Is Overwatch 2 still asking for SMS?
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Overwatch 2 is no longer requiring SMS Protect for all players, as Blizzard has removed the phone number requirement for a majority of existing players, but new players will still need a verified phone number to play. The removal of SMS Protect is a significant change, allowing players who have played Overwatch since June 9, 2021, to play Overwatch 2 without needing to provide a phone number.
FAQs about Overwatch 2 SMS Requirement
General Information
- What is SMS Protect in Overwatch 2? SMS Protect is a security feature that requires players to attach a unique phone number to their account to prevent cheating and protect accounts from being hacked.
- Do I need a phone number to play Overwatch 2? No, not all players need a phone number to play Overwatch 2, as Blizzard has removed the SMS Protect requirement for existing players who have played Overwatch since June 9, 2021.
Account and Phone Number Requirements
- Can I play Overwatch 2 without a phone number? Yes, players who have played Overwatch since June 9, 2021, can play Overwatch 2 without a phone number, but new players will still need a verified phone number.
- Why does Blizzard require a phone number? Blizzard requires a phone number to send notifications when important changes are made to the account and to prevent cheating.
- Can I use a prepaid phone number for Overwatch 2? Yes, Overwatch 2 now accepts prepaid numbers when creating accounts, but not all prepaid phone services will be supported.
Security and Verification
- What is the purpose of SMS Protect? The purpose of SMS Protect is to keep players accountable for disruptive behavior and to protect accounts from being hacked.
- How do I activate Overwatch 2 SMS? To activate Overwatch 2 SMS, log into your Battle.net account, go to Account Details > Phone Number, and enter your phone number.
- Why is Battle.net not sending me a verification code? If you don’t receive verification codes or SMS alerts, check your phone notifications, ensure you don’t have any applications blocking texts or calls, and update your phone software.
Troubleshooting and Restrictions
- Why can’t I add a phone number to my Blizzard account? You may not be able to add a phone number to your Blizzard account if your phone number belongs to a different country than the one registered in your Battle.net Account Details.
- Can I use a postpaid phone number for Overwatch 2? Yes, postpaid phone numbers are accepted for Overwatch 2, and Blizzard expects most prepaid service plans to be eligible.
- What is a postpaid connection? A postpaid connection is a type of mobile plan where users receive services and pay the bill at the end of the billing cycle.
Additional Information
- Do I need 2FA for Overwatch 2? Yes, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is recommended for Overwatch 2 to ensure a safe and secure gaming experience.
- Can I use Talkatone for Overwatch 2? Yes, Talkatone can be used to obtain a phone number for Overwatch 2, especially for players who need multiple phone numbers.
- Did Overwatch 2 remove phone verification? Blizzard has removed the phone number requirement for a majority of existing Overwatch players, but new players will still need to provide a phone number.
- Is Overwatch 2 safe? Overwatch 2 has security measures in place to protect players, but as with any online game, there is a risk of exposure to bad language and inappropriate content when playing with strangers.