If you're looking for information about the Mobile Authenticator app, see the Battle.net Mobile Authenticator FAQ.
The Battle.net Authenticator is an optional tool that offers World of Warcraft players and Battle.net account users an additional layer of security to help prevent unauthorized account access. The authenticator is a physical device that fits easily on a key ring.
Basics
- Where do I get a Battle.net Authenticator?
- How does the Battle.net Authenticator work?
- How do I associate a Battle.net Authenticator with an account?
Using the Authenticator
- What is a digital code and where do I see it?
- Where do I enter the digital code when I log in to my game or to Account Management?
- Why didn't I get an authenticator prompt this time?
- Can I apply my Battle.net Authenticator to more than one account?
- Can I keep one Battle.net Authenticator at home and another at work, and have both associated to the same account?
- Will my Battle.net Authenticator work while I am traveling? Will it work in other countries?
- Will this have any effect on Parental Controls?
Troubleshooting
- What happens if I lose my Battle.net Authenticator? Do I lose the account it's linked to?
- Can I turn the extra security of the Battle.net Authenticator on and off as I wish?
- Does the Battle.net Authenticator replace my password and secret question?
- Will a Blizzard representative ever ask for my Battle.net Authenticator information?
- What if my Battle.net Authenticator stops working or has a technical problem?
Core Hound Reward
- How do I get the special Core Hound Pup pet for authenticator users?
- Can the Core Hound Pup help me in combat?
- What if I remove my Battle.net Authenticator?
- Which characters will receive the Core Hound Pup pet?
- In what regions is the Core Hound Pup available?
Basics
Where do I get a Battle.net Authenticator?
The Battle.net Authenticator is available from the Blizzard Store for EUR 9.99. A Mobile Authenticator option is also available.
How does the Battle.net Authenticator work?
First, you must link the authenticator to your Battle.net account. See our step-by-step guide to Adding a Battle.net Authenticator for instructions, or review the video below:
Once the authenticator is linked, the token will be required for log in to Battle.net Account Management or to the game. Upon login, you will be prompted to enter a digital code generated by the authenticator.
Using the Authenticator
What is a digital code and where do I see it?
The digital code is a six digit numeric code that is produced when you press the button on the front of your Battle.net Authenticator. Each code is unique and is valid only once.
Where do I enter the digital code when I log in to my game or to Account Management?
After you enter the account name and password, you will be prompted to provide the digital code from your Battle.net Authenticator. You must press the button on your authenticator and enter the code it displays to complete your login.
Why don't I get an authenticator prompt every time I login to the game?
The authenticator system will now intelligently track your login locations. If you are logging in consistently from the same location, you may not be asked for an authenticator code. This process is designed to make logging in faster when you're at a secure location.
Can I apply my Battle.net Authenticator to more than one account?
A Battle.net Account can only have one authenticator of any type linked at one time. Keep in mind that a single authenticator will provide secure access to all of the game licenses associated with an individual Battle.net account.
Can I keep one Battle.net Authenticator at home and another at work, and have both associated to the same account?
No. Each account can have only one Battle.net Authenticator linked to it at a time, so you would need to carry the authenticator with you to log in from different computers.
Will my Battle.net Authenticator work while I am traveling? Will it work in other countries?
Yes, the Battle.net Authenticator will work anywhere you can log in to World of Warcraft.
Will this have any effect on Parental Controls?
No, the Parental Control service will not change in any way. However, the parent/guardian will need the Battle.net Authenticator to log in to Account Management and make changes or updates.
Authenticator Support
What happens if I lose my Battle.net Authenticator? Do I lose the account it's linked to?
If you lose your Battle.net Authenticator, you will need to contact us through our Support Site, or contact us via phone for assistance. Our representatives will be able to assist you with regaining account access by verifying certain secure information with you.
When using an Authenticator, Blizzard strongly recommends registering for Battle.net SMS Protect. This free service allows you to easily remove a lost or broken Battle.net Authenticator using text message verification (SMS). For more information please see the Battle.net SMS Protect FAQ or login directly to the Battle.net SMS Protect signup page.
Can I turn the extra security of the Battle.net Authenticator on and off as I wish?
Yes, you can do so through your Account Management Login page using the serial number on the back of the Battle.net Authenticator.
Does the Battle.net Authenticator replace my password and secret question?
No, the Battle.net Authenticator is only there as an optional measure to augment account security. It does not replace standard security measures. You will still be asked to enter the account name and password when logging into the game or Account Management, and should not share that or your secret question information with others.
Will a Blizzard representative ever ask for my Battle.net Authenticator information?
Yes. Blizzard may ask for the serial number on your Battle.net Authenticator, typically to help you associate it to an account or to verify your ownership of that authenticator.
What if my Battle.net Authenticator stops working or has a technical problem?
Blizzard will have several support options available to assist you and ensure that the impact on your play experience is minimized in the event of a problem with your authenticator. You may contact us through our Support Site, or contact us via phone.
We recommend registering for Battle.net SMS Protect, allowing you to easily remove a lost or broken authenticator using text message verification (SMS). For more information please see the SMS Protect FAQ or login directly to the SMS Protect signup page.
Core Hound Reward
How do I get the special Core Hound Pup pet for authenticator users?
If you have a Battle.net Authenticator or Battle.net Mobile Authenticator attached to your Battle.net account, you'll find the Core Hound Pup item waiting for you in your in-game mailbox the next time you log in. Simply use the item to add it to your pet collection.
Can the Core Hound Pup help me in combat?
No, his bark is worse than his bite. The Core Hound Pup is a non-combat guard dog, trained to intimidate rather than eviscerate.
What if I remove my Battle.net Authenticator?
If you remove the authenticator from your Battle.net account, the Core Hound Pup will disappear from the pets collection of all of your characters after you log out of the game. You'll need to reattach an authenticator to receive the pet again, at which point you'll find him in your mailbox once more. If you switch authenticators while in-game, your pet will remain intact.
Which characters will receive the Core Hound Pup pet?
Each existing character on every World of Warcraft account associated with the authenticator protected Battle.net account will receive the Core Hound Pup pet, as will each character you create in the future while the authenticator is attached.
In what regions is the Core Hound Pup available?
The Core Hound Pup is available to players on realms located in North America, Europe, and Korea. A Battle.net account is required in all of these regions in order to claim the pet.