Banned from Blizzard? How to Appeal and Get Back in the Game

Getting your Blizzard account banned can be a frustrating experience. In this guide, we explain why bans happen, how to appeal a Blizzard ban, and what to do if you need to create a new Blizzard account after a ban. We also cover tips to avoid future bans and how services like MobileSMS.io can help you get back online securely.

Why Am I Banned from Blizzard? Common Reasons for Account Bans

Blizzard Entertainment (via its Battle.net platform) enforces strict rules to maintain fair play and a positive community. If you’re wondering “Why am I banned from Blizzard?”, it usually boils down to a violation of their Code of Conduct​. Here are some common reasons Blizzard accounts get banned:

• Cheating or Using Unauthorized Software: Using hacks, bots, or third-party programs (for example, aim bots in Overwatch or automation tools in World of Warcraft) is a surefire way to get banned. Blizzard has a zero-tolerance policy for cheating.
• Toxic or Harassing Behavior: Harassment, hate speech, or repeated toxic behavior in chat can lead to suspensions and eventual permanent bans, especially after multiple offenses.
• Exploiting Game Bugs or Economy: Taking advantage of glitches or engaging in real-money trading (selling gold, items, or accounts) violates the terms and can result in a ban.
• Account Sharing or Selling: Sharing your account with others or buying/selling accounts is against Blizzard’s terms. If detected, the account can be banned.
• Chargebacks or Fraudulent Activity: Reversing charges on game purchases or engaging in fraud can trigger an account closure for financial security reasons.
• Account Compromise: If Blizzard detects your account was hacked and used for illicit activities, they might ban it to prevent further damage. (In such cases, you can often work with support to recover your account once you prove ownership and secure it.)

Blizzard usually sends an email explaining the reason for the ban. It’s important to check that email first to understand what happened​

Knowing the reason will help determine your next steps—whether you have grounds to appeal or should focus on starting fresh.

Blizzard’s Ban Policy and the Appeal Process (How to Get Unbanned)

Being banned doesn’t always have to be the end. If you believe the ban was a mistake or unfair, you may be wondering how to get unbanned from Blizzard. Blizzard allows a ban appeal process, but it’s important to understand how it works and manage your expectations.

Blizzard’s Stance on Bans: Blizzard stands firm on bans that are justified. The account owner is held responsible for any actions on the account, no matter who was playing at the time​

This means if a friend or family member used your account to break the rules, the ban still applies to you. “Extenuating circumstances will not lead to the removal of a penalty”​ according to Blizzard’s official policy. In other words, claiming ignorance or blaming someone else usually won’t help in an appeal.

When You Can Appeal: The Blizzard ban appeal system is there primarily to correct mistakes. If you truly did not violate the rules (for example, if you were banned for cheating but you have never used cheats, or your account was flagged due to unusual activity that wasn’t your fault), then an appeal is worthwhile. Similarly, if your account was compromised by a hacker who caused the ban, Blizzard support can investigate and potentially restore your account once you secure it.

How to Appeal a Blizzard Ban: To appeal, you need to submit a support ticket through the official Blizzard Support website​

Submit a Appeal to Blizzard

Explain the situation calmly and provide any evidence if applicable (such as proof of account compromise or context for an unusual activity). Keep in mind:

• Be Honest and Polite: A professional, respectful tone will get you further. Ranting or being aggressive in your ticket won’t help.
• State Your Case Clearly: If you believe it’s a false ban, clearly state why (e.g., “I was banned for cheating, but I have never used any third-party programs. This might be a mistake.”).
• One Appeal is Usually Enough: Blizzard warns that repeated or abusive appeals won’t help your case. Spamming tickets won’t speed up the process and could even backfire. Submit one well-thought-out appeal and wait for their review.
• Not a Negotiation: Remember, an appeal is not a negotiation or a plea for mercy. It’s asking Blizzard to double-check the evidence of your alleged wrongdoing​.If the evidence shows you did break the rules, the appeal will be denied. Blizzard GMs (Game Masters) will only overturn a ban if they find it was applied in error or in extenuating cases like account theft.

After submitting your appeal, all you can do is wait for Blizzard’s response. Response times can vary from a day to over a week, depending on support volume. You’ll get an email reply once they review your case.

Chances of a Successful Ban Appeal

Not all bans are overturned. Here’s a quick overview of how likely a ban appeal is to succeed, based on the reason for the ban:

Ban Reason	Description	Appeal Success Likelihood
Cheating (Bots, Hacks)	Use of software exploits or cheat programs.	Very Low – Blizzard has a zero-tolerance policy on cheating; such bans are almost never overturned.
Toxic Behavior / Harassment	Hate speech, threats, or abusive chat conduct.	Low – Unless there was a mistake (e.g., false report), these bans usually stand, especially if it’s a repeat offense.
Exploiting Glitches or RMT	Abusing bugs or real-money trading of items/accounts.	Low – Blizzard typically enforces these strictly. Only a clear mistake would be overturned.
Account Compromised (Hacked)	A hacker used your account to break rules.	High – If you can prove your account was compromised, Blizzard often reverses the ban after you secure your account.
Payment Issues (Chargebacks)	Payment disputes or refund abuse.	Medium – These bans can sometimes be resolved by settling the billing issue and contacting support.
Inappropriate Name or Minor Offense	Minor violations (offensive name, etc.)	Medium – Often these result in temporary suspensions or warnings. Permanent actions for minor issues can sometimes be appealed successfully if you correct the issue (e.g., change name).

Note: These are general guidelines. Every case is reviewed individually by Blizzard. If your appeal is denied and they state the ban was reviewed and confirmed, that is usually the final word. Blizzard’s support article also notes that after a final review, additional appeals may be ignored​ so at that point you must accept the outcome.

Creating a New Blizzard Account After a Ban

What if your appeal doesn’t succeed, or you’re facing a permanent ban for something you did? In that case, your only option to play Blizzard games again may be to create a new Blizzard account after the ban. Starting fresh with a new account is possible, but you need to approach it carefully and be aware of a few things:

• Blizzard Ban Evasion Policies: Blizzard’s terms of service likely disallow outright “ban evasion.” This means if you were banned for serious misconduct (like cheating), creating a new account won’t stop Blizzard from banning you again if you repeat the offense. However, Blizzard doesn’t ban people from making new accounts altogether (they can’t practically stop you from buying a new copy of the game or creating a new free account, as long as you play by the rules going forward). Just know that any new account must not reuse any of the banned account’s details.
• Use a New Email and Username: You’ll need a new email address (the old one is tied to the banned account). Choose a brand new BattleTag username as well, just to be safe.
• Get a New Phone Number for Verification: This is crucial. Blizzard now often requires a phone number to be attached to your account (for example, to play Overwatch 2 or use certain features). A phone number can only be attached to one Blizzard account​, and if that number was used on a banned account, it’s no longer usable on a new account. Moreover, Blizzard does not accept VoIP or virtual phone numbers for verification​. You might have seen errors like “please add a post-paid phone number” if you tried a number from an unsupported service. This means you need a real mobile number that Blizzard recognizes as legitimate.
• Consider Your Hardware and IP: While Blizzard mainly tracks accounts, extremely egregious cases (like hacking) could lead to hardware bans in some games. This is rare, but if you cheated in Overwatch and got a device ban, even a new account might be flagged when using the same PC. Generally, for most bans, you won’t be hardware banned, but it’s wise to also start on a clean slate hardware/connection-wise. This could mean rebooting your router for a new IP or avoiding using the exact same login credentials or identities that could link to your old account.
• Re-purchase Games if Needed: Keep in mind any game licenses (like Overwatch, Diablo, etc.) do not carry over. If the game is free-to-play (like the current Overwatch 2 model), you can just download and play on the new account. But for paid games, you’ll have to buy them again on the new account.
• Follow the Rules This Time: Once you have a new account, be sure to adhere to Blizzard’s code of conduct strictly. The goal is to enjoy the games without repeating whatever caused the ban. If it was a misstep like chat toxicity, consider using in-game tools to avoid conflict (e.g., muting chat) or just keep conversations friendly. If it was cheating – well, it’s not worth it; play fair to keep your new account safe.

Verifying Your New Account: Real SIM Numbers vs. VoIP

As mentioned above, adding a phone number to your new Blizzard account is a common requirement, and it must be a number Blizzard accepts. Here’s where many players run into trouble: using an online texting app or VoIP number (like Google Voice or other free services) will likely not work. Blizzard’s system can detect and reject these numbers. In fact, Blizzard explicitly states that VoIP numbers are not supported for their SMS verification features​. They insist on a real, text-enabled mobile number – usually one that’s on a traditional mobile carrier (post-paid plans are a safe bet).

If you only have one personal cell phone and it was linked to your old account (or you don’t want to use your personal number at all), you’ll need an alternative solution. This is where a service like MobileSMS.io comes in handy. MobileSMS.io provides real SIM-based phone numbers that you can use for verification. These are not the typical VoIP or internet phone numbers that Blizzard blocks​

They are actual mobile numbers capable of receiving SMS, which makes them appear just like any regular carrier number to Blizzard’s systems.

By using a real SIM number from MobileSMS.io, you can attach a phone to your new Blizzard account with confidence that it will be accepted. Plus, it helps keep your personal number private and separate from your gaming accounts.

Comparing Phone Number Options for Blizzard Verification

To better understand why a service like MobileSMS.io is useful, let’s compare different phone verification options for a new Blizzard account:

Phone Verification Method	Type of Number	Works with Blizzard?	Privacy & Convenience
Personal Mobile Phone	Real mobile (your own SIM)	Yes (if not already used on banned account)	Low Privacy: Ties your personal number to your gaming account. Convenient if you don’t mind the link, but you only have one number.
Free Texting App (VoIP number)	VoIP/Virtual number	No – Typically blocked or flagged​	High Privacy (but Ineffective): Doesn’t use your info, but Blizzard rejects these numbers, so you likely can’t verify at all.
Prepaid/Disposable SIM Card	Real mobile (prepaid SIM)	Maybe – Some prepaid SIMs work, others might be flagged as “prepaid” by Blizzard	Medium Privacy: Separate from your main number, but obtaining SIMs frequently is inconvenient and may require personal ID to purchase/activate, depending on country.
MobileSMS.io Temporary Number	Real mobile (SIM-based)	Yes – Treated as a normal mobile number (accepted by Blizzard)	High Privacy & Convenient: No personal number needed. You get a real SMS-capable number on demand, which keeps your identity private and is easy to use online.

Why MobileSMS.io? MobileSMS.io offers a practical and reliable way to get a legitimate phone number for verification. For a middle-aged gamer who just wants to get back to playing without hassling with buying new SIM cards or risking sketchy apps, it’s a hassle-free solution. You can rent a number for the time you need (even long-term) to ensure it stays available for any verification texts Blizzard might send (sometimes Blizzard may send multiple confirmation codes when setting up or logging in​). MobileSMS.io specializes in providing numbers that work for services exactly like Battle.net, and it prioritizes user privacy by not linking back to your personal data.

Account Security Tips to Avoid Future Bans

Whether you regain access to your old account or start over with a new one, it’s crucial to avoid landing in hot water again. Here are some best practices for account security and staying in Blizzard’s good graces:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Blizzard offers the Battle.net Authenticator app. Use it. It adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access. If your account is secure, there’s less chance someone else will get you banned by using your account maliciously.
• Never Share Your Account: It might be tempting to let a friend “try out” a game on your account, but remember, you’re responsible for everything that happens on your account. If they break the rules, you pay the price. Keep your login details private.
• Mind Your Behavior: Treat others with respect in-game. If you’re a competitive player, it’s easy to get heated, but avoid harassing or hate speech in chat. Consider that middle-aged gamers like yourself often appreciate a friendly community – be the kind of player you’d enjoy gaming with. This keeps you far from any reports or toxicity penalties.
• Steer Clear of Cheats and Exploits: This goes without saying – play fair. Not only do cheats ruin the fun for everyone, but Blizzard’s anti-cheat systems (like Warden) are always on the lookout. If you discover a bug or glitch, don’t abuse it repeatedly; instead, consider reporting it. Short-term gains aren’t worth a permanent ban.
• Be Cautious with Add-Ons and Third-Party Tools: Some Blizzard games (like WoW) allow add-ons, but stick to well-known, allowed ones. If you’re unsure about a third-party program, check if it’s permitted. When in doubt, avoid it.
• Watch for Phishing and Scams: Sometimes hackers try to steal accounts by sending fake emails or messages claiming to be Blizzard. Never give your password or authentication codes to anyone. Always log in via official Blizzard websites and launchers.
• Keep Your Email Secure: Since your email is tied to your Blizzard account, secure that as well (strong password, 2FA if available). A compromised email can lead to a compromised game account.
• Regularly Review Blizzard’s Policies: Stay updated on Blizzard’s Code of Conduct and any changes in their terms. What might have been a mild offense years ago could be taken more seriously now (for example, certain forms of speech). Being aware helps you avoid accidental violations.

By following these practices, you greatly reduce the risk of another ban. Essentially, play fair, be kind, and secure your account like it’s your digital home.

Conclusion

Getting banned from Blizzard games can feel like a dead-end, especially for dedicated gamers who have invested time and passion into their hobby. But with the right approach, you can navigate this setback. First, understand why the ban happened. If it was a mistake, use the official Blizzard ban appeal process to try and overturn it. If the ban sticks, accept it, learn from it, and move forward. Creating a new Blizzard account after a ban is definitely possible – just be sure to do it the right way: new credentials, a legitimate phone number for verification, and a commitment to stick to the rules.

Middle-aged gamers often have the advantage of patience and experience. Use that patience here: go through the proper steps calmly. And use your experience to avoid pitfalls going forward. With Blizzard’s vast library of games from World of Warcraft to Overwatch, there’s plenty of enjoyment still to be had.

Finally, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Services like MobileSMS.io are there as a tool in your toolkit – offering a quick, reliable way to get back into Blizzard’s worlds without compromising your privacy or convenience. Combined with good security habits and respectful play, you’ll be back in Azeroth, Sanctuary, or the Overwatch battlefield with a fresh start and peace of mind.

Happy gaming, and good luck on your appeal or your new journey!