Steam is more than just a gaming platform — it’s a social space where players share interests, discover new games, and connect with friends. One of Steam’s most useful yet underrated features is the Wishlist, which allows users to save games they want to buy later. If you’ve ever wondered “How do I see my friends’ wishlist on Steam?”, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re planning a surprise gift, browsing upcoming releases, or simply curious about what your friends want to play next, this guide will show you exactly how to view a friend’s Steam wishlist on desktop and mobile. We’ll also cover privacy limitations, common issues, and how to buy a game directly from a wishlist.
Let’s get started.
What Is a Steam Wishlist and Why It Matters
A Steam Wishlist is a personalized list where users save games they’re interested in purchasing in the future. Wishlists are especially useful during:
- Seasonal Steam sales
- Birthday or holiday gift planning
- Tracking upcoming releases
- Monitoring price drops
Steam even sends notifications when a wishlisted game goes on sale, making it a powerful planning tool.
Viewing a friend’s wishlist gives you insight into:
- Their gaming preferences
- Games they plan to buy
- The perfect gift ideas without asking directly
Can You See Your Friends’ Wishlists on Steam?
Yes, you can view your friends’ wishlists on Steam, as long as:
- You are friends on Steam
- Their profile privacy settings allow it
Steam does not restrict wishlist visibility by default, which means most users have their wishlists publicly visible to friends. This makes it easy to browse and choose a game they genuinely want.
However, if a friend has set their profile or game details to private, you may not be able to access their wishlist. We’ll explain how privacy settings affect this later in the guide.
How to See a Friend’s Wishlist on Steam (Desktop Method)
If you primarily use Steam on a PC or laptop, this is the easiest and fastest way to view a friend’s wishlist.
Step-by-Step Guide for Desktop Users
- Open the Steam Client
Launch the Steam application and log in to your account. - Hover Over Your Username
At the top of the Steam window, hover your mouse over your username. - Click on “Friends”
From the dropdown menu, select Friends. - Select the Friend
Click on the friend whose wishlist you want to view. This will open their Steam profile. - Click on “Games”
On the right side of their profile, locate and click the Games section. - Open the Wishlist
Inside the Games tab, you’ll see a Wishlist option. Click it to view all the games they’ve added.
That’s it. You can now browse their wishlist, see prices, and even purchase games directly.
How to See a Friend’s Wishlist on Steam (Mobile App Method)
If you’re using the Steam mobile app, the process is just as simple, though the layout looks slightly different.
Step-by-Step Guide for Mobile Users
- Open the Steam App
Launch the Steam app on your Android or iOS device. - Tap the Menu Icon
Tap the three-line menu icon in the top corner. - Go to “You & Friends”
Select You & Friends, then tap Friends. - Choose Your Friend
Tap the name of the friend whose wishlist you want to see. - Scroll to “Games”
Scroll down their profile and tap on Games. - View the Wishlist
Select Wishlist to see the full list of games they’ve saved.
The mobile version offers the same wishlist visibility as desktop, making it convenient for quick checks on the go.
Why You Might Not See a Friend’s Wishlist
Sometimes, you may not be able to access a friend’s wishlist even if you follow all the steps correctly. This usually comes down to privacy settings.
Common Reasons Wishlist Is Not Visible
- The friend’s profile is set to private
- Game details are hidden
- You are not friends on Steam
- The friend has restricted access to friends-only content
How Privacy Settings Affect Wishlists
Steam allows users to control who can see:
- Their profile
- Their game library
- Their wishlist
- Their playtime
If these settings are private, there’s no workaround — Steam respects user privacy completely.
How to Buy a Game from a Friend’s Wishlist on Steam
Once you’ve found a game on your friend’s wishlist, Steam makes gifting incredibly easy. This is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or surprise presents during major sales.
Step 1: Find the Game
- Click on the game directly from your friend’s wishlist
- Or search for the game manually in the Steam Store
Step 2: Add the Game to Cart
- Click Add to Cart
- Select Purchase as a Gift instead of purchasing for yourself
Step 3: Choose the Friend
- Select your friend from your Steam friends list
- If they’re not listed, make sure you’ve added them as a friend first
Step 4: Add a Personal Message
Steam allows you to:
- Add a custom message
- Choose a digital greeting card
- Make the gift feel personal and thoughtful
Step 5: Schedule or Send Instantly
You can:
- Send the gift immediately
- Schedule it for a future date (perfect for birthdays)
Complete the payment, and Steam will handle the rest.
What Happens After You Send a Steam Gift?
Once the purchase is complete:
- Your friend receives a notification
- They can accept the gift instantly
- The game is added directly to their library
If they already own the game, Steam will notify them and allow them to decline or exchange it.
Benefits of Checking a Friend’s Steam Wishlist
Viewing wishlists isn’t just about gifting — it has several other advantages.
1. Avoid Buying the Wrong Game
You won’t accidentally buy a game they don’t want or already own.
2. Discover New Games
Friends often wishlist hidden gems or upcoming releases you may not know about.
3. Time Purchases During Sales
You can wait for Steam sales and grab wishlist games at discounted prices.
4. Strengthen Social Connections
Gifting games is a simple but meaningful way to connect with friends through shared interests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Trying to view wishlists of non-friends
- ❌ Assuming wishlists are always public
- ❌ Buying a game without checking compatibility or region locks
- ❌ Forgetting to select “Purchase as a gift”
Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smooth experience.
Can You Hide Your Own Wishlist on Steam?
Yes. If you prefer privacy, you can hide your wishlist.
How to Hide Your Wishlist
- Go to your Steam Profile
- Click Edit Profile
- Open Privacy Settings
- Set Game Details to Private or Friends Only
This will restrict who can see your wishlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-friends see my wishlist?
Yes, if your profile is public. Otherwise, no.
Can I gift DLC from a wishlist?
Yes, as long as the base game is owned by your friend.
Will Steam notify my friend who gifted the game?
Yes, your username will be shown unless you choose to remain anonymous (where available).
Final Thoughts: Viewing Friends’ Wishlists on Steam Made Easy
Steam’s wishlist feature is simple, powerful, and incredibly useful — especially when you know how to access it properly. Whether you’re browsing out of curiosity or planning the perfect gift, viewing a friend’s Steam wishlist only takes a few clicks.
To recap:
- You can view friends’ wishlists on desktop and mobile
- Privacy settings may restrict access
- Gifting directly from wishlists is quick and secure
- Wishlists make gift-giving smarter and easier
Now that you know how it works, you’ll never struggle to pick the right game again.
Happy gaming — and happy gifting! 🎮🎁
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