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04/02/26

Using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with an Activision Account

An overview of the two-factor authentication security feature for Activision accounts, including how to set it up and what to do if you have any issues

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Activision account. This security feature requires a second step to verify your identity before accessing your account, providing greater protection of your account and personal information.

When you have 2FA enabled, you will be asked to enter a security code each time you log in to your Activision account. After entering your email address and password, a second screen will appear asking you to enter a 2FA code from your preferred method. Activision accounts offer two methods of authentication:

  • Authenticator App: uses a third-party authenticator application (Authy, Duo Mobile, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator) to generate a security code
  • SMS: a security code will be sent to the mobile number registered to your Activision account

Account holders may enable both methods of authentication. However, a Primary method must be chosen when both methods are enabled.

Have questions about the SMS 2FA requirement for free-to-play PC players? Learn more below.

 

Using an Authenticator App

1. How do I set up 2FA with an authenticator app?

Follow these steps to set up 2FA with an authenticator app:

  1. Download and install a supported authenticator app* on your device if you don’t already have one.
  2. Log in to your Activision account.
  3. Select the Privacy & Security tab and go to the Two-Factor Authentication section.
  4. Select Enable in the Authenticator App row.
    • Account Verification Required: If you’re asked to verify your account, select Send Code, then check your inbox for an email with a six-character code. Enter this code and select Verify to confirm that you’re the owner of the account.
  5. Open your authenticator app and follow the on-screen instructions to add your Activision account to the app.
  6. Once your account has been added to the app, return to your Activision account.
  7. Enter the 6-digit authentication code from the authenticator app (listed under Activision) and enter your password.
  8. Select Activate to complete the setup.

After setting up 2FA, you will also be given ten backup codes to use if you can't access your authenticator app. Each backup code can only be used one time.

Be sure to keep your backup codes somewhere safe but accessible. Since backup codes should only be used when you cannot access your authenticator app, we recommend keeping your backup codes somewhere other than on the device with the authenticator app.

IMPORTANT! Backup codes should not be used as the primary way to log in to your account. Only use a backup code when you cannot access your authenticator app (e.g., lost, broken, or new device). If you get a new device, be sure to disable and then reenable 2FA on your Activision account using a supported authenticator app* on your new device.

* Authy, Duo Mobile, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator 

2. What should I do if I can't access my authenticator app? Do I use a backup code instead?

If you're ever unable to access your authenticator app (e.g., you lose or misplace your device), you can log in to your account using one of the backup codes you received when setting up 2FA. Your backup codes were also sent via email. Check your inbox for your 2FA backup codes. Email subject: Two-Factor Authentication Enabled

IMPORTANT! Backup codes should not be used as the primary way to log in to your account. Only use a backup code when you cannot access your authenticator app (e.g., lost, broken, or new device). If you get a new device, be sure to disable and then reenable 2FA on your Activision account using a supported authenticator app* on your new device.

If you need to use a backup code, log in to your account as usual but enter the backup code where you would normally enter your 2FA code from your authenticator app.

Resetting 2FA

If you needed to use a backup code due to a new or replaced device and were unable to transfer your authenticator app data, you will need to reset 2FA on your account.

Follow these steps to reset 2FA:

  1. Download and install a supported authenticator app* on your new device if you don’t already have one.
  2. Log in to your Activision account.
  3. Select the Privacy & Security tab and go to the Two-Factor Authentication section.
  4. Select the three dots in the Authenticator App row and select Disable Method.
  5. In the same row, select Enable.
    • Account Verification Required: If you’re asked to verify your account, select Send Code, then check your inbox for an email with a six-character code. Enter this code and select Verify to confirm that you’re the owner of the account.
  6. Open your authenticator app and follow the on-screen instructions to add your Activision account to the app.
  7. Once your account has been added to the app, return to your Activision account.
  8. Enter the 6-digit authentication code from the authenticator app (listed under Activision) and enter your password.
  9. Select Activate to complete the setup.

After resetting 2FA, you will also be given ten new backup codes to use if you can't access your authenticator app. Each backup code can only be used one time.

Be sure to keep your backup codes somewhere safe but accessible. Since backup codes should only be used when you cannot access your authenticator app, we recommend keeping your backup codes somewhere other than on the device with the authenticator app.

* Authy, Duo Mobile, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator

3. What should I do if I run out of backup codes?

If you run out of backup codes, you will need to reach out to us for help.

4. What should I do if I enter a 2FA code but still can't access my account?

Security codes generated by authenticator apps will expire. Allow the app to generate a new code and try again.

If you continue to have issues with 2FA, please reach out to us for help.

 

Using SMS Authentication

SMS 2FA Required for Free-to-Play PC Accounts

To enhance anti-cheat, account verification requirements through SMS 2FA are being added on Activision accounts used by free-to-play PC players. This requirement applies to any PC platform where a Call of Duty title released within the last two years is not owned. Additional Call of Duty titles may be included at a later date.

Game title ownership and SMS 2FA account verification requirements apply to each platform account individually. For example, if you own the most recent title (Call of Duty: Black Ops 7) on Battle.net but only use your Steam account to play Call of Duty: Warzone, you will only be required to enroll in SMS 2FA when you play Warzone on Steam.

This is part of our ongoing commitment to fair play: adding this layer of security helps us better protect players from compromise and directly takes on the illicit account selling marketplace.

This account verification requirement will begin with newly created PC player accounts and will then roll out to existing accounts over the coming weeks.

  • New accounts: When creating an account in game, PC players who meet the above conditions will be required to enter a text-enabled phone number within the account details section. Verification of this phone number will then be required to play the game.
    PC players who meet the above conditions and create a new account through an Activision website will be required to verify their phone number the first time they launch Call of Duty: Warzone unless they enable SMS 2FA during registration.
  • Existing accounts: When SMS 2FA account verification requirements roll out to existing accounts, PC players who meet the above conditions will be required to enter a text-enabled phone number the next time they launch Call of Duty: Warzone. Verification of this phone number will then be required before proceeding to the game. Players may also follow the steps in Question 1 below to enable SMS 2FA on their accounts.

Important! Once SMS 2FA is enabled on an account, players cannot disable it through the account profile. However, 2FA using an authenticator app may also be enabled and set as the primary authentication method for account login.

 

1. How do I set up 2FA using SMS?

Follow these steps to set up 2FA using SMS:

  1. Log in to your Activision account.
  2. Select the Privacy & Security tab and go to the Two-Factor Authentication section.
  3. Select Enable in the SMS row.
    • Account Verification Required: If you’re asked to verify your account, select Send Code, then check your inbox for an email with a six-character code. Enter this code and select Verify to confirm that you’re the owner of the account.
  4. Enter your mobile number and select Send Code. A verification code will be sent by text message to the number you provide.
  5. On your account profile, enter the 6-digit authentication code and enter your password.
  6. Select Confirm to complete the setup.

If you do not receive a text message with a security code, select Resend Code to have the code sent to your mobile number again. However, it’s possible your mobile number was entered incorrectly. In this case, you can select Back in Step 6 above and re-enter your phone number.

2. What should I do if I enter a 2FA code but still can't access my account?

Security codes sent via text message will expire. In this case, select Resend Code to have the code sent to your mobile number again.

3. What should I do if I’m no longer able to authenticate via SMS?

If you also have 2FA with an authenticator app enabled, you can use that method instead. When prompted to enter an authentication code, select Use Different Method to log in with an authenticator app code.

Unlike authenticator app authentication, SMS does not have backup codes.

If your SMS is your only authentication method but you’re unable to use it, please reach out to us for help.

4. What is the policy for updating a phone number used for SMS 2FA?

For account protection and security, players will need to submit a request to Activision Support for a phone number change. If approved, you will be required to restart the SMS verification process, updating and verifying the new phone number the next time you log in to the game. Free-to-play PC players who do not reenroll in SMS 2FA or do not verify their phone number will be blocked from gameplay.

This action may be performed periodically. Requests to update a phone number may be denied or restricted for reasons including, but not limited to:

  • We identify suspicious attempts to log in or change account details.
  • The account has an active enforcement.
  • Frequent phone number change requests are submitted indicating suspicious activity.

Learn more about our phone number policy.

To request a phone number change, please reach out to us.

 

Choosing a Primary Authentication Method

If you have both Authenticator App and SMS authentication enabled on your Activision account, you can select which one to use as your Primary method. Once a Primary method is set, this will be the default method of 2FA on your account.

  • Authenticator App: When set to primary, you will not receive text messages when signing in to your account and completing 2FA.
  • SMS: When set to primary, you will always receive a security code via text message when accessing your account. However, you will also have the ability to authenticate using the Authenticator App method.

Follow these steps to set your Primary authentication method:

  1. Log in to your Activision account.
  2. Select the Privacy & Security tab and go to the Two-Factor Authentication section.
  3. Select the three dots in the row of your preferred authentication method.
  4. Select Set As Primary Method.

If you decide to change your Primary method, you can do so by following the steps above.

 

Disabling an Authentication Method

If you ever choose to disable an authentication method you’re enrolled in, you can do so by following these steps:

  1. Log in to your Activision account.
  2. Select the Privacy & Security tab and go to the Two-Factor Authentication section.
  3. Select the three dots in the row of the authentication method you wish to disable.
  4. Select Disable Method.
  5. Enter your password and select Confirm.

Important! Once SMS 2FA is enabled on an account, players cannot disable it through the account profile. However, 2FA using an authenticator app may also be enabled and set as the primary authentication method for account login.

 

Related Articles

Keeping your Activision Account Secure

Steps and tips for securing your Activision account

Managing Your Activision Account

How to register for an account, link and unlink console accounts, and set your contact preferences

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