How Many Accounts Can I Have on Blizzard?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The simple answer is: you can have multiple Blizzard accounts, but there are crucial limitations and considerations to keep in mind. While Blizzard doesn’t explicitly state a maximum number of accounts you can create, practical limitations and the Terms of Service come into play. The key is to understand how each account functions, the rules surrounding them, and potential pitfalls.
Understanding Blizzard Account Structure
Blizzard Entertainment utilizes the Battle.net platform for its games and services. Your Battle.net account is your central hub for accessing games like World of Warcraft, Overwatch 2, Diablo IV, and more. Each game then exists within that Battle.net account. You can have multiple World of Warcraft accounts linked to a single Battle.net account (up to 8), allowing you to manage different WoW licenses under one login. However, having multiple Battle.net accounts is a different scenario.
The Nuances of Multiple Battle.net Accounts
While technically you can create and manage multiple Battle.net accounts, it’s essential to consider the implications:
- Individual Management: Each Battle.net account requires separate management. This includes email addresses, passwords, and security settings.
- Separate Purchases: Games and expansions are tied to specific Battle.net accounts. You’ll need to purchase the game separately for each account if you intend to play it on multiple accounts.
- No Game Transfers (Generally): While Blizzard offers a limited transfer service for some games (World of Warcraft, Diablo III, Hearthstone, and StarCraft II) between accounts, it’s not a universal feature. Other games are not transferable.
- Terms of Service: All accounts are subject to Blizzard’s Terms of Service. Violations on one account could potentially impact all your accounts.
- Phone Number Requirement: Critically, a phone number can only be linked to one Battle.net account. This is a significant limitation, particularly for account security and recovery.
Why Have Multiple Blizzard Accounts?
There are several reasons why someone might choose to have multiple Battle.net accounts:
- Family Members: Separate accounts for family members (especially children) to manage their own games and progress.
- Regional Differences (Historically): In the past, separate accounts might have been needed for different regions. This is less common now with global play, but some regional restrictions might still apply.
- Specific Game Purposes: Dedicated accounts for specific purposes, like streaming or testing different game builds.
- Account Security (Potentially): Some users believe that having multiple accounts isolates potential security breaches. If one account is compromised, the others remain separate. However, robust security practices on a single account are generally more effective.
Risks and Considerations
Managing multiple accounts comes with inherent risks:
- Account Sharing Violations: Sharing accounts (even between family members, except for a parent or guardian permitting a minor child to use one account) is generally against the Terms of Service and can lead to bans.
- Accidental Violations: You might inadvertently violate the Terms of Service across multiple accounts without realizing it.
- Management Overhead: Keeping track of multiple accounts, passwords, and security settings can be cumbersome.
- Cost: Purchasing games and services multiple times can be expensive.
Security Best Practices
Whether you have one account or many, prioritize security:
- Strong Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for each account. A password manager can help.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (Authenticator app or SMS Protect) for every account. Note that SMS Protect is tied to a single phone number.
- Be Wary of Phishing: Be cautious of suspicious emails or links that might be attempts to steal your account information.
- Keep Your Software Updated: Ensure your operating system and antivirus software are up-to-date.
Conclusion
While you can have multiple Blizzard accounts, it’s a decision that requires careful consideration. The benefits must outweigh the potential risks and management overhead. Always prioritize security and adhere to Blizzard’s Terms of Service to avoid penalties. It’s also important to remember that a core value of gaming is learning and community, which is reinforced by organizations like the Games Learning Society, which promotes understanding and collaboration within the gaming world. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about their initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I merge two Blizzard accounts?
Yes, in some limited cases, you can merge accounts, particularly for linking console accounts to Battle.net for games like Overwatch 2. Load Battle.net, click your account name at the top of the screen and click ‘My Account’ Select ‘Connections’ and then you’ll see an option to add an Xbox, Playstation or Nintendo account. Add as many accounts as you like, log into Overwatch and select ‘Account Merge’ on the main menu. Note that merging Battle.net accounts is not broadly supported, and you may lose progress or purchases.
2. Can two people use the same Battle.net account at the same time?
No. Blizzard’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit account sharing. While you can technically log into multiple accounts simultaneously from your own devices, allowing someone else to use your account violates the rules and can result in account suspension.
3. Can I use the same email for two Battle.net accounts?
No, you cannot directly use the same email address for two Battle.net accounts. To swap two emails, you will need a third/extra email address. Update the first account to the extra email in order to free up the original email for use on your second account.
4. Can 2 Battle.net accounts have the same phone number?
No. A phone number can only be added to a single Battle.net Account. Customer Support cannot bypass this limitation. This is a critical security restriction.
5. Can I share my Blizzard account with my spouse or child?
Officially, you may not share your account or password with anyone, except if you are a parent or guardian, in which case you may permit one minor child to use your account. You may not use your account at the same time, and you are liable for activities conducted by the minor child.
6. How does Blizzard detect account sharing?
Blizzard uses various methods, including IP address analysis, login location tracking, and in-game activity monitoring, to detect potential account sharing.
7. Can I get banned for sharing my Battle.net account?
Yes. Account sharing is a violation of Blizzard’s Terms of Service and can lead to a permanent ban.
8. How many friends can you have on Blizzard?
You can have a maximum of 600 BattleTag or Real ID friends.
9. Can multiple people have the same Blizzard name (BattleTag)?
Yes, BattleTags do not need to be unique. You can use any name you want, as long as it follows their Naming Policy.
10. Can I transfer a game from one Battle.net account to another?
This is a qualified yes. We can assist you in moving a game from your Battle.net account to the Battle.net account of your child. This service is only possible with World of Warcraft, Diablo III, Hearthstone, and StarCraft II accounts. Other games are not transferable.
11. Why does Blizzard lock accounts?
We temporarily lock Battle.net accounts when there’s a change in access. This can mean a long time has gone by since last time you logged in, or maybe you’ve logged in from an unfamiliar location. We’ve sent you an email with a link to reset your password, which will unlock your account.
12. Can I have my Blizzard account on two devices at the same time?
If you log into the Battle.net app on one computer, then log into the Battle.net App on a second computer with the same account, it will log out of the first computer. To play games on more than one computer, players need to log into the games directly from the installation folder for the game. However, this does not mean you can play the same game simultaneously on two computers using the same account.
13. Can people see your real name on Blizzard?
If you do not have Real ID enabled, your real name is invisible to everybody. If you have Real ID enabled, your real name is visible to your Real ID friends (and to their friends if you have allowed this option).
14. Is it against the rules to have the same name as someone else in Overwatch 2?
No, having the same name as someone is not against any rule.
15. Why does Overwatch 2 need a phone number?
Though it might seem unusual to ask for a phone number to play an online game, Overwatch 2 is relying on something called SMS Protect, a system designed to verify legitimate phone numbers and exclude instances of fraud or scams. A phone number is required by Blizzard for account security, as notifications will be delivered after suspicious login attempts, password changes, and security features change. It also lets players unlock their accounts without a password and recover lost account details.