Why does Overwatch 2 want my phone number?

Overwatch 2 requires a phone number to enhance account security and prevent disruptive behavior, using a system called SMS Protect to verify legitimate phone numbers and exclude instances of fraud or scams. By attaching a unique phone number to an account, Blizzard aims to keep players accountable for their actions and protect accounts from hacking and other security threats.

Understanding SMS Protect and Its Implications

To understand why Overwatch 2 wants your phone number, it’s essential to delve into the SMS Protect system and its role in maintaining a secure and fair gaming environment. SMS Protect is a security feature designed to verify the legitimacy of phone numbers associated with player accounts, thereby reducing the likelihood of smurfing, account sharing, and other forms of toxic behavior.

FAQs About Overwatch 2 and Phone Number Requirements

General Questions

1. Is Overwatch 2 still asking for a phone number? – Existing players with a connected Battle.net account who played Overwatch after June 9, 2021, are no longer required to add a phone number to play Overwatch 2.
2. Can you play Overwatch 2 without a phone number? – Players who have played the first Overwatch game after June 9, 2021, can bypass the phone number requirement with their current Battle.net credentials.
3. Why do I need a phone number for Overwatch 2? – The primary reason is to enhance account security and prevent disruptive behavior through the SMS Protect system.

Technical and Account-Related Questions

4. What do I do if my phone number is already in use on Overwatch 2? – You need to remove the number from the other Battle.net Account or use the Battle.net Recovery service to regain access.
5. Why won’t Battle.net accept my phone number? – Ensure the number is correct, the country registered on your Battle.net account matches the phone number’s country, and the number was not previously used on a VOIP plan.
6. Can I use the same phone number for two Overwatch 2 accounts? – No, a phone number can only be added to a single Battle.net Account.

Security and Privacy Concerns

7. Does Blizzard sell your phone number? – Blizzard takes your privacy seriously and does not sell your personal information.
8. Is it safe to give Blizzard my phone number? – Blizzard uses your phone number for account security and SMS Protect, and it does not share this information with third-party companies for advertising purposes.

Gameplay and Accessibility

9. Can you play Overwatch 2 with a prepaid phone number? – Yes, Overwatch 2 now accepts prepaid numbers when creating accounts.
10. Why did Blizzard initially not accept prepaid phone numbers? – This was due to the system’s design to block cheaters, but it has been updated to include prepaid numbers.

Troubleshooting and Account Management

11. How do I bypass the Battle.net phone number already in use error? – You cannot bypass this limitation; you must remove the number from the other account or use a different number.
12. Can you remove your phone number from Blizzard? – Yes, you can update or remove the phone number on your Battle.net account, but this may affect access to certain games.

Policies and Features

13. What is SMS Protect, and how does it work? – SMS Protect is a security feature that requires a unique phone number to be attached to an account to prevent disruptive behavior and protect accounts.
14. Is SMS Protect removed from Overwatch 2? – For players who have played the first Overwatch game, SMS Protect requirements have been amended, but it remains in place for new players.
15. How to play Overwatch 2 without a phone number in 2023? – Only players who have played Overwatch after June 9, 2021, can play without a phone number; otherwise, a phone number is required for new accounts.