Overwatch 2 is now available to download for free (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Overwatch 2 Phone Number Already in Use error: How to fix, possible reasons, and more

Modified Oct 07, 2022 10:10 GMT

Overwatch 2's servers have been live for a few days now, with the free-to-play hero shooter FPS witnessing a sudden surge in its playerbase. With the rapidly increasing player count, numerous glitches, server issues, and verification problems alongside the DDoS attack have dampened the gaming experience for Overwatch 2 fans.

A recent glitch annoying players is the 'Phone Number Already in Use' error. This error is linked to Blizzard Entertainment's newly introduced Defense Matrix initiative. This article will focus on the reason behind the error and how to possibly fix it to give players a smoother experience in Overwatch 2.

Overwatch 2's "Phone Number Already in Use" error

The Omnic Post - Overwatch News

@omnicpost

As a part of Blizzard's Defense Matrix Initiative, all Overwatch 2 players will need to have a phone number linked up to their battlenet account. The same phone number cannot be used on multiple accounts at the same time. #overwatch2 #gaming #blizzard

On September 27, Blizzard Entertainment announced its new Defense Matrix initiative. The goal of this initiative was to:

Define, develop, and nurture programs that will ensure a positive experience for all players.
Ensure competitive integrity at every level of play by rapidly identifying and eliminating cheaters and disruptive players.
Create a safer community both in and out of the game by embracing a firm stance against disruptive gameplay and enabling positive and constructive players to be the leading voices in the community.

However, for this program to be active, Blizzard requires players to link their phone numbers to their Battle.net accounts.

Possible reasons for the error

bridgit mendler updates

@gIuefruit

me not being able to play overwatch 2 bc they ask for my phone number which already says it’s in use 🫠

1) The possible reason for the error is that your account might have already been added to another account, or the number is not valid or meets the requirements.

2) Some players have also noticed that if they use a pre-paid or VOIP SIM card for their mobile phones, Blizzard Entertainment's new SMS Protect service cannot detect those numbers, and players will get this error.

How to fix Overwatch 2's "Phone Number Already in Use" error

Here are some methods that you can try to avoid receiving these errors while playing Overwatch 2:

1) You need to open the Battle.Net launcher or the site from your web browser and make sure that a mobile number is already added.

2) If a mobile number is added to it, starting from October 7, you'll have nothing to worry about. Since Blizzard is updating their SMS Protect system, only new players will be required to add their phone numbers to their Blizzard accounts. If you are an existing player, you should not be getting this error from October 7.

Ｂｏｗｉｅ

@BitchAssBowie

Overwatch 2 requires your phone number but only players with post paid plans are allowed to play the game

then for the lucky few that did get in, couldnt even play because of a major DDOS attack crippling the game on launch day

Overwatch is on a speed run to being a dead game

3) If you are still getting this error, you can try changing your mobile recharge plan to post-paid from pre-paid, and you might not be receiving the error anymore.

4) However, if none of the above methods fixes the issue, you might need to contact Blizzard's customer service to check why Blizzard is not receiving your number.

Overwatch 2 is the sequel to Blizzard Entertainment's successful hero-shooter, FPS Overwatch. With a plethora of new content and gameplay improvements, the multiplayer FPS has become free-to-play and offers a larger audience to indulge in the world of Overwatch.

The game's open beta server went live on October 4, 2022.

Edited by
R. Elahi