SMS Protect is a security feature that players must activate before they can start enjoying Overwatch 2. Fortunately, it is not particularly difficult to set up SMS Protect, though some fans may be unsure about how to get started. This guide is here to assist those players, and it will provide will full details on Overwatch 2's SMS Protect feature.
To note, players will need a "text-enabled mobile phone" in order to activate SMS Protect for Overwatch 2, and messaging apps like iMessage and WhatsApp cannot be used during the verification process. Additionally, phones with prepaid plans are not suitable for setting up the feature, nor are VoIP numbers that use IP networks for their functionality. Once a player has confirmed that they have access to a phone that meets the requirements, they should follow these steps to establish SMS Protect:
Overwatch 2: How to Activate SMS Protect
- Login to the Battle.net accounts page with the information that is to be used with Overwatch 2.
- Click on the Account Details tab on the left.
- Scroll down to the Phone Number section and click Add Phone Number.
- Enter an acceptable phone number and wait to receive a text message containing a security code.
- Enter the security code in the box that appeared on the Battle.net accounts page.
After completing all these steps, players should receive indication that they have successfully attached the provided phone number to their account. Fans can then proceed to play Overwatch 2, which is free-to-play on all platforms.
As a few final points of clarification, a phone number can only be attached to one Battle.net account at a time. This means that Overwatch 2 players will need multiple phone numbers that fulfill the aforementioned requirement if they would like to have more than one account. Furthermore, a fan can always change the phone number that they have attached to their Battle.net account through the Account Details tab, though they will be required to go through the verification process again.
With respect to why Blizzard has decided to require SMS Protect, it is indicated that the feature is "an industry-proven solution in combating both cheating and disruptive behavior." Indeed, giving access to only those players that provide a suitable phone number will make it more difficult for cheaters in Overwatch 2 to circumvent their punishment by creating new accounts. SMS Protect will also serve as a way to verify account ownership, providing an additional layer of security.
Overwatch 2 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
