Steam “Game details” private? The 30-second fix

If a comparison tool says someone's library is private — even though their profile is public — it's almost always one setting: Game details.

Why it happens

Steam has separate privacy settings for your profile, your friends list, your inventory and your game details (the list of games you own and your playtime). Each can be Public, Friends Only or Private. Tools that use Steam's official API — including WeBothPlay — can only see game details that are set to Public. “Friends Only” looks private to them.

The fix (about 30 seconds)

1. In Steam (desktop or browser), go to your profile and choose Edit Profile.
2. Open Privacy Settings. In a browser you can jump straight there: steamcommunity.com/my/edit/settings.
3. Set Game details to Public. Steam saves the change automatically.
4. Optional: untick Always keep my total playtime private if you want your hours to count (otherwise every game shows zero hours).

In the Steam mobile app the same settings live under your profile's edit and privacy options; the wording can differ slightly between app versions.

How long until it works?

Usually right away. Occasionally Steam takes a few minutes to update what its API returns — try the comparison again shortly.

What becomes visible?

The games you own, your playtime and what you've played recently. It doesn't reveal purchases, payment details, your email or your password, and you can switch it back to private whenever you like.

Asking a friend to change it

On a WeBothPlay result, press Copy a message for them next to the private friend — it includes these steps. Or send:

Can you make your Steam game list visible so we can see what we all own? Steam → your profile → Edit Profile → Privacy Settings → set “Game details” to Public.

Then compare your libraries.