How to Fix Steam Error E502 L3

Are you getting Steam Error Code E502 L3 while logging in or, accessing the Steam Store?

If so, then, here are the working solutions to fix the E502 L3 error, ensuring you get back to your gaming adventures as quickly as possible.

Why Do You Get Steam Error E502 L3?

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Steam errors are common and you can get Error Code E502 L3 due to various reasons. These are as follows:

Connectivity issues between your device and Steam’s servers
Server problems on Steam’s end

Network issues on your end
Outdated cache files within Steam

Also Read: FIX: Oops! Steam Says No Connection!

What Are The Ways To Resolve Steam Error E502 L3?

Now, follow this step-by-step guide to fix Steam Error E502 L3.

1. Wait for Steam to Fix the Issue

Steam Error Code E502 L3 is often a server issue when Steam is having problems connecting to the servers.

You can visit the Steam server status page, Steam’s official support channels, or, online forums to stay updated on the status of the error.

If it’s a server problem, wait for Steam to resolve it. After some time, you can check again to see if the server is up and live again. If Steam goes randomly offline, then fix the issue and then proceed with the next methods.

2. Clear Steam’s Cache Files

Sometimes due to Steam cache, you can also experience these types of errors. So, clear Steam Cache.

When you clear the cache, you remove these files, which can help Steam communicate more effectively with its servers.

Here are the steps to clear Steam cache:

Close the Steam client completely.
Open File Explorer. Then navigate to the Steam installation folder.

If you don’t know the location, right-click on Steam and select Open File Location.
Within the Steam folder, locate and delete the following files and folders:

appcache

config

userdata

ssfn files (these are numbered files starting with “ssfn”)

Once done, re-launch Steam and check if the error still persists.

3. Restart Steam

The next thing you can do is restart Steam. Sometimes a fresh restart can fix minor bugs and errors that can fix the issue.

To do so, follow these steps:

Exit Steam.
Then open Task Manager using Windows search. Go to the processes tab and find all Steam-related processes.

Right-click on each process and then select End Task to finish the process. You can restart your PC.

Once the PC restarts, relaunch Steam, and check. If that does not work then, check your internet connection following the next method.

4. Restart Your Internet Connection

Next, make sure you have a stable internet connection. If the connection is slow or blocked by a firewall, then also you will have issues like this while using Steam.

Follow these steps to restart your WiFi connection:

Go to Control Panel and click on Network and Sharing Center.

Click on Change adapter settings.
Right-click on your Wi-Fi connection.
Select Disable.

Then, wait for a few seconds, then select Enable to restart the connection.

5. Reset Your Internet Connection

The next thing you can do is reset your internet connection.

Sometimes, your internet connection might be unstable or slow, causing issues with Steam’s servers. Resetting network settings can help re-establish a stable connection.

To do so, follow these steps:

Type cmd in the Windows search box and choose to run Command Prompt as an administrator.

Next, type the following command and press Enter after that:

netsh winsock reset

After executing the command, restart your computer.
Now, launch Steam and check if the error has been resolved.

6. Change the DNS Settings

Next change the DNS settings.

Changing DNS settings can help resolve Steam errors because DNS issues can sometimes interfere with your internet connection, causing problems with Steam’s ability to connect to its servers. Here is how to change DNS:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command box.

Type ncpa.cpl in the Run command box and hit Enter.
Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
In the properties window, double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8

Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

Click OK to save the changes.

Restart your computer and launch Steam to see if the E502 L3 error is resolved.

7. Disable Firewall or Antivirus

Sometimes, Firewall and antivirus can also interfere with Steam and prevent it from working properly.

So, you can disable the firewall temporarily. Since it is always recommended not to disable firewalls and antivirus programs as your system is vulnerable to malicious threats without these protections, enable them soon after.

Open Windows Search and type Windows Defender Firewall then select the top option.

Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.

Click on the radio buttons for Turn off Windows Defender Firewall—not recommended options. Do the same for both Private and Public Network Settings.

Once done, click on OK to save the changes.

8. Contact Steam Support

If the error persists despite trying these solutions, consider reaching out to Steam Support for further assistance. Follow the solutions provided by the experts to fix the issue.