How to Merge Your Blizzard Accounts: A Comprehensive Guide
Merging your Blizzard accounts can be a tricky subject, as the straightforward answer is: you can’t directly merge two distinct Battle.net accounts. Blizzard does not offer a feature to combine two separate Battle.net accounts into one. This means you can’t combine game libraries, progress, or in-game items from one Battle.net account to another.
However, the confusion often arises from the context of linking console accounts (like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch) to your Battle.net account, particularly in games like Overwatch 2, to carry over progress. This is not the same as merging two Battle.net accounts.
The perceived need to “merge” accounts often stems from past platform migrations, lost login information, or the desire to consolidate progress across various platforms. While a direct merge isn’t possible, there are workarounds and important clarifications to understand. Let’s delve into the details and FAQs.
Understanding Account Linking vs. Account Merging
It’s crucial to distinguish between linking external accounts and the (non-existent) process of merging Battle.net accounts.
Account Linking
Account linking refers to connecting your console or platform accounts (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Account) to your primary Battle.net account. This process allows cross-platform progression in certain games like Overwatch 2. You link these accounts through your Battle.net account settings.
Account Merging (Not Possible)
Account merging, in the context of directly combining two Battle.net accounts, is not possible. Blizzard prevents the combination of game libraries, progress, and other account data from one Battle.net account to another.
Common Scenarios and Misconceptions
Many players run into confusion when:
- They have multiple Battle.net accounts due to forgotten logins.
- They want to transfer games from one Battle.net account to another.
- They are trying to consolidate progress from different platforms.
- They want to combine in-game items or currencies across accounts.
Unfortunately, because directly merging Battle.net accounts is not possible, Blizzard’s Customer Support cannot assist in these cases. The only exception is transferring specific games between a parent’s and child’s Battle.net accounts.
How to Link Console Accounts to Battle.net for Overwatch 2
Although you can’t merge Battle.net accounts, here’s how to link console accounts, specifically in the context of Overwatch 2:
- Log into Battle.net on your web browser.
- Click on your name in the top right corner and select “Account Settings” from the drop-down list.
- Select “Connections” from the list on the left.
- Choose the platform you want to connect to your Battle.net account (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) and select “+Connect”.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to link your console account.
Once linked, you will often see a prompt within Overwatch 2 to confirm the account merge and consolidate your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I merge multiple Battle.net accounts into a single account?
No, you cannot merge multiple Battle.net accounts. This is a restriction implemented by Blizzard, and Customer Support will not assist with bypassing it.
2. Can I transfer games from one Battle.net account to another?
Generally, you cannot transfer games between Battle.net accounts. However, there’s a specific exception: Blizzard may assist in moving World of Warcraft, Diablo III, Hearthstone, and StarCraft II from a parent’s Battle.net account to their child’s account. Other games are not transferable.
3. How do I merge my old Overwatch account with my new one?
The process is actually to link your console account(s) to your Battle.net account. This is done through the “Connections” section of your Battle.net account settings. After linking, log into Overwatch 2, and you should be prompted to merge accounts.
4. Why isn’t my Overwatch 2 account merge working?
The most common reason for merge issues is that the console account you are trying to merge was previously linked to a different Battle.net account. A console account can only be linked to one Battle.net account. Other potential causes are server issues or network problems. Ensure your network connection is stable.
5. Can I transfer my Battle.net account to another email address?
Yes, you can change the email address associated with your Battle.net account. Log into your Account Details page on the Blizzard website. If you encounter issues, contact Blizzard Customer Support for assistance.
6. Is it possible to sell or gift my Battle.net account?
No, Blizzard strictly prohibits the sale, gifting, or trading of Battle.net accounts. Doing so violates their terms of service.
7. Why are my Overwatch skins missing after merging?
Ensure you are logging into the correct Battle.net account – the one you linked your console account(s) to. If you had multiple accounts and only linked one, your skins will only appear on the linked account.
8. How long does the Overwatch account merge process take?
Account merging in Overwatch 2 can take varying amounts of time, often around 6 hours, but sometimes longer depending on server load and the number of people merging accounts.
9. Can I use the same phone number for multiple Battle.net accounts?
No, a phone number can only be associated with a single Battle.net account. If you need to use the same phone number on a different account, remove it from the original account first.
10. Can I have the same Battle.net account logged in on two devices simultaneously?
While you can technically log into the Battle.net desktop app on multiple computers, logging in on a second computer will log you out of the first. To play games on multiple computers, log into each game directly from its installation folder.
11. Do Battle.net accounts expire due to inactivity?
Blizzard generally does not delete Battle.net accounts for inactivity unless they are completely empty and haven’t been used for many years. If you can’t access your account, ensure you are using the correct email address or contact Customer Support.
12. Can Battle.net accounts be deleted?
Yes, you can request the deletion of your Battle.net account. This will permanently remove all personal information associated with the account.
13. How can I recover my Battle.net account if I don’t have access to my email?
Contact Blizzard Customer Support. They will guide you through the account recovery process. Setting up Battle.net Phone Notifications beforehand can simplify account recovery.
14. Will my progress from Overwatch 1 automatically transfer to Overwatch 2 on PC?
Yes, progress from Overwatch 1 on PC will automatically carry over to Overwatch 2 as long as you log in with the same Battle.net account.
15. If I merged the wrong console account, can I unlink it and merge a different one?
This is where it gets complicated. Unlinking a console account may be possible by contacting Blizzard Customer Support, but there’s no guarantee. Once a console account is linked, it’s usually tied to that Battle.net account permanently.
Final Thoughts
While directly merging Battle.net accounts isn’t an option, understanding the nuances of account linking for cross-platform progression and carefully managing your login information are crucial. Always double-check which Battle.net account you are using, especially when linking console accounts, to avoid potential issues. The world of digital gaming accounts is always evolving, and to stay informed and learn more about gaming and its impact, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They offer research and insights into the intersection of games and learning. This information is essential for navigating the complexities of digital gaming.
Managing digital accounts can be a challenge, understanding these nuances is essential.