Steam Error Code 504: How to Fix It

Easy 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Summarize with ChatGPTSummarize with ClaudeSummarize with Perplexity Add as Preferred Source on Google
Error Code
504
Brand
Steam
Product Type
game_launcher
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
Steam Error Code 504 means a request from your Steam client to Valve's servers timed out before a response was received. This typically happens due to a slow or unstable internet connection, a temporary Steam server outage, or something on your network blocking Steam's traffic. The good news is that this error is almost always fixable without any technical expertise.
Ad

Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 504

  1. Check Steam Server Status

  2. Restart Steam Completely

  3. Restart Your Router and Modem

  4. Switch to a Wired Ethernet Connection

  5. Temporarily Disable Your Firewall and Antivirus

    Do not leave your firewall or antivirus disabled for longer than necessary. Re-enable them as soon as your testing is complete to keep your system protected.

  6. Change Your DNS Servers

  7. Flush DNS Cache and Reset Network Stack

    Running these commands requires Administrator privileges. These commands reset network settings and are safe to run, but your internet connection will briefly drop during the process.

  8. Clear Steam's Download Cache

  9. Change Your Steam Download Region

  10. Reinstall Steam

    Back up your steamapps folder before uninstalling to avoid losing downloaded game files. Also ensure your game saves are backed up via Steam Cloud or manually.
Ad

When to Call a Professional

Steam Error Code 504 is almost always a software or network issue that you can resolve yourself. However, if you consistently experience this error across multiple applications and websites — not just Steam — your ISP may be experiencing routing problems or your modem/router hardware may be failing. In that case, contact your Internet Service Provider for support. If the issue persists only with Steam after exhausting all steps, you can submit a support ticket directly to Valve at help.steampowered.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Steam Error Code 504 mean?
Steam Error Code 504 is a gateway timeout error, meaning your Steam client sent a request to Valve's servers but did not receive a response within the expected time limit. It is usually caused by a slow internet connection, a temporary Steam server outage, or a local network issue such as a firewall blocking Steam's traffic.
Is Steam Error 504 caused by my internet or Steam's servers?
It can be either. Start by checking Steam's official server status at steamstat.us or store.steampowered.com. If Steam shows no outages, the issue is most likely on your end — usually a slow connection, DNS problem, or firewall interference. If Steam is reporting issues, simply wait for Valve to restore service.
Will I lose my games or saves if I get Error 504?
No. Steam Error 504 is a network connectivity error and does not affect your installed games, game saves, or account data. Your Steam library and saves stored in Steam Cloud remain intact. The error only prevents Steam from communicating with its servers temporarily.
Why does Steam keep showing Error 504 even though my internet works fine?
A general internet connection that works for browsing or streaming can still produce Steam 504 errors if there is packet loss, a DNS issue, or firewall software specifically blocking Steam's server requests. Try flushing your DNS cache, switching to Google or Cloudflare DNS (8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1), and temporarily disabling your firewall to identify the root cause.
How long does Steam Error 504 last if it is a server-side problem?
If the 504 error is caused by a Valve server outage or maintenance, it typically resolves within 15 minutes to a few hours depending on the severity. You can monitor real-time Steam server status at steamstat.us for updates. Valve does not usually provide advance notice for minor outages.

Related Error Codes