Adding accounts

This section explains the different ways to add accounts to NebulaAuth. Each method has its own detailed page.

🧭 Which method should you choose?

The application supports three main ways to add accounts. Each one is useful in a different situation.

✅ Method 1: Import ready-made maFiles

Use this if you already have maFiles (.maFile), for example from Steam Desktop Authenticator or another source.

You can import maFiles in whichever way is most convenient:

• Drag & Drop Drag the .maFile files directly into the NebulaAuth window.
• From the clipboard
  1. Select the maFiles in Explorer
  2. Press Ctrl + C
  3. Go to the NebulaAuth window
  4. Press Ctrl + V
• Through the menu
  1. Click Menu → Import
  2. Select the .maFile on your computer
  3. Click Open

More details: Importing maFiles

🔗 Method 2: Link a new account

Use this if Steam Guard is not enabled yet on the account.

1. Click Account → Link
2. Follow the linking wizard instructions

After linking, the standard Steam trade restriction of 7-15 days applies.

More details: Linking an account

📱 Method 3: Transfer Steam Guard from the phone (2 days trade ban)

Use this if Steam Guard is already active on a mobile device.

1. Click Account → Move Steam Guard
2. Follow the transfer wizard instructions

After the transfer, a 2-day trade delay usually applies.

More details: Transferring Steam Guard

📁 Where are maFiles stored?

All imported maFiles are saved in the maFiles folder inside the data folder.

To quickly open this folder:

• click Menu → Open folder

📄 What happens when you add an account?

Whichever method you use, NebulaAuth creates a maFiles folder in the data folder. This folder stores maFiles, which are files with the .maFile extension.

Each file contains all information needed for:

• generating Guard codes
• confirming trades
• confirming logins

Warning

The maFile is the most important Steam Guard file. Without it, you will not be able to restore two-factor authentication through NebulaAuth.

We recommend:

• making backups of the maFiles folder
• never deleting or modifying these files manually
• storing the R-Code in a safe place, preferably on paper rather than digitally

After adding accounts, NebulaAuth is ready to use. If your workflow uses proxies, configure them before working with accounts (more details in the Working with proxies section).

The following sections cover the main application features:

• Interface overview — the main interface elements and their purpose
• First steps — a quick start for generating codes and confirming actions

❓ Frequently asked questions

Can I use one account in multiple applications at the same time?

Yes, if you have a maFile.

The file can be used on multiple devices or in different applications at the same time because it contains all required data.

If Steam Guard is linked only to the mobile app, you cannot obtain the maFile directly without accessing the device system.