Can You Get Banned for Sharing Your Battle.net Account? The Definitive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can get banned for sharing your Battle.net account. While Blizzard’s policy isn’t always a hammer blow, account sharing is a violation of their Terms of Use and can lead to penalties ranging from temporary suspensions to permanent bans. It’s a risk you simply shouldn’t take. Let’s delve into why and explore the nuances of this potentially perilous practice.

Why Account Sharing is a Problem

Blizzard takes account security and fair play very seriously. Account sharing compromises both. Here’s a breakdown:

• Security Risks: Sharing your login credentials opens your account to potential theft, scams, and unauthorized purchases. You’re essentially handing over control to someone else, and if they’re not trustworthy, you could lose everything.

• Terms of Service Violation: Blizzard’s Terms of Use explicitly prohibit account sharing. This is to maintain a secure and fair gaming environment. When multiple people use a single account, it becomes difficult to track who’s responsible for any violations of in-game rules, such as cheating, harassment, or exploiting bugs.

• Fair Play Imbalance: Account sharing can create an unfair advantage, especially in competitive games. One person might be vastly more skilled than another, giving the account an artificially inflated ranking or access to resources that wouldn’t normally be available.

• Disruption of Game Ecosystem: When account sharing becomes widespread, it can destabilize the game economy and community. It blurs the lines between legitimate players and those who are trying to gain an unfair advantage.

How Blizzard Detects Account Sharing

While Blizzard doesn’t explicitly reveal its detection methods (for obvious reasons), here are some indicators they likely monitor:

• IP Address Changes: Logging in from drastically different IP addresses in short periods is a red flag. While a single instance might not trigger a ban (e.g., traveling), consistent, significant variations raise suspicion.

• Login Location Discrepancies: Similar to IP addresses, geographical location changes are tracked. Logging in from New York one hour and Los Angeles the next is highly improbable without account sharing or a VPN.

• Hardware ID Variations: Each computer has a unique hardware ID. If an account logs in from multiple, distinct hardware configurations, it’s another indicator of potential sharing.

• Gameplay Pattern Changes: Sudden shifts in play style, skill level, or typical in-game behavior can trigger flags. For example, if a typically casual player suddenly starts performing at a professional level, it suggests someone else is using the account.

• Reporting: Player reports are also an important factor. If other players suspect account sharing and report it, Blizzard will investigate.

It’s important to remember that Blizzard uses a combination of these factors, and no single instance will automatically result in a ban. However, a pattern of suspicious activity will almost certainly draw their attention.

Penalties for Account Sharing

The consequences for account sharing vary depending on the severity and frequency of the violation:

• Warning: A first-time offense might result in a warning, especially if there’s no evidence of malicious intent.

• Temporary Suspension: A temporary suspension (e.g., a few days or weeks) is more likely for repeated offenses or if there’s evidence of a clear advantage being gained.

• Permanent Ban: A permanent ban is the most severe penalty and is reserved for egregious violations, such as account sharing to cheat, sell in-game items for real money, or engage in other prohibited activities.

The important thing to remember is that Blizzard has the final say in determining the appropriate penalty. They’ll consider all the available evidence before making a decision.

Special Circumstances: Parent and Minor Child

The only explicitly permitted form of account sharing is between a parent and their minor child. This exception is meant to allow parents to monitor their child’s gaming activity and ensure their safety. However, even in this case, it’s crucial to adhere to Blizzard’s guidelines and ensure that the child’s account is primarily used by the child.

FAQs About Battle.net Account Sharing

Here are some frequently asked questions about account sharing and its consequences:

1. Can Blizzard detect account sharing?

Yes, Blizzard has methods to detect account sharing, including monitoring IP address changes, login locations, hardware IDs, and gameplay patterns.

2. Can two people use the same Battle.net account at the same time?

No, two people cannot use the same Battle.net account at the same time. The Battle.net app only allows one login per account.

3. Can my Battle.net account get banned for sharing?

Yes, your Battle.net account can be suspended or permanently banned for violating the Terms of Use, which prohibits account sharing.

4. Can you family share Blizzard games?

Blizzard offers a limited family sharing option for certain games like World of Warcraft, Diablo III, Hearthstone, and StarCraft II, allowing you to move a game to your child’s Battle.net account.

5. Can you share Battle.net games with friends?

No, you cannot directly share Battle.net games with friends. Each game license is tied to a specific Battle.net account.

6. Can you have your Blizzard account on two devices?

While you can install games on multiple computers, you can only be logged into the Battle.net app on one computer at a time.

7. Does Blizzard ban IP address for account sharing?

Blizzard doesn’t typically ban IP addresses solely for account sharing. However, suspicious IP activity can contribute to an account investigation. They might ban an IP if there are malicious activities like DDOS attacks or hacking attempts originating from it.

8. How do I bypass a banned account, and does it relate to account sharing?

Bypassing a ban is never recommended. Attempting to circumvent a ban related to account sharing could lead to further penalties.

9. How long until Battle.net account is deleted after requesting it?

A request to delete your Battle.net account may take up to 30 days to complete.

10. Can you play Battle.net games on multiple computers if they’re on the same account?

Yes, you can install games on an unlimited number of systems, but you can only play on one at a time with a single Battle.net account.

11. Does Battle.net delete inactive accounts?

Battle.net doesn’t automatically delete inactive accounts. You must manually request account deletion.

12. How many times can you change your Battle.net account name?

You can change your Battle.net account name once for free. Additional changes may require payment.

13. Can I get banned for buying WoW gold, and is that account sharing?

Buying WoW gold is not technically account sharing, but it violates Blizzard’s terms and can result in a suspension.

14. Why does Blizzard lock accounts? Is it related to suspicion of account sharing?

Blizzard locks accounts due to suspicious activity, such as logging in from an unfamiliar location, which may indicate potential account sharing or compromise.

15. Will Blizzard ban you for using a VPN if it hides account sharing?

Using a VPN itself isn’t bannable, but if it’s used to mask account sharing or other violations, it can contribute to an account investigation and potential ban.

Staying Safe and Avoiding Bans

Here are some tips to avoid getting banned for account sharing:

• Never share your login credentials with anyone (except your minor child, under supervision).

• Use a strong, unique password for your Battle.net account.

• Enable two-factor authentication for added security.

• Be wary of phishing attempts and other scams.

• If you suspect your account has been compromised, contact Blizzard Support immediately.

• If you want to play with friends or family, purchase separate copies of the game for each account.

• Educate yourself and others on responsible gaming practices.

The Importance of Ethical Gaming

Ultimately, avoiding account sharing and other violations is about ethical gaming. It’s about respecting the rules of the game, the integrity of the community, and the hard work of the developers. By playing fairly and responsibly, you contribute to a more enjoyable and sustainable gaming environment for everyone. To further explore ethical considerations in gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, where they explore the intersection of games and learning.

In conclusion, while the temptation to share an account might be strong, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Protecting your account and playing within the rules is the best way to ensure a positive and long-lasting gaming experience.