Can You Reuse a Phone Number for Overwatch 2? A Deep Dive into Blizzard’s Phone Number Policy

The short answer is generally no, you cannot directly reuse a phone number for multiple Battle.net accounts simultaneously, and therefore, not for multiple active Overwatch 2 accounts at the same time. While Blizzard has relaxed the phone number requirement for many existing players, the core system remains in place, and it’s crucial to understand its nuances. This article will thoroughly break down Blizzard’s phone number policy regarding Overwatch 2, providing clarity and addressing common concerns.

Understanding Blizzard’s Phone Number Verification System

Originally, Blizzard implemented the SMS Protect system for Overwatch 2, requiring players to link a valid mobile phone number to their Battle.net account. This was intended as a security measure to combat cheating and smurfing by increasing the barrier to entry for malicious actors. Linking a unique phone number would prevent the creation of multiple accounts for disruptive behavior.

Why the Phone Number Requirement?

The driving force behind the SMS Protect system was security. Blizzard aimed to:

• Deter Cheating: Linking a phone number makes it harder for cheaters to create new accounts after being banned.
• Reduce Smurfing: Smurfing, where experienced players create new accounts to play against less skilled players, negatively impacts the competitive balance.
• Enhance Account Security: A linked phone number can be used for account recovery and two-factor authentication, bolstering overall account security.

The Backlash and Subsequent Changes

The initial mandatory phone number requirement sparked considerable controversy. The primary reasons for the pushback were:

• Prepaid Phone Incompatibility: The system initially didn’t accept prepaid phone numbers, disproportionately affecting lower-income players.
• Privacy Concerns: Some players were wary of providing their phone numbers due to privacy concerns.
• Accessibility Issues: The requirement created barriers for players with limited access to mobile phones or those who preferred not to share their numbers.

In response to the widespread criticism, Blizzard adjusted its policy. As the provided article states, they ultimately removed the phone number requirement for a majority of existing Overwatch players. Specifically, players who had played the original Overwatch since June 9, 2021, were exempted from the phone number requirement.

Current Status: Phone Number Requirement for Overwatch 2

The current situation can be summarized as follows:

• Existing Overwatch Players: If you played Overwatch before June 9, 2021, and have a connected Battle.net account, you generally do not need to provide a phone number to play Overwatch 2.
• New Players: New players, or those who created their Battle.net accounts after the specified date, may still be required to add a phone number, depending on Blizzard’s current security policies. This is particularly true if you are a console player linking your account.
• Phone Number Remains Linked: Even if you are exempt from needing a phone number now, if you previously added a phone number to your Battle.net account for Overwatch 2, it is still associated with that account unless you actively remove it.
• One Number Per Account: A single phone number can still only be linked to one Battle.net account at a time. Attempting to use the same number for multiple accounts will result in an error.

This brings us back to the original question: can you reuse a phone number? You can, but only after removing it from the original account. Then you may be able to use it to verify a different account, assuming that Blizzard’s policies don’t restrict this in any way.

Removing a Phone Number

If you need to move your phone number to a different Battle.net account or simply want to remove it, you can do so through your Account Details page on the Battle.net website. Keep in mind that removing the phone number may restrict access to games that require SMS Protect.

Using a Burner Number: A Risky Approach

While some suggest using burner phone services to bypass the requirement, this is not recommended. Blizzard explicitly states that certain types of phone numbers, including VoIP numbers, may not be accepted. Using a burner number may also violate Blizzard’s terms of service and could lead to account suspension or permanent ban. It’s always better to follow the official guidelines and use a legitimate mobile phone number if required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Overwatch 2 and Phone Numbers

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Overwatch 2’s phone number policy.

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

No. The same phone number cannot be used on multiple Battle.net accounts simultaneously. This restriction remains in place, even after Blizzard rolled back the requirement for many players.

2. Do I still need a phone number to play Overwatch 2 in 2024?

It depends. Most players who owned the original Overwatch before June 9, 2021, do not need to provide a phone number. New players or those creating accounts after that date may still be subject to the requirement, depending on Blizzard’s security protocols. Always check the official Blizzard support page for the latest policy updates.

3. How can I remove my phone number from my Battle.net account?

You can remove your phone number by logging into your Battle.net account on the website, navigating to the Account Details page, and clicking the “Remove” button in the Phone Number section. Keep in mind that doing so might restrict access to some games.

4. What happens if I remove my phone number after playing Overwatch 2?

If you remove your phone number, you might not be able to play games that require SMS Protect, including, potentially, Overwatch 2 if Blizzard requires it for your specific account type in the future.

5. Why is my phone number not working when I try to add it to my Battle.net account?

There are several reasons why your phone number might not be accepted:

• Already in Use: The number might already be linked to another Battle.net account.
• Invalid Number: The number might be invalid, incorrectly formatted, or not a valid mobile phone number.
• VoIP Number: The number could be a VoIP number, which is not supported by Blizzard’s system.
• Account Restrictions: Your account might have restrictions preventing you from adding a phone number.
• Blizzard’s Policy: Blizzard’s policy could have changed, and your number might not meet their current requirements.

6. Can I use a Google Voice number for Overwatch 2?

Generally, no, you cannot use a Google Voice or other VoIP number for Overwatch 2’s SMS Protect. Blizzard requires a valid mobile phone number from a recognized carrier.

7. What if someone else is using my phone number on their Battle.net account?

This is a serious issue. Contact Blizzard Customer Support immediately. They will investigate and help you reclaim your phone number. It could indicate that your phone number has been compromised.

8. I played Overwatch 1 before June 9, 2021, but Overwatch 2 is still asking for my phone number. What should I do?

Ensure that your Battle.net account is properly linked to your Overwatch account. If the problem persists, contact Blizzard Support. It might be a bug or an issue with your account linking.

9. Will Blizzard ever sell my phone number?

No, Blizzard will not sell your phone number. They take privacy seriously and have a privacy policy that states they do not sell personal information. Always refer to their official privacy policy for the most accurate information. The Games Learning Society also advocates for responsible data practices and ethical game design, which are paramount in today’s digital landscape.

10. Can I merge my Overwatch accounts after removing the phone number?

Yes, you should be able to merge your Overwatch accounts even after removing the phone number, as long as you meet the other requirements for account merging (e.g., one account per platform).

11. What are the risks of using a burner phone number for Overwatch 2?

Using a burner phone number carries several risks:

• Violation of Terms of Service: It might violate Blizzard’s terms of service, leading to account suspension or banning.
• Lack of Support: If you lose access to the burner number, you might lose access to your account.
• Unreliability: Burner numbers may not always work reliably with verification systems.
• Privacy Concerns: Some burner services may not be as private as advertised.

12. How often does Blizzard change its phone number policy for Overwatch 2?

Blizzard updates its policies as needed. Always refer to the official Blizzard Support website for the latest information. Policy changes are often announced on their forums and social media channels.

13. What if I lose access to the phone number I used for Overwatch 2?

Contact Blizzard Support immediately. They can help you verify your account ownership and potentially update your phone number. Providing alternative verification methods can expedite the process.

14. Can I bypass the phone number requirement using a VPN?

Using a VPN will not bypass the phone number requirement. The phone number requirement is linked to your Battle.net account, not your IP address.

15. How does the phone number requirement impact the overall security of Overwatch 2?

The phone number requirement enhances account security by making it more difficult for malicious actors to create and maintain multiple accounts. It adds an extra layer of verification for account recovery and helps to deter cheating and other disruptive behaviors. The GamesLearningSociety.org recognizes that the design of such systems impacts user experience and should be carefully considered.

Conclusion

While the phone number requirement for Overwatch 2 has been eased for many existing players, understanding the underlying system and its limitations is crucial. You generally cannot reuse a phone number on multiple Battle.net accounts simultaneously. Always refer to the official Blizzard Support website for the most up-to-date information and guidelines regarding the SMS Protect system and other security measures. Prioritizing secure and ethical gaming practices is essential for a positive gaming experience for everyone.