FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Steam E502 L3 Error | 3 Ways to Fix It

How to Fix Error Code E502 L3 in Steam

Steam error E502 L3 is a common server connection error that can appear at any moment when using Steam but is most often encountered when logging in or using the Steam store. This article will show you how to fix this error.

Steam E502 L3

Something went wrong, We were unable to service your request, Please try again later, E502 L3.

Error Code E502 L3 means that Steam’s servers are under heavy load, usually involving the Steam store. This error starts occurring more frequently during Steam’s seasonal sales and popular game releases when many users attempt to checkout at the same time.

Since error E502 L3 is a server-related error, you might only need to wait for the buying frenzy to die down or for Valve to intervene and stabilize the servers. You can go to SteamDB to see how different areas of the platform are performing.

If all Steam services are up and running, you can apply the fixes listed below. However, before you do that, try disabling your third-party anti-virus software by following the instructions here.

Video Guide on How to Fix Steam E502 L3 Error

Table of Contents:

Solution 1. Log Out and Exit Steam

1. Open Steam.

Click your screen name and click Log out of account

2. Click your Steam screen name at the top-right of the window and click Log out of account.

Click Logout when prompted

3. Click Logout when prompted.

Enter your Steam login credentials and click Login

4. Then, enter your login credentials and click Login.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Solution 2. Add Steam to Windows Defender Firewall Exceptions List

1. Hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.

Type in firewall.cpl in Run and click OK

2. In the Run dialog box, type in firewall.cpl and click OK.

Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall

3. In the Firewall settings window, click Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.

Mark Private and Public checkboxes to allow Steam through the Firewall

4. In the Allowed apps and features window, click Change settings, scroll down, and find Steam.

5. To allow Steam through private and public networks, mark the checkboxes in the Private and Public columns and click OK.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Solution 3. Reinstall Steam

Open the Steam menu and click Exit

1. Open Steam, click Steam in the menu bar, and click Exit.

Right-click Start and click Apps and Features

2. Right-click the Windows Start button and click Apps and Features.

Select Steam and click Uninstall

3. Select Steam from the list and click Uninstall.

Click Uninstall

4. Click Uninstall again.

Click Uninstall in the Steam uninstallation wizard

5. Click Uninstall yet again.

Click Close

6. Click Close.

Go to the Steam website

7. Then go to the Steam website.

Click Install Steam

8. Click Install Steam.

Click Install Steam when redirected to the next page

9. Click Install Steam in the next window.

10. Run SteamSetup.exe and follow the installation guide.

Enter your Steam login credentials and click Login

11. Once installed, enter your login credentials.

Click Next

12. Click Next.

Enter the verification code sent via email and click Next

13. Enter the special code sent to you via email and click Finish.

[Back to Top]

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Rimvydas Iliavicius

Rimvydas is a researcher with over four years of experience in the cybersecurity industry. He attended Kaunas University of Technology and graduated with a Master's degree in Translation and Localization of Technical texts. His interests in computers and technology led him to become a versatile author in the IT industry. At PCrisk, he's responsible for writing in-depth how-to articles for Microsoft Windows. Contact Rimvydas Iliavicius.

Our guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.