In order to protect players’ accounts and prevent cheating, Activision Blizzard has announced that MW2 will feature Overwatch 2’s controversial phone number requirement.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 seems like it’s set to follow the same controversial path as Overwatch 2 by including the SMS Protect two-factor authentication.
While many players felt it was an unnecessary feature in Overwatch 2, Activision Blizzard is doubling down on its methods.
This isn’t the first controversy to hit Modern Warfare 2. Recently fans began campaigning for the return of an iconic Call of Duty feature.
Does Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Require a Linked Mobile Phone Number?
Players will need to register a mobile phone number under a contract plan in order to play Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 on PC.
This is according to an updated post on Blizzard’s website, spotted by PC Gamer. It details mobile phone requirements to access their launcher, Battle.net.
The post reads: “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, newly created Overwatch 2 accounts, and newly created Call of Duty: Modern Warfare accounts require a phone number.”
Essentially, players will need to connect their mobile phone number to their Battle.net account in order to access MW2. This will supposedly reduce cheating and offer players a way of recovering their account.
It is worth noting that players with prepaid plans or pay-as-you-go contracts will not be able to register a number and, therefore, will be unable to access MW2.
Additionally, this won’t just affect users on Battle.net. If you’re not sure whether you should play MW2 on Battle.net or Steam, then keep in mind you will also have to register a number on Steam.
However, Blizzard removed the same mobile phone number requirement for some people on Overwatch 2 just days after it launched. It remains to be seen how long this requirement will last for MW2.
After all, it is unlikely that Activision Blizzard will want to alienate its player base after the monolithic success of Modern Warfare 2’s Beta.
Do You Need to Register a Mobile Phone Number to Play MW2 On PS4, PS5, & Xbox Consoles?
You don’t need to register a mobile phone number to play Modern Warfare 2 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox consoles.
Activision confirmed in a blog post that the mobile phone number requirement is only for those playing MW2 on PC.
They state in the SMS Security Policy section of their blog that “A text-enabled mobile phone number is required to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II on PC.”
While console players are understandably happy about this announcement, it is sure to still upset some PC fans. This is especially true after they already feel that Infinity Ward is ignoring player feedback.
How to Register Your Phone Number for MW2
Here is how you register your phone number for Modern Warfare 2:
- Head to the Battle.net account page
- Log into your Battle.net account
- Once in, look to the options on the left and select “Account Details”
- Scroll down slightly to find the “Phone Number” section and click “Add Phone Number”
- Enter your phone number and select “Continue”
- You will be sent a verification code via text. Once you get it, enter it into the box
- Select Continue and you’ll be all set up
If you want additional security, you can also activate two-factor authentication on your Call of Duty account as well as your Battle.net account.