SteamCMD "Failed to Install App (No Subscription)": How to Fix It

ERROR! Failed to install app '<id>' (No subscription) means the account SteamCMD logged in with does not have a license for that app. Nine times out of ten, one of three things is wrong: you used the game's app ID instead of the dedicated server's app ID, you logged in anonymously for a server that needs a real Steam account, or the branch you asked for is not available to that account. Fix the app ID or the login and the install goes through.

Why SteamCMD says "subscription"

In Steam's internal language, a "subscription" is any license on your account: a game you bought, a free tool, a free weekend. Most dedicated server tools are free and attached to the anonymous account, so anyone can download them. When SteamCMD reports "No subscription", it is telling you the current login does not have the license that app needs. The LinuxGSM docs put it plainly: the account lacks the required game license.

Cause 1: you used the game's app ID, not the server's

This is the most common reason by far. Every game has a store app ID, and its dedicated server has a separate one. Trying to download the game itself with an anonymous login gives "No subscription".

To find a server's ID for any other game, search SteamDB for the game name plus "Dedicated Server", or check the game's official server guide.

Cause 2: the server does not allow anonymous login

Most dedicated servers allow +login anonymous. A few do not, and you must log in with a real Steam account. For the two best known cases, the server tool itself is free to any logged in account, so the account does not have to own the game:

• DayZ server, app 223350
• Arma 3 server, app 233780
• A handful of others, usually games where the developer wants servers tied to buyers

For these, log in with a real account:

steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/steam/dayz +login yourname +app_update 223350 validate +quit

SteamCMD asks for the password and a Steam Guard code the first time, then caches the login. Many admins make a separate Steam account just for servers, so their main account's password never sits on a server. One catch for DayZ: Workshop mods only download through an account that owns DayZ, so a modded DayZ server needs an owning account after all. Our guide to anonymous login vs owned games goes through which is which and the safe way to set this up. If the login itself fails, see SteamCMD login failed.

Cause 3: the beta branch is not available

If your command has -beta something, the account needs access to that branch. Private test branches can be limited to certain accounts, and some need -betapassword. A typo in the branch name can also make SteamCMD fall back to errors like this. Try the update without the -beta part to confirm the base app works:

steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/steam/server +login anonymous +app_update 294420 validate +quit

Then add the branch back, spelled exactly as the developer lists it. More on branches in how to install a beta branch on a dedicated server.

Cause 4: the server tool was pulled or changed

Now and then a developer changes how their server is distributed. A server app might move to a new ID, be restricted during a beta, or be removed from anonymous access. If an install that worked last month now says "No subscription" with the same command, check the game's official news and Steam community hub for an announcement before changing anything else.

Cause 5: a stale login in the cache

If you logged in with a real account in the past, SteamCMD may still be using it even when you think you are anonymous, or using an account that no longer owns the game (refunded, family share ended). Log out and back in explicitly:

steamcmd +logout +quit
steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/steam/server +login anonymous +app_update 896660 +quit

Family Sharing and free weekends do not count

Two traps when ownership does matter, such as Workshop downloads for DayZ mods:

• Steam Family Sharing does not give the borrowing account a license SteamCMD can use. The account must own the game itself.
• Free weekends and free to play trials sometimes let you install the game but not the server tool. Buy the game on the account the server uses.

Quick checklist

1. Confirm the app ID is the dedicated server's, not the game's.
2. Check whether the server allows anonymous login. If not, log in with a real Steam account.
3. If you ask for a beta branch, remove it and test.
4. Check the game's news for recent changes.
5. Log out and log back in to clear a stale account.

Skip the license puzzle

On a GamezServers server the game is installed for you as part of setup, including games like DayZ that cannot use an anonymous login, and every setting from the game's server template is in the control panel. You also get one click backups and DDoS protection, and you can be live within minutes of paying (big games take a little longer to install). Have a look at all our games.

FAQ

What does "No subscription" mean in SteamCMD?

The logged in account has no license for that app ID. Usually it is the wrong app ID or an anonymous login for a server that needs a real account.

Can I download the DayZ server anonymously?

No. The DayZ dedicated server (223350) needs a real Steam account login. The account does not have to own DayZ for the server files, but it does for Workshop mod downloads.

Do I need to buy a second copy of the game for my server?

Rarely. Most dedicated servers are free with anonymous login, and DayZ and Arma 3 servers download with any real account. You only need an owning account for cases like DayZ Workshop mods, and a separate account just for the server is the safer setup.

Why did "No subscription" start after it worked before?

Either your cached login changed, the account lost the game (refund or sharing ended), or the developer changed how the server is distributed. Log out and in again, then check the game's news.