Why Won’t Blizzard Accept My Phone Number?

There are several reasons why Blizzard might be rejecting your phone number for Battle.net, and most of them boil down to security measures designed to prevent abuse and maintain fair play. The most common reasons include: the phone number is already linked to another Battle.net account, it’s a prepaid, VOIP, or landline number, the country code doesn’t match your Battle.net account’s registered country, or it’s a technical issue on Blizzard’s end. Understanding these possibilities and troubleshooting accordingly is crucial for resolving the problem and getting back into your favorite Blizzard games.

Understanding Blizzard’s Phone Number Requirements

Blizzard implemented phone number verification, initially through SMS Protect, to bolster account security and combat disruptive behavior like cheating and smurfing (using alternate accounts to play against less experienced players). While they’ve relaxed the requirement for many long-standing Overwatch players, it remains a hurdle for some and a point of frustration for many trying to secure their accounts.

Common Reasons for Phone Number Rejection

• Number Already in Use: This is the most frequent culprit. Each phone number can only be associated with one Battle.net account. If you’ve previously used the number on a different account, you’ll need to remove it from that account before you can use it again.
• Incompatible Number Type: Blizzard generally doesn’t accept prepaid phone plans, landlines, or VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) numbers like Google Voice. This is because these types of numbers are easier to obtain anonymously and abuse. They want phone numbers tied to actual people.
• Country Mismatch: Ensure the country code you’re using matches the country registered on your Battle.net account. If you’ve moved countries, you’ll need to update your account information accordingly. This seems simple, but is commonly overlooked.
• Incorrect Number Entry: Double-check that you’ve entered the phone number correctly, including the correct country code. A simple typo can prevent verification.
• Technical Issues: Although less common, Blizzard’s servers sometimes experience temporary glitches or outages. This can disrupt the phone number verification process. Monitor the BlizzardCS Twitter account for updates on server status.
• Number Previously Flagged: If a phone number has been associated with abusive behavior (e.g., cheating, harassment) in the past, Blizzard may flag it and prevent its use on new accounts.
• New Account Restrictions: Some newly created accounts may face stricter verification measures, requiring a postpaid number immediately. This requirement can be lifted after a period of time, or relaxed as Blizzard adapts its security policies.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify Account Details: Double-check your Battle.net account information, especially the registered country.
2. Check Number Type: Confirm that you’re using a compatible phone number (postpaid mobile number).
3. Review Linked Accounts: If you suspect the number is linked to another account, try to recall any other email addresses you might have used to create a Battle.net account.
4. Contact Blizzard Support: If you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting steps, reach out to Blizzard Support. They can investigate further and potentially provide a solution.
5. Wait and Try Again: If you suspect a temporary technical issue, wait a few hours or a day and try again.
6. Consider Alternative Numbers (Carefully): While not recommended as a first resort due to potential security risks, you might consider using a different phone number from a trusted friend or family member (with their permission, of course).
7. Examine SMS Blocking: Ensure no apps on your phone block SMS messages or calls from unknown numbers, which might be hindering delivery of the verification code.

The Evolving Landscape of Security Measures

Blizzard’s approach to phone number verification has been dynamic, shifting in response to player feedback and evolving security needs. Initially, the requirement was quite strict, impacting many legitimate players. Recognizing this, Blizzard has since relaxed the requirements for many existing Overwatch players, demonstrating a willingness to adapt its policies. As gamers, we can appreciate these changes and how they impact our hobby. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org help bring awareness to the gaming community and the evolving landscape of technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Blizzard removing the phone number requirement altogether?

No, not entirely. Blizzard has removed phone number requirements for a majority of existing Overwatch players who had a connected Battle.net account before a certain date (around June 9, 2021). However, the requirement may still apply to new accounts or accounts that haven’t met certain criteria.

2. Why won’t my phone number work in Overwatch 2?

The phone number may be linked to another account, invalid (prepaid, VOIP, landline), or not meet Blizzard’s current requirements.

3. Can I use a Google Voice number for Blizzard?

No. Blizzard explicitly prohibits the use of VOIP services like Google Voice for phone number verification.

4. Why can’t I create a Battle.net account?

This error can occur if the account creation process is failing. A mismatching or forgotten password can cause the system to not allow you access to the account.

5. Why won’t Battle.net send a phone verification code?

• Phone notifications might be deactivated in your account settings.
• You might have apps that block texts or calls.
• Your phone’s software might be outdated.

6. Is Blizzard selling my phone number?

No. Blizzard states explicitly that they do not sell your personal information.

7. Can you only have 1 Blizzard account per phone number?

Yes. A phone number can only be linked to one Battle.net account.

8. Will Blizzard fix Overwatch 2‘s phone number issues?

Blizzard has already addressed some phone number issues by removing the requirement for many existing players. They continue to monitor feedback and may make further adjustments.

9. How to bypass Overwatch 2‘s phone number requirement?

For the majority of legacy Overwatch players, they do not need to bypass the phone number requirement. Only gamers who have played the first Overwatch game after 6/9/2021 can play without a phone number.

10. Why does Blizzard say my phone number is already in use?

Your phone number is already in use because it is linked to a different Battle.net account.

11. Why do I need a postpaid phone number for Overwatch 2?

The postpaid number requirement was put in place to help prevent fraudulent accounts and cheating.

12. Why does Overwatch 2 need a phone number?

Overwatch 2 uses SMS Protect to verify legitimate phone numbers and prevent fraud and scams.

13. Can I use the same phone number for two Blizzard accounts?

No. A phone number can only be associated with one Battle.net account.

14. Why is my phone not accepting verification codes?

Your phone might not be accepting verification codes due to a lack of network connection, an incorrect phone number provided, a full text message inbox, or settings blocking messages from unknown senders.

15. Why is Battle.net making me verify?

This is a security measure to protect your account. If you’re receiving frequent verification requests, it could indicate that your email address has been compromised.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with phone number verification issues can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind the requirements and following the troubleshooting steps can often resolve the problem. Remember to prioritize account security and stay informed about Blizzard’s policies to enjoy your gaming experience without unnecessary hurdles.