Can I Transfer My Battle.net Account? The Ultimate Guide
The short answer is: no, you generally cannot transfer your entire Battle.net account to another person. Blizzard Entertainment has a very strict policy against the gifting, selling, or trading of accounts. However, there are some nuances regarding transferring individual game characters between Battle.net accounts under specific circumstances. This article will explore the intricacies of Battle.net account management and address common questions players have about transferring accounts and related topics.
Understanding Blizzard’s Account Policy
Blizzard’s policy is designed to prevent fraud, maintain a fair playing field, and protect the integrity of their games. Allowing account transfers would open the door to a host of issues, including:
- Account Theft: Difficulty in proving ownership if accounts can be freely transferred.
- RMT (Real Money Trading): A thriving black market for high-level accounts, incentivizing illicit activities.
- Boosting Services: Undermining competitive integrity if players can easily acquire powerful characters.
Therefore, Blizzard strictly prohibits the transfer of entire Battle.net accounts to other individuals. It’s crucial to understand the implications of this policy and adhere to Blizzard’s Terms of Use to avoid penalties, including account suspension or permanent ban.
Character Transfers: A Limited Exception
While you can’t transfer the entire Battle.net account, there’s a specific service that allows you to transfer individual characters between Battle.net accounts, but only under very specific circumstances. This service is primarily available for World of Warcraft (WoW) characters and is subject to several restrictions:
- Matching Registered Names: The registered name on both Battle.net accounts must be the same. This usually implies you’re transferring between accounts you personally own.
- Paid Service: Character transfers are not free; you must pay a fee for each transfer.
- Game Restrictions: Some characters may not be eligible for transfer due to in-game restrictions, such as being the guild master of a large guild.
- WoW Classic Limitations: Importantly, WoW Classic characters cannot be transferred between accounts. This is a crucial distinction for players invested in Classic.
Before initiating a character transfer, carefully review Blizzard’s Paid Character Transfer FAQ to understand all the limitations and requirements.
Why Is Selling Battle.net Accounts Illegal?
The article mentions that it is illegal to sell Battle.net accounts because “You are in fact selling something that doesn’t belong to you and something you only got though an illegal act.” While the article is not entirely correct, Blizzard’s Terms of Use clearly state that you don’t actually own your Battle.net account or the digital content associated with it. Instead, you are granted a license to use them. Selling something you don’t own is typically a breach of contract and violates Blizzard’s intellectual property rights. While not usually a criminal matter, it can lead to civil action and the loss of your account. Furthermore, RMT activities often involve other illegal activities, such as fraud, money laundering, or hacking.
Account Security and Sharing: Risks and Consequences
Sharing your Battle.net account with others might seem harmless, but it is a violation of Blizzard’s Terms of Use and can have serious consequences.
- Security Risks: Sharing your login credentials increases the risk of your account being compromised.
- Penalties: Blizzard may issue warnings, suspensions, or permanent bans for account sharing, especially if it provides an unfair advantage or disrupts the game environment.
- Inconsistency: If your account consistently logs in from different locations, it could raise red flags and trigger security measures.
FAQs: Your Burning Battle.net Account Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Battle.net accounts, transfers, and related issues:
Can I merge two Battle.net accounts?
No, you cannot merge multiple Battle.net accounts. Each account is treated as a separate entity. Similarly, you cannot merge multiple copies of a game into a single game account.
Are you allowed to sell your Battle.net account?
Absolutely not. Blizzard strictly prohibits the gifting, selling, or trading of accounts. Doing so violates their Terms of Use and can result in permanent account closure.
Can you use the same Battle.net account on multiple devices simultaneously?
No. If you log into the Battle.net desktop app on one computer and then log into it on another computer with the same account, you will be logged out of the first computer. However, you can play games on multiple computers by logging into the games directly from the installation folder, bypassing the Battle.net app on all but one.
How do I change my account region on Battle.net?
Changing your account region may require contacting Blizzard Support. The process and eligibility may vary depending on the specific circumstances and game licenses associated with your account.
Can I use my Overwatch account on Switch and PC?
Yes, but you need to link your accounts. The platforms included in account merge are Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Only one account per platform can be linked together.
Can you get banned for sharing a Battle.net account?
Yes, you can. Blizzard may issue warnings, suspensions, or permanent bans for account sharing, especially if it provides an unfair advantage or disrupts the game environment.
Why is it illegal to sell game accounts?
While not usually illegal, it’s a violation of the game’s Terms of Service. You don’t own the account; you only have a license to use it. Selling it is a breach of contract and violates the company’s intellectual property rights. Additionally, such activities often involve fraud or other illegal acts.
Does Blizzard ban Battle.net accounts?
Yes, Blizzard suspends or bans accounts for violations of their Code of Conduct, including cheating, harassment, and account sharing.
How much is my Blizzard account worth?
According to Blizzard, $0. You don’t own your account, you just license it from Blizzard and are not allowed to sell it. Its in-game value is irrelevant under their terms.
Can you have 2 Battle.net accounts on one email?
No, you cannot. Each Battle.net account requires a unique email address. You’ll need to create a new email address (or use an existing one that’s not already associated with a Battle.net account) to create a second account.
Can I use the same email for two Battle.net accounts?
Not directly. To use an email address from one Battle.net account on another, you’ll need to first update the email address on the original account to a different one.
How do I transfer my Overwatch account?
To transfer your Overwatch progress, load Battle.net, click your account name at the top of the screen and click ‘My Account’. Select ‘Connections’ and then you’ll see an option to add an Xbox, Playstation or Nintendo account. Add as many accounts as you like, log into Overwatch and select ‘Account Merge’ on the main menu. Remember that you can only merge console accounts to PC and vice-versa; merging accounts of the same type is impossible.
How do I change my Battle.net account on Call of Duty (CoD)?
If you linked the wrong Activision account to your Battle.net Account, log in to your Activision Account Profile and in the Account Linking section select the account and click Unlink. Then you can link the correct account. You may unlink an account once every 12 months.
How do I transfer my Battle.net Authenticator to a new phone?
Open the menu on your first device and write down the Serial # and the Restore codes. Install the Blizzard Authenticator on your second device. Open the menu and use the Restore function. Enter the Serial Number and Restore code from Step 1.
Will deleting the Battle.net app delete my games?
No, uninstalling the Battle.net desktop app does not uninstall your game clients. Your games remain installed.
Conclusion
While transferring a Battle.net account to another person is generally prohibited, understanding the nuances of Blizzard’s policies and the limited options available (such as character transfers) is essential for responsible account management. Adhering to Blizzard’s Terms of Use and prioritizing account security will help you maintain access to your games and avoid potential penalties. It is important to remember that gaming is also about learning and connecting with others; resources like the Games Learning Society can help you delve deeper into the educational aspects of gaming and explore how games can foster learning and development. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore innovative approaches to education through game-based learning.