The SMS Protect feature might be the most controversial piece of news to come out of Overwatch 2’s launch this year, as players have reported being unable to bind their accounts if they were on a pre-paid plan. With that said, here’s what you need to know about playing Overwatch 2 without a phone number.
How to Bypass Overwatch 2’s Phone Number Requirement
First off, there’s some good news. Blizzard recently stated that they’ve made the decision to remove the phone number requirement in Overwatch 2 for some players. All Overwatch players with connected accounts who have played the game at least once since June 9, 2021, will be able to log into Overwatch 2 without needing to submit a phone number for verification.
This means that if you’ve logged into the game anytime from June 9, 2021 to now, you’ll be able to get into the game with no issues.
However, all new accounts created after Overwatch 2’s launch date will still need to adhere to the SMS Protect feature. This was done to ensure that legacy players can continue to enjoy the game, while also making sure that it’s much harder for there to be smurfing and booster accounts plaguing the Competitive mode. If you’re not a legacy Overwatch player, there’s no way to play the game without a phone number, though Blizzard has also stated that they will continue to listen to feedback and make further changes to this system as necessary.
That’s all you need to know about how to play Overwatch 2 without a phone number. Be sure to search for Twinfinite for more tips and information on the game.