Many players purchase and download games from Steam. However, users have reported they can’t purchase games on Valve’s gaming client or access the store because of the Steam E502 L3 error. For example, one player said this about that gaming issue on Reddit, “I just get E502 L3 error when I hit the Purchase for myself, from both the steam client and browser.” That error message says, “We were unable to service your request… E502 L3.” This is how you can fix the Steam E502 L3 error on a Windows 11/10 PC.
Read also: 7 Ways to Fix Steam Not Starting on a Windows PC
Check if Steam is Down
The Steam E502 L3 error can sometimes occur because of server-related issues. Or it could be the case that Steam is down for routine maintenance. You can check if that is the case by opening this Steam status page. If that page shows there are issues with the Steam store or community services, wait a day or two until Valve sorts them out.
A Steam status page
Clear Steam’s Cache
Some users have confirmed clearing the cache for Valve’s gaming client can resolve the Steam E502 L3 error. The recommended method is to manually delete the Steam data folder. This is how you can clear Steam’s cache.
- Make sure Steam isn’t running.
- Click on Start with the right button on your mouse to select Run.
- Next, type in %localappdata% and hit Enter to access the Local directory.
- Right-click Steam in the Local folder to select Delete.
You can also select to clear Steam’s download cache within Valve’s gaming client. This Steam page tells you how to select the option for clearing the download cache. However, the manual method for clearing the cache by deleting its folder is the method users confirm to fix the Steam E502 L3 error.
Disable Firewalls
Firewall blocks could be another possible cause for the Steam E502 L3 error. The most straightforward way to address this would be to temporarily disable your firewall before utilizing Steam. This Microsoft page explains how users can turn off the firewall in Windows 11/10. In addition, select to disable third-party firewalls installed on your PC.
The Windows Defender Firewall settings
Reinstall Your Steam Software
If nothing else works, consider reinstalling your Steam software. This is a last-resort potential fix that will also remove games installed with the Steam client. You can uninstall and reinstall Valve’s gaming client by going through the steps on this Steam Support webpage.
The Programs and Features Control Panel applet
Other Possible Ways to Fix the Steam E502 L3 Error
If the Steam E502 L3 persists, there are a few other troubleshooting methods you could try to fix it. Try applying these additional potential fixes:
- Reset Winsock by entering and executing the netsch winsock reset command in the Command Prompt.
- Set an alternative DNS with the Google 8.8.8.8 preferred and 8.8.4.4 alternative DNS server values.
- Turn off third-party antivirus shields before utilizing Steam.
- Apply a clean boot to prevent third-party background apps and services from conflicting with Steam.
There aren’t many confirmed ways users can fix the Steam E502 L3 error. Sometimes it’s just a matter of waiting for Valve to fix a server-side issue as mentioned for resolution one. However, try applying the other potential fixes if waiting doesn’t work. You can also submit a help ticket about this issue by clicking the Contact Steam Support option on this community page.
