Do you need a phone number to play the new Call of Duty?

To play the new Call of Duty, specifically Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on PC, a phone number is required for security purposes, including verification and notification of suspicious activities, but this requirement does not apply to console players. The need for a phone number is part of Activision‘s efforts to enhance account security and prevent cheating, ensuring a more secure and fair gaming environment for all players.

Understanding the Requirement

The requirement for a phone number is tied to the Battle.net account, which is necessary for playing Call of Duty games on PC. This measure is part of SMS Protect, a security feature that links a player’s account to their mobile phone number, aiming to reduce disruptive behavior and protect accounts from hacking attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Why is Call of Duty asking for a phone number?

• Call of Duty asks for a phone number as a security measure to prevent cheating and to verify the player’s identity, ensuring that if an account is banned for cheating, the associated phone number will also be flagged, making it harder for cheaters to create new accounts.

1. Can you play Modern Warfare 2 without a phone number?

• Console players do not need a phone number to play Modern Warfare 2, but PC players are required to link a phone number to their Battle.net account to play.

1. What games require a phone number?

• Games like Overwatch 2, Modern Warfare, and Call of Duty: Warzone require a phone number to be added to the Battle.net account for security reasons.

Security and Account Questions

4. Why does Battle.net need my phone number?

• Battle.net needs a phone number to send notifications about important changes to the account, enhancing account security and preventing unauthorized access.

4. How do I add my phone number to Call of Duty?

• Players can add their phone number by editing their profile on the Activision website, selecting their region, entering the phone number, agreeing to the SMS terms, and saving the changes.

4. Why won’t Battle.net accept my phone number?

• Issues with accepting a phone number can be due to incorrect format, country mismatch, or if the number was previously used on a VOIP plan. Updating the country or checking the number’s format can resolve the issue.

Technical and Accessibility Questions

7. Can I have a virtual mobile number?

• Yes, virtual phone numbers can be obtained through services like Google Voice, allowing players to receive and make calls, and send texts, which can be used to verify accounts.

7. Do you need a Battle.net account to play Call of Duty?

• A Battle.net account and the Battle.net desktop app are required to play Call of Duty games on PC, and for cross-play features.

7. What do you need to play Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2?

• The minimum system requirements include Windows 10 64 Bit, Intel Core i3-6100 or equivalent, 8 GB RAM, and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470 graphics card.

Activision and Account Specifics

10. Why do I need an Activision account to play CALL OF DUTY?

    • An Activision account is necessary for online play, cross-platform progression, and to access certain features and content in Call of Duty games.

11. Does Activision ID have to have numbers?

    • Most Activision IDs include a number after the name, but some older accounts may not have this format.

12. Does Warzone require SMS?

    • Warzone 2.0 requires a text-enabled mobile phone number for PC players who are new to the game or haven’t previously verified their account, but not for console players or those who have already verified their account for the existing Warzone.

Alternatives and Solutions

13. How can I get a free mobile number?

    • Services like Google Voice offer free U.S.-based telephone numbers that can be used for verification purposes, including gaming accounts.

14. Can I get a free virtual phone number?

    • Yes, there are free and paid virtual phone number services available, such as Google Voice and OpenPhone, which can provide the necessary phone number for gaming verification.

15. How do I bypass Battle.net phone number already in use?

    • If a phone number is already linked to another Battle.net account, players must log in to that account and remove the phone number before it can be added to a different account, as customer support cannot bypass this limitation.