Overwatch 2, developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, is an eagerly anticipated team-based multiplayer first-person shooter game. As part of their account security measures, Overwatch 2 may prompt players to provide a phone number for SMS Protect implementation. If you’re an enthusiastic Overwatch 2 player but don’t have a phone number available for registration, there are solutions to address this issue. Many people find it awkward or even inconvenient to give their phone numbers when opening a new account. There are, however, ways to circumvent this need and begin playing Overwatch 2 without a phone number.
What is Overwatch 2 and why is it so popular?
Blizzard Entertainment’s first-person shooter game Overwatch 2 is a wildly successful team-based multiplayer title. More maps, heroes, and game modes are included in this sequel to the hugely popular video game Overwatch. To accomplish goals and defeat the opposition, players collaborate in six-player teams. Its unique gameplay, diverse cast of characters, stunning visuals and emphasis on teamwork help it capture the hearts of players worldwide.
Why Overwatch 2 requires a phone number for its players?
As of October 27, 2023, new players joining Overwatch 2 without existing Battle.net accounts before June 9, 2021, must associate a phone number with their accounts. Originally, this requirement applied to all players, but Blizzard updated their policy, exempting pre-existing Overwatch players from the obligation.
Blizzard introduced this measure to tackle disruptive behavior and cheating in the game. The SMS Protect system was put in place to validate genuine phone numbers, preventing fraud and scams. However, some players have criticized this rule, arguing that it unfairly impacts those without a phone number or those reliant on prepaid plans.
If you’re a new Overwatch 2 player without a phone number, you can still create an account, but certain features like Competitive Mode and Voice Chat will be restricted. Moreover, you might encounter more cheaters and disruptive players.
If you can link a phone number to your account, it’s advisable to do so. This action grants full access to the game’s features and contributes to a more positive and equitable gaming environment for everyone.
How to create an Overwatch 2 account?
The steps for creating an Overwatch 2 account may vary slightly depending on the platform you are playing on and any specific requirements or instructions provided by Blizzard Entertainment.
Set up a Blizzard Battle.net account
Overwatch 2 uses the Battle.net platform for account management. If you don’t already have a Battle.net account, you can create one by visiting the Battle.net website. Click on “My Account” in the upper-right corner and select the option to create a free account. Follow the prompts to enter your country, birthdate, name, email, phone number, and password. You can also sign up using your Facebook, Apple, or Google account if you prefer to link them together.
Link your console accounts
If you play Overwatch 2 on consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, you can link your console accounts to your Battle.net account for cross-progression. Once you have created your Battle.net account, you can log in to Battle.net on your browser and go to the “Connections” menu in Account Settings. From there, you can link your console accounts to your Battle.net account.
Merge your Overwatch account
If you have been playing the original Overwatch game, you can merge your account into Overwatch 2 for cross-progression. Overwatch 2 has implemented a cross-progression system, allowing you to continue your progress regardless of where you play. Follow the on-screen prompts to scan a QR code on your mobile phone and enter the code displayed on your console to connect or create your Blizzard Battle.net account. Once complete, you will be prompted to confirm your account upon the next game login to merge your accounts.
Download Overwatch 2
Once you have set up your Battle.net account, you can download Overwatch 2 on your preferred platform. If you are playing on PC, you can download the Battle.net launcher from the Battle.net website and use it to download and play Overwatch 2. If you are playing on consoles, you can download Overwatch 2 from the respective platform’s store.
How to create an Overwatch 2 account without Your Phone Number?
If you have played the original Overwatch game at least once since June 9, 2021, you can log into Overwatch 2 without needing to submit a phone number for verification. However, if you are a new player and did not have a Battle.net account before Overwatch 2, there is currently no way to bypass the phone number requirement. However, you can use a second phone number to be used to specifically create an Overwatch 2 account. Most players don’t like to use their private phone numbers for Overwatch 2 because of some privacy concern. However, a second number can be picked up to verify the identification of players. To get a second number without extra devices, a number app like Dingtone is suggested.
You can also create an Overwatch 2 account using a social network account, such as Facebook or Google. This method is easy to use and convenient because you don’t need to create a new account or remember a new username and password. However be aware that access to your social media accounts may still be made via your phone number.
How to Get a Second Number from Dingtone?
You can get one or multiple phone numbers from Dingtone based on the following steps.
- Download Dingtone and install it on your device, iOS or Android.
- Create an account.
- Tap “Connect” – “Add a New Phone Number”. Select an area code and phone number.
- Pay for the number and you’ll be able to use it as your second number.
Apart from Overwatch 2, Dingtone numbers have been verified to work with the following platforms or services:
NOTE: In the event that you encounter difficulties with SMS verification using Dingtone numbers (mostly due to policy restrictions imposed by the registration platforms), we strongly recommend contacting our support team for prompt assistance. You can reach us by sending an email to support@dingtone.me.