Before proceeding to the fixes, make sure you have not blocked the person you are trying to add and vice versa. If this is not the case and you are still getting the error, proceed to the methods below.
1. Check Account Type
If you’re using a limited Steam account, you won’t be able to send friend requests. Steam restricts certain features for limited accounts, and adding friends is one of them. To lift this limitation, you’ll need to spend at least $5 USD on the Steam store—this can be done by purchasing a game, adding funds to your wallet, or buying DLC. Once your account is upgraded, you’ll be able to send and accept friend requests normally. Alternatively, if the person you’re trying to add has already spent $5, they can send you a request instead. Once the request is accepted, both of you will be able to chat and play together without restrictions.
2. Check the Friends Limit
Make sure your friends list isn’t already full. By default, Steam allows you to have up to 250 friends. You can increase this limit by leveling up your Steam profile—each level adds 5 extra friend slots. So if your list is full, you’ll need to either remove some existing friends or increase your profile level to make room for new ones.
3. Block and Then Unblock the Person
This may sound odd, but it has worked for many users. Simply block the person you’re trying to add for a short time (about 1–2 minutes), then unblock them.
After unblocking, try sending the friend request again. In most cases, the error will no longer appear.
4. Try Adding Them Through a Browser
If the Steam app isn’t letting you add friends, switch to a web browser like Chrome or Firefox and try from there. Sometimes, the issue is caused by a temporary glitch in the app’s interface. On the flip side, if you’ve only been trying through a browser, give the Steam desktop app a try instead. Also, consider clearing your browser’s cache to eliminate any potential interference before retrying the friend request.
5. Use the steam://flushconfig Command
The steam://flushconfig command refreshes Steam’s core settings without affecting your installed games, saved files, or login credentials. It’s a safe way to clear minor bugs or glitches that might be causing issues, including friend request errors, without losing any of your data. Note: This command resets Steam’s network and configuration cache without affecting your games or account data. If none of the above methods resolve the issue, you can reach out to Steam Support and explain that you’re unable to add friends. Their team can assist you with account-specific diagnostics and offer a tailored solution.
