Overwatch 2 SMS Protect: What is it? Why does Blizzard require my phone number?

Where? Overwatch 2Replaces original OverwatchPlayers will need to connect their Battle.net accounts with a telephone number starting Oct. 4. If you don’t, you won’t be able to play Overwatch 2 — even if you’ve already purchased Overwatch. This two-factor method, known as SMS Protect, can also be applied to all Modern Warfare 2: Call of Duty When the game launches, accounts are created. Modern Warfare: The Call of Duty accounts.

Blizzard Entertainment announces SMS Protect and other safety precautions ahead of Overwatch 2’s release. Blizzard said it implemented these controls because it wanted to “protect the integrity of gameplay and promote positive behavior in Overwatch 2.”

Overwatch 2 It is now free to play unlike the predecessor. Blizzard concluded that SMS Protect is not required to prevent trolls or toxic players creating new accounts, even if one has been closed. SMS Protect, therefore, ties that account to something valuable — in this case a player’s mobile phone.

Why does Blizzard require my phone number?

SMS Protect is a security feature that has two purposes: to keep players accountable for what Blizzard calls “disruptive behavior,” and to protect accounts if they’re hacked. You will need all Overwatch 2You can add a phone number unique to your account. Blizzard said SMS Protect will target cheaters and harassers; if an account is banned, it’ll be harder for them to return to Overwatch 2. You can’t just enter any old phone number — you actually have to have access to a phone receiving texts to that number to get into your account.

Overwatch 2 Forbes quoted Bill Warnecke as the lead software engineer. Overwatch’s box price — because the game is now free-to-play — Blizzard still wants players to make an “investment” in upholding a safe game.

“The key idea behind SMS Protect is to have an investment on behalf of the owner of that account and add some limitations or restrictions behind how you might have an account,” Warnecke said. “There’s no exclusions or kind of loopholes around the system.”

What type of telephone number do I have?

Blizzard said its Battle.net notifications, as part of SMS Protect, are only for “text enabled mobile phones.” That means that messaging apps like WhatsApp or Apple’s iMessage can’t be used. Likewise, (some) prepaid phones won’t work, and neither will VoIP numbers (which use IP networks to make calls or send texts). Likewise, a landline phone number won’t work either.

A phone number can only be used once; players can’t have multiple accounts tied to a single number.

Can I get a refund if I can’t add my phone number?

Blizzard Support claims that it has returned the $39.99 one player paid for the service. Overwatch 2 Watchpoint Pack, after that player contacted Blizzard customer support and pointed out they did not have a mobile phone that met SMS Protect’s requirements. But that’s only one case. We’ve reached out to Blizzard for more information on its refund policy regarding Overwatch, Overwatch 2 and SMS Protect’s compatibility.

How do I enter my telephone number?

On the Battle.net account page, you’ll need to head to the Account Details Tab on the sidebar under Account Overview. You can enter your number in the third box. By clicking, you can enter your number. You can add a phone number. Blizzard will attach a verification number for your phone to your number. You can enter it into the box, and then you will be good to go.

If you change your phone number, you’ll be able to adjust it here later, too.

What if I have more than one account?

Sure — if they’re linked to individual phone numbers that connect to an active mobile phone.

Do these measures actually increase security?

Blizzard said these phone notifications will be used to approve password resets — meaning someone else won’t be able to change your password without the notification code it’ll send to your mobile phone. Blizzard said it will also send you a text message if your account is locked out after a “a suspicious login attempt,” or if your password or security features are changed.