Is It Possible to Merge 2 Battle.net Accounts? The Definitive Guide
The short, direct answer to this question is: No, you cannot directly merge two Battle.net accounts. Blizzard Entertainment does not offer a service or feature that allows you to combine multiple Battle.net accounts into a single one. This is a firm restriction, and Blizzard Customer Support will not assist in bypassing it. While this may be disappointing news for some users, this policy is in place for various security and account management reasons. However, there are still options for handling game licenses and character transfers, which we will explore in detail.
Understanding the Restrictions
It’s crucial to understand what Blizzard does not allow:
- Merging multiple Battle.net accounts: You cannot consolidate two or more separate Battle.net accounts into one. This means that games, licenses, or progress associated with one account will remain tied to that specific account.
- Merging multiple copies of a game: You can’t merge multiple instances of the same game into a single game account. Each game license is linked to a specific Battle.net account.
- Moving games between Battle.net accounts: Games purchased or activated on one Battle.net account cannot be transferred to another account. The game license is forever tied to the account on which it was initially activated.
These limitations are strictly enforced, and attempting to find workarounds is not advised. Instead, it’s important to understand what you can do within these restrictions.
What You Can Do: Character Transfers and Game License Movement
While merging accounts isn’t possible, there are some permitted actions:
Character Transfers in World of Warcraft
The Character Transfer service allows you to move characters between different World of Warcraft realms, between different World of Warcraft accounts, or even between different Battle.net accounts. However, there’s a key requirement: Both the sending and receiving Battle.net accounts must be registered under the same account holder name. This prevents transfers to accounts that do not belong to you.
Moving World of Warcraft Licenses (with Restrictions)
While you cannot merge licenses, Blizzard does, under very specific circumstances, allow moving a World of Warcraft license from one Battle.net account to another. This typically involves contacting customer support and going through a validation process to prove you own both accounts. Keep in mind, ticket times can be around 8 days. This is not a true merge and should not be confused with actually combining accounts.
Linking Accounts for Cross-Platform Play
For games like Overwatch 2, Blizzard allows you to link console accounts (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) to your Battle.net account. This enables cross-platform progression and play. However, this is not account merging. The linked console account simply accesses the progression stored on your Battle.net account. Note that Overwatch progression earned on one console or PC account cannot be merged to the same type of account. Only progress between consoles and PC can be merged.
To link accounts for Overwatch 2:
- Load the game on the console you want to merge.
- Select Options.
- Choose Link Account.
- Scan the QR code using your mobile device.
- Either log in or create a new Battle.net account.
Linking Accounts for Call of Duty
You can link your Battle.net account to your Activision account to share progress across platforms in Call of Duty.
To link your accounts:
- Sign in to the Battle.net account you wish to link.
- In the same browser, sign in to your Activision account.
- In the ACCOUNT LINKING section, choose an account to link. Note: A Call of Duty profile may only have one linked Blizzard Account.
- Select CONTINUE.
Why Doesn’t Blizzard Allow Account Merging?
Blizzard’s policies are designed to protect user accounts and prevent fraudulent activities. Allowing account merging would create numerous opportunities for abuse, including the sale of accounts with accumulated items and in-game progress, which would go against the Terms of Service. The restrictions help maintain a more secure and fair gaming environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that provide further clarity:
1. Can I use the same phone number for two Battle.net accounts?
No, a phone number can only be associated with a single Battle.net account. Blizzard’s system prevents multiple accounts from using the same number, and Customer Support cannot bypass this limitation. If you added your phone number to another account, you’ll need to remove it from that account first.
2. Why is my account not merging in Overwatch 2?
The “Merge Accounts Not Working” error in Overwatch 2 is often due to a bug or server error with the game itself. It could also be an issue with your network or game files. Ensure your game is updated and try again.
3. Can I still merge my Overwatch accounts?
Yes, but with limitations. You can merge progress from console accounts to your Battle.net account for Overwatch 2, but not between two accounts of the same platform (e.g., two PC accounts, two PlayStation accounts).
4. Can I transfer a character from one Battle.net account to another?
Yes, but both accounts must be registered under the same account holder name to use the Character Transfer service.
5. How long does it take for an Overwatch account to merge?
Account merging in Overwatch 2 usually takes about 6 hours, but this time can vary depending on server load and the number of accounts being merged.
6. Does my Overwatch account merge automatically?
For PC players, progress generally carries over automatically into Overwatch 2. For console accounts, you have the option to merge them with your Battle.net account. If you haven’t confirmed the merge, you’ll be prompted in-game.
7. Can I merge Overwatch accounts after Overwatch 1 shut down?
Yes, the “account merge” button is in the Overwatch 2 main menu. There isn’t a publicly known cut-off date, but it is recommended to merge your accounts as soon as possible after upgrading to Overwatch 2.
8. Can I recover my old Battle.net account?
Yes, Blizzard stores canceled accounts for 37 days, allowing you to recover them via personal verification. Your personal information and payment history should be restored. If you cannot recover your email, contact Customer Service.
9. How long until a Battle.net account is deleted?
Account deletion requests may take up to 30 days. Once the process is complete, the account cannot be restored.
10. Can two people have the same name on Blizzard?
Yes, BattleTags do not have to be unique. However, in-game character names within a particular game must be unique.
11. Can two people use the same Blizzard account?
No, Blizzard does not allow account sharing except in very limited cases, such as a parent allowing a child under their guardianship to use an account that is set up with parental controls.
12. Does Overwatch 2 need a Battle.net account?
Yes, even if you’re playing through Steam, you’ll need a Battle.net account to play Overwatch 2.
13. Why didn’t my Overwatch skins transfer?
Make sure you’re logging into the correct Battle.net account and that you’ve merged any console accounts with your Battle.net account.
14. Can I make multiple Battle.net accounts with the same email?
No, each account must have a unique email address.
15. Can you un-merge Overwatch 2 accounts?
Yes, but un-merging accounts will remove the progress associated with the removed account from that system.
Conclusion
While it’s not possible to directly merge two Battle.net accounts, there are alternative solutions like character transfers and linking for cross-platform play. It’s crucial to understand the specific limitations and what Blizzard allows to manage your accounts effectively. By carefully reading this article and the FAQ, you should have a thorough grasp on what is and isn’t possible with Battle.net account management. Always ensure to use the official methods provided by Blizzard to avoid any issues with your gaming accounts.