Unlinking and Relinking Your Activision Account: A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can unlink and relink your Activision account. However, there are limitations and important considerations to keep in mind. The key rule is that you can only unlink individual platform accounts from your Activision account once every 12 months. This guide will delve into the intricacies of unlinking and relinking your Activision account, covering potential issues, consequences, and frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth experience.
Understanding Activision Account Linking
Activision accounts act as the central hub for your Call of Duty and other Activision game progress and purchases. Linking your platform accounts (like PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Battle.net) to your Activision account allows you to access your game progress and content across different devices. This is crucial for cross-progression and maintaining a unified experience.
Why Unlink Your Account?
There are several reasons why you might need to unlink your Activision account from a platform account:
- Linked the Wrong Account: Perhaps you accidentally linked the wrong PlayStation Network ID or Xbox Gamertag to your Activision account.
- Selling or Giving Away a Platform Account: If you’re selling or giving away a console, you’ll want to unlink your Activision account to protect your game progress and prevent the new owner from accessing your data.
- Account Security: If you suspect your Activision account has been compromised, unlinking your platform accounts can be a precautionary measure.
- Switching Primary Accounts: You might be migrating to a new primary platform account and need to link it to your Activision account.
The 12-Month Rule: What You Need to Know
The most crucial aspect of unlinking is the 12-month cooldown period. Activision imposes this restriction to prevent abuse and maintain account security. This means that once you unlink a particular platform account (e.g., your PlayStation Network account), you cannot relink it or link another PlayStation Network account to your Activision account for 12 months.
The Process of Unlinking
- Log in to your Activision Account: Go to the Activision website and log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to Account Linking: Find the “Account Linking” or “Linked Accounts” section in your profile settings.
- Select the Account to Unlink: Identify the platform account you wish to unlink (PlayStation, Xbox, Battle.net, etc.).
- Confirm Unlinking: Click the “Unlink” button next to the account and confirm your decision. Be sure to read the warning message carefully, as it will reiterate the 12-month restriction.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with a straightforward process, you might encounter issues while unlinking your account:
- Website Glitches: Sometimes, the Activision website may experience glitches or errors. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies or using a different browser.
- Unable to Unlink: If you’re unable to unlink through the website, try using the Call of Duty companion app or contacting Activision support.
- Unlink Button Missing: Ensure that you are logged into the correct Activision account that is actually linked to the platform account you are trying to unlink.
- Verification Issues: Activision may require additional verification steps, such as two-factor authentication, before allowing you to unlink. Make sure your contact information is up to date on your Activision account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about unlinking and relinking Activision accounts:
1. What happens if I unlink my Activision account?
Unlinking a platform account from your Activision account means you can no longer access your cross-progression and shared content on that specific platform using that specific platform account. If you link that same platform account to another Activision account, your progress will not carry over. Your progress remains tied to the original linked account.
2. Will I lose my game progress if I unlink my Activision account?
No, you will not lose your game progress if you unlink a platform account. Your progress and content are stored on your Activision account, not the platform account. As the article mentions, If you can’t relink your account or if all the stuff disappear, maybe you could contact Activision support to find help from there !
3. How often can I unlink my Activision account?
You can unlink individual platform accounts from an Activision account once every 12 months.
4. Can I delete my Activision account and create a new one?
While you cannot fully delete your Activision account, you can request to have your personal information removed. However, this will not allow you to bypass the 12-month restriction on unlinking.
5. How do I change my Activision ID/Display Name?
You can change your Activision ID/Display Name using a Username change token. You receive a new token every six months and can hold up to two tokens at a time.
6. How long does it take for Activision to deactivate an account?
According to Activision’s support site, it can take up to two weeks for them to deactivate your account.
7. Why can’t I unlink my Activision account?
There could be several reasons: a website glitch, you might have already unlinked an account within the past 12 months, or you’re not logged into the correct Activision account. Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or contacting Activision Support.
8. Can I transfer my Call of Duty progress to another Activision account?
No, progress cannot be transferred between Activision accounts. Your game progress is tied to the original linked account.
9. Can I merge two Call of Duty accounts?
No, you cannot merge two Call of Duty accounts or move a Call of Duty account from one Battle.net account to another.
10. How long does it take for Activision to review an account submission?
In most cases, Activision will respond to your submission within 8 hours. However, if unauthorized activity is detected, it may take up to 3 business days.
11. What if I can’t log into my Activision account?
Go to the Activision account password recovery page and enter the email address used to create the account. Follow the instructions sent to your email to reset your password.
12. Can I relink an Activision account immediately after unlinking?
No, you must wait 12 months to relink the same platform account or link a different platform account of the same type (e.g. another PSN account) to that same Activision account. However, if you unlink an old Activision account from an old Microsoft account, that old Activision account can be linked right away to your new Microsoft account.
13. Can I switch Activision accounts on Epic Games?
Epic Games can be unlinked but can only be relinked to the same Microsoft/Xbox account. Linking to a different account is not supported. Activision accounts can be unlinked and relinked with another account once per 12 months.
14. What happens to my purchases if I uninstall Call of Duty?
Uninstalling Call of Duty will not delete your game save data or purchases. Your progress and purchases are linked to your Activision account.
15. Where can I find more information about game-based learning?
For more insights into the educational potential of gaming, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers resources on how games can be powerful tools for education and skill development.
Conclusion
Unlinking and relinking your Activision account can be a necessary step for various reasons, but it’s crucial to understand the 12-month restriction and potential consequences. By following the steps outlined in this guide and consulting the FAQs, you can navigate this process smoothly and avoid any unexpected issues. Always remember to prioritize account security and double-check your account links to ensure a seamless gaming experience.