How to Turn On or Off 2FA on Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone was a fan-favorite addition to the annual military shooter series Call of Duty. Replaced by its successor, Warzone 2.0, the battle royale title focuses on PvP multiplayer experience. But you wouldn’t want your game account to turn into a warzone between you and hackers and account thieves. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most consistent security methods for many gaming apps, and you can turn it on for Warzone via your Activision account settings.

So, let’s look at how to enable 2FA in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 to better protect your account and personal data.

Turning On 2FA

Follow these steps, and you’ll set up 2FA for “Warzone 2.0” or other Call of Duty titles and your Activision account in no time:

1. Visit the Activision 2FA page.
   
2. Log into your account.
   
3. Select Privacy & Settings in your account options.
   
4. Look for the Set Up Two-Factor Authentication button and click it. Use your Call of Duty account details here. This could be your Activision account or a linked account on a platform like Battle.net, Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation.
   
5. Download and install the Google Authenticator app for your phone or tablet. Tap the + icon in the Authenticator and scan the QR code from your Activision 2FA page. Then, type in the code from the Authenticator.

When you enable 2FA, you’ll also receive several backup codes. Save these codes outside of your mobile device. Should you lose access to the device holding the Google Authenticator app, you’ll need a backup code to restore access or bring the app over to a new device.

Why Do It?

You might’ve done just fine so far, only using passwords for your gaming accounts, and wonder, “Why even bother with 2FA?” There are several good reasons.

Increase in Data Breaches

You may have noticed that in the last couple of years, data breaches on websites of all sizes have become increasingly common. Some might remember the fiasco of the PlayStation Network takedown in 2014, which was a major incident back in the day. However, it would seem that such incidents are growing in numbers, with anything from smaller and potentially questionable websites to major corporations at the receiving end.

Monetary Incentives

While any data breach can have horrific consequences, especially with the potential of identity theft, accounts linked to your financial expenses are particularly vulnerable. On one hand, hackers may want to steal your credit card information or personal data for monetary gain.

On the other hand, if you are someone who has invested a great deal of time and money into the game, your account itself may be valuable. Intruders may be incentivized by the idea of selling your account to the highest bidder. In circumstances like these, 2FA acts as a gatekeeper, ensuring that only you have access to your account.

In-Game Incentives

On a more positive note, enabling 2FA opens up more of the game to you. You can only gift your friends in the game if you have this feature enabled. One of the items you could gift is the valuable seasonal Battle Pass. Since this item usually costs real money, Activision put a 2FA lock around it to prevent account abuse.

In some cases, games even have XP boosts to encourage users to enable the extra protective layer on their accounts.

Finding the Off-Switch

If you want to turn off 2FA, you can do so this way:

1. Log into your Activision account.
   
2. Go to the Privacy & Security settings.
   
3. Select Disable Two-Factor Authentication.
   

Why might someone turn it off? Maybe you’re switching phones and need to reset it, or perhaps you find it too much of a hassle (your mileage may vary whether this is a good reason). Just keep in mind without 2FA, your account becomes low-hanging fruit for digital troublemakers.

Troubleshooting 2FA Issues

If you’re trying to set up 2FA and it’s being stubborn, it’s a good idea to check out the Activision support page. There, you’ll find a list of common issues, like if you’re not receiving a verification code or if you’re locked out of your account.

Before you ask for support, check if your email and phone number are up-to-date in the account settings. Check Google Authenticator and see if it’s recognizing your account and syncs properly. If you’ve switched phones and transferred your data, there’s a chance that the Authenticator app data transfer has failed, so you might have to start over. If you can’t get into the Authenticator, try one of your backup codes. If they don’t work either, and you cannot get back into your account, it may be time to contact Activision directly.

Extra Security Measures

Beyond 2FA (or instead of it, if you decide it isn’t for you), other ways to secure your account are at your disposal. It could be a good idea to change your password every now and then and use a password manager. Make the password tough to crack – mix in numbers, symbols, and both upper and lower case letters. Avoid things like your birthday or anything else that’s easy to guess or your personal information. It’s also best not to use the same password you use everywhere else.

Beware of phishing scams. These are emails or messages that pretend to be something they are not, such as a fake email from Activision telling you that your account will be suspended in two days if you don’t click the link. Don’t click any links you don’t trust, and even if you do trust the source, double and triple-check to be sure. If it looks fishy, such as the email having unusual characters or strange formatting, it almost certainly is.

The Impact of 2FA on Gameplay

Many games, including Warzone, often reward players for securing their accounts. Here’s how it can impact your gameplay in Call of Duty:

• Enabling 2FA in Warzone is necessary to use the gifting feature in the game. This feature lets you send in-game items to friends, but only if you have 2FA enabled on your account.
• There was a specific event in Black Ops Cold War Season 4 (between June 17th and 30th, 2021) where, using the Gifting feature, players were rewarded with a free 60-minute Double Battle Pass XP Token. This hints that there are occasional rewards for using 2FA, particularly in conjunction with certain features or events in the game.
• While specific rewards for enabling 2FA in Warzone can vary and may be tied to particular events or features, the general benefit of securing your account remains constant. With it, only you can access your account and its contents, which is especially important in a game where you invest time and possibly a substantial amount of money.

Why Game Security Matters

Imagine you’ve built a killer loadout, climbed the ranks, and suddenly, someone hijacked your account. Security measures like 2FA protect your virtual self and your efforts and achievements, just as you would in the real world.

And it’s not just about unauthorized access. There’s also the risk of losing access to digital purchases. Many players invest in skins, battle passes, and other in-game items. With an unsecured account, you’re risking both your stats and your investments.

When everyone takes steps to secure their accounts, it creates a ripple effect. Fewer compromised accounts mean fewer chances for disruptive behaviors, like cheating or spamming, which can ruin the experience for everyone. When each player secures their account with 2FA, it makes the game safer and more enjoyable for everyone else.

Moreover, a community that cares about its security could, in theory, deter potential hackers. If they know that a significant portion of the player base is well-protected, they just might be less likely to target that game.

A Safe Warzone

It’s not too hard to enable 2FA on your account. It can be a slight hassle, but the benefits are undeniable. It’s something you’ll get used to using pretty quickly but can effectively protect your account from hackers and thieves looking to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain.

Do you have experience with using 2FA in Call of Duty games? Do you have any other tips for securing accounts online and keeping intruders at bay? Share your insights in the comment section below.