Can I Have Two Battle.net Accounts with the Same Email?

The short answer is a resounding no. You cannot have two Battle.net accounts using the same email address. Blizzard Entertainment, the creator of Battle.net, requires each account to be linked to a unique email address for security, verification, and communication purposes. Attempting to use the same email for multiple accounts will result in an error during the registration process.

This policy is in place to prevent abuse, ensure accountability, and provide a reliable way for Blizzard to contact account holders regarding important information like account security alerts, promotional offers, and game updates. It’s a standard practice in the online gaming world, designed to protect both the users and the platform.

Why Unique Email Addresses are Required

The rationale behind this restriction is multifaceted:

• Security: Linking each account to a unique email ensures that if one account is compromised, the others remain secure. If the same email were used for multiple accounts, a breach in one could potentially compromise all of them.

• Account Recovery: Email is the primary method for account recovery. If you forget your password or experience login issues, Blizzard will send a password reset link to the associated email address. Using unique emails ensures that the correct account is recovered.

• Communication: Blizzard uses email to communicate important information, such as game updates, security alerts, and promotional offers. If multiple accounts shared the same email, the messages could be misdirected or missed altogether.

• Verification: Email verification is a crucial step in the account creation process, confirming that you are the owner of the email address and preventing fraudulent account creation. This process would be significantly more complex and less reliable if multiple accounts could share the same email.

Setting Up Multiple Battle.net Accounts

While you can’t use the same email address, setting up multiple Battle.net accounts is perfectly permissible, as long as you adhere to Blizzard’s terms of service. To do so, you’ll need to use different email addresses for each account.

You can easily manage multiple Battle.net accounts from a single desktop app. This is especially useful if you play multiple Blizzard games like World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, or Starcraft, and wish to maintain separate progression or communities on each.

To run multiple Battle.net applications at once, you’ll need to:

1. Open the Battle.net desktop app.
2. Click the Blizzard icon in the upper-left corner and select Settings.
3. Under the “General” tab, find the option to “Allow multiple instances of Battle.net” and check the box.

With this setting enabled, you can launch multiple Battle.net apps simultaneously and log into different accounts on each one. This is particularly useful for players who want to manage multiple World of Warcraft accounts at the same time, for example.

Managing Multiple Accounts

Managing multiple Battle.net accounts requires organization. Since you’ll need unique email addresses for each, consider using email aliases or separate email accounts altogether. Many email providers allow you to create aliases (variations of your main email address) that all route to the same inbox, which can simplify management.

Also, keep clear and secure records of the usernames, passwords, and associated email addresses for each account to avoid confusion or potential lockout situations. Consider using a password manager to securely store this information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to Battle.net accounts:

1. Can I use the same phone number for two Battle.net accounts?

No, a phone number can only be added to a single Battle.net account. This is another security measure implemented by Blizzard to verify account ownership and prevent abuse. If you need to add your phone number to a different account, you’ll first need to remove it from the original account.

2. Can I transfer games from one Battle.net account to another?

Unfortunately, you cannot transfer game licenses or game data from one Battle.net account to another. Once a game is purchased and tied to a specific account, it remains permanently linked to that account. The sole exception to this is that Blizzard support will, under exceptional circumstances, assist you in moving a game from your Battle.net account to the Battle.net account of your child for a limited number of games such as World of Warcraft, Diablo III, Hearthstone, and StarCraft II.

3. How many times can I change my BattleTag?

You are allowed one free BattleTag change after creating your account. If you wish to change it again after that, you may be subject to a fee, as well as availability restrictions.

4. Can I log into Battle.net on two computers at the same time?

No. If you log into the Battle.net app on one computer and then log into the same account on a second computer, it will automatically log you out of the first computer. If you want to play games on multiple computers, you’ll need to log into the games directly from the game’s installation folder, bypassing the Battle.net app. Note that you may also require separate game licenses for each account.

5. Does Battle.net delete inactive accounts?

Blizzard does not automatically delete inactive Battle.net accounts. However, you can request to have your account and all associated personal information permanently removed. Be aware that this process is irreversible and will result in the loss of all your game licenses and progress.

6. Can I get banned for sharing my Battle.net account?

Yes, you can be banned for sharing your Battle.net account, especially if it violates Blizzard’s terms of service or is done to gain an unfair advantage in-game. The exception is that if you are the parent or legal guardian, you can permit one minor child to use your account; however, you may not use your account at the same time, and you are liable for activities conducted by the minor child.

7. Does Battle.net allow duplicate names?

Yes, Battle.net allows duplicate display names, but they are appended with a unique identifier (usually your BattleTag number) to ensure each player remains identifiable.

8. What are the common reasons why Blizzard bans Battle.net accounts?

Blizzard bans accounts for a variety of reasons, including cheating, hacking, using prohibited third-party software, engaging in abusive behavior, violating the terms of service, and participating in real-money trading (RMT).

9. Can I share Battle.net games with family members?

Generally, no. Games are tied to specific Battle.net accounts and cannot be shared. However, in some rare cases for a few games, Blizzard may assist you in moving a game from your Battle.net account to the Battle.net account of your child

10. Can I recover a deleted Battle.net account?

If you have recently deleted your Battle.net account, there may be a short window of opportunity (typically 37 days) during which you can recover it. You’ll need to go through a personal verification process to restore the account.

11. Why was my Battle.net account banned?

If your Battle.net account was banned, you should receive an email from Blizzard explaining the reason for the ban. If you do not have access to your account email, contact Blizzard Support to update your information and inquire about the ban.

12. How do I delete my old Battle.net account?

To delete your Battle.net account, navigate to the “Data Protection” section of your account management page. Follow the prompts to submit a request to remove your personal data and delete your account. Be aware that this process is irreversible.

13. Can I link my Activision account to a new Battle.net account?

Yes, you can link your Activision account to a Battle.net account to track your Call of Duty profile. If you don’t have an Activision account, you can create one for free.

14. How does Blizzard detect account sharing?

Blizzard uses a variety of methods to detect account sharing, including monitoring login locations, IP addresses, and gameplay patterns. While logging in from a different location occasionally might not trigger a ban, consistent and suspicious activity can raise red flags.

15. Can I give someone my Battle.net balance?

It is not possible to directly transfer Battle.net Balance from one account to another. However, you can purchase Battle.net Balance as a gift and send it to another account.

The Broader Context: Gaming and Learning

Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding online gaming platforms like Battle.net is important, but so is understanding the value of gaming and learning. The Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org, is a great resource if you’re interested in the intersection of games and education. They explore how games can be used to teach valuable skills and enhance the learning experience.

Conclusion

While you can’t use the same email address for multiple Battle.net accounts, managing multiple accounts is perfectly possible with the right approach. By adhering to Blizzard’s guidelines and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy all that Battle.net has to offer without compromising the security of your accounts. Remember to protect your personal information and play responsibly.