However, the platform offers a single option to add “limited” users, the Quick Invite link.
Add a Friend on Steam by Quick Invite Link:
New users, users without friends, or users who haven’t spent money on Steam have limited accounts. Use the custom link method to add them as friends.
Add a Friend on Steam by Username:
The more classical option requires you to know the person’s username.
Add a Friend on Steam by Code:
Lastly, there’s the code option if you can’t find the username.
Why Can’t I Add Friends on Steam?
If you don’t fulfill one of these two requisites, the “Add a Friend” feature won’t be available on your account. For example, if you’ve only played free games, you won’t be able to add a friend. Similarly, if you’re trying to find the username of a “limited” account, you won’t find it. The only way is by using the Quick Invite link.
How to Add Friends on Steam Without Buying a Game?
If you haven’t spent at least $5 on Steam, your account is “limited.” Limited users can’t add friends on their own. In other words, if you’re a new user, your Steam account does not meet the requirements to add friends. However, users with non-limited accounts can send you a friend request. The only way is through the Quick Invite Link. By adding someone else as a friend through this method, you’ll unlock the community feature as well. After you accept someone else’s Quick Invite link as a limited user, your account ceases to be limited.