Why Does Blizzard Want a Phone Number?

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Blizzard wants a phone number to enhance account security and prevent fraud and scams through their SMS Protect system, which verifies legitimate phone numbers and excludes invalid ones. By requiring a postpaid phone number, Blizzard aims to ensure that each account is linked to a unique and legitimate phone number, making it more difficult for cheaters and scammers to create multiple accounts.

Understanding the Requirement

The requirement for a phone number is part of Blizzard’s efforts to maintain a secure gaming environment and protect players’ accounts from unauthorized access. This measure is particularly important for games like Overwatch 2, where a phone number is necessary to play and access certain features.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I Have to Give Blizzard My Phone Number?

While some Blizzard games require a phone number to play, others may not, and the requirement can vary depending on the game and the player’s account status.

2. Why Does Blizzard Ask for a Postpaid Phone Number?

Blizzard asks for a postpaid phone number to verify the account owner’s identity and prevent fraud, as postpaid numbers are generally considered more secure than prepaid or VOIP numbers.

3. Can I Use a Google Voice Number for Overwatch 2?

No, Blizzard does not accept Google Voice numbers or other VOIP services, as they are not considered secure enough for account verification.

4. Why Did Blizzard Lock My Account?

Blizzard may lock an account due to suspicious activity or changes in access, such as logging in from an unfamiliar location or after a long period of inactivity.

5. Can I Use the Same Phone Number for Two Blizzard Accounts?

No, a phone number can only be added to a single Battle.net account, and Blizzard’s customer support cannot bypass this limitation.

6. Why Does Overwatch 2 Require a Phone Number?

Overwatch 2 requires a phone number to play due to Blizzard’s SMS Protect system, which aims to prevent fraud and scams by verifying legitimate phone numbers.

7. How Do I Bypass the Phone Number Requirement for Overwatch 2?

There is no official way to bypass the phone number requirement, but some players have reported using burner phone services or other workarounds to access the game without providing a legitimate phone number.

8. Why Won’t Blizzard Accept My Phone Number?

Blizzard may not accept a phone number if it is not a postpaid number, if it has been previously used on a VOIP plan, or if it does not match the country registered on the player’s Battle.net account.

9. Can I Get a Free Virtual Phone Number for Blizzard?

Yes, there are several services that offer free virtual phone numbers, such as Google Voice or Tossable Digits, but Blizzard may not accept these numbers for account verification.

10. Why Does Blizzard Show My Real Name?

Blizzard may show a player’s real name if they have Real ID enabled, which allows friends and other players to see their real name instead of their BattleTag.

11. Do I Still Need a Phone Number to Play Overwatch 2 in 2023?

Existing Overwatch players with a connected Battle.net account who have played since June 9, 2021, are not required to provide a phone number to play Overwatch 2, but new players may still need to meet this requirement.

12. Why Does Overwatch Say My Phone Number is Already in Use?

The phone number already in use error may occur if the number is already linked to another Battle.net account or if it is not a valid postpaid number.

13. How Do I Verify My Blizzard Account?

To verify a Blizzard account, players must provide a valid email address and phone number, and follow the verification process outlined on the Blizzard website.

14. Why Won’t My Phone Number Work in Overwatch 2?

A phone number may not work in Overwatch 2 if it is not a postpaid number, if it has been previously used on a VOIP plan, or if it does not match the country registered on the player’s Battle.net account.

15. What is the Blizzard Phone Controversy?

The Blizzard phone controversy refers to the backlash against Blizzard’s requirement for a phone number to play Overwatch 2, with some players expressing concerns about privacy and security.