journey smoother together!