How to Set Up SMS Protection on Overwatch 2?

Blizzard has historically taken security for their multiplayer games pretty seriously. I still remember those little code keychain things you needed to log into World of Warcraft. In that spirit, they’ve launched a new player security initiative alongside the launch of Overwatch 2, which includes mandatory SMS protection. Here’s how to set up SMS protection on Overwatch 2.

How to Set Up SMS Protection on Overwatch 2?

If you don’t know what SMS protection is, firstly, you ought to double-check your security procedures. Secondly, it’s a form of two-step verification. Basically, whenever you (and hopefully only you) attempt to log into your Battle.net account to play Overwatch 2, you’re automatically sent a text message. This text message contains a confirmation code, which is used to verify your identity and grant you proper access to the account. Blizzard is requiring players to sign up for this procedure as part of their Defense Matrix security initiative to ensure the utmost security for player accounts.

Related: All Confirmed Overwatch 2 Heroes

Call Me, Beep Me, If You Wanna Reach Me

Here’s the step-by-step process for setting up SMS protection for Overwatch 2:

1. Log into your Battle.net account via the Battle.net launcher. Click on your account name, followed by the Account Settings option.
2. Under the Account Details tab, find Phone Number and click the Add Phone Number button.
3. Make sure you have your phone handy before you proceed! When you have it, enter your phone number into the box and press enter. You’ll be sent a text message with a confirmation code.
4. Copy the confirmation code into the prompt in the Battle.net launcher to officially add the number to your account.

Going forward, you’ll need your phone and the subsequent confirmation text whenever you want to play Overwatch 2 on any platform. Bear in mind that you can’t register a phone number for SMS protection if it’s already set up for another Battle.net account. Every account needs its own phone number; if you don’t have one, you won’t be able to log in and play.

It’s a bit of a rigamarole, admittedly, but it’s all in the name of security. And besides, don’t even act like you don’t have your phone within grasping distance right now.