Source
r/wow•
Bedingfields

I'm an idiot and factory reset my device without removing my authenticator...

Tech Support

With my phone number having changed and now my authenticator gone, I'm officially locked out of my battle.net account. How would I go about fixing this.

If it weren't for my launcher automatically logging me in, I would be locked out of my account with well over 4k hours invested.

Thanks.

edit: found a couple solutions to my problem, thanks for all the comments, I appreciate the help :)

Posted Aug 12, 2019, 5:42 AM UTC · edited

521
OGRC1•

You can contact blizzard with proof of ownership and they're able to unlock your account. It takes a while and there are hoops to jump through but it's an option

5
BedingfieldsOP•

What would be proof of ownership at this point. Is there any way I can send Blizzard a picture ID of some kind, because I can't log into battle net at all to submit a ticket

2
MrNoobyy•

They will ask you for date verified ID. What means is that they'll ask you for a picture of your face, a form of ID (passport, drivers license etc) and a newspaper of the current date, all of which is clearly visible and in one picture.

This prevents someone else from getting ahold of the picture and reusing it to steal your account.

6
ryvenn:horde::priest:•

Given recent advances in image manipulation I don't think it prevents any such thing.

0
OGRC1•

I might try creating a new account and opening a ticket to get access to your old account back that way. And the GMs will have a list of things you could give them as proof of ownership

Edit: you also said you could still get in with the launcher auto logging you in right? You can submit a ticket in game.

3
BedingfieldsOP•

Didn't even think of doing it in game, I'll check it out thanks

1
terasimus•

https://eu.battle.net/support/en/article/118903

Explaint to them what did you do.

1
BedingfieldsOP•

Problem with this is I can't even log in to open a ticket

1
mimers1993•

You can try to call their hotline or create another account to get in contact

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
JackpkmnThe Panda•

there is an option at login for that you lost your authenticator you will be permitted to submit a ticket but you will be required to submit your proof of account ownership. This would be something like a picture of your ID card or the CD key on the account.

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
SetFoxval:alliance::hunter:•

When you added the authenticator in the first place you should have got a serial number and restore code. Don't suppose you still have that somewhere?

1
BedingfieldsOP•

Unfortunately it was screenshotted on the same tablet that I factory reset for no good reason :(

2
SetFoxval:alliance::hunter:•

Ah. This is why I still trust bits of paper more than any digital storage.

2
BedingfieldsOP•

Live and learn I guess... I think after this I'll keep a note book lying around for things like this.

2
Genoce:horde:•

Or just having backups on more than one device.

OP basically did the equivalent of writing it down on paper but accidentally throwing it in the trash.

1
Accer_sc2•

Wayyyy wayyy wayyyyyy back in the day I got great account help via phoning in. Not sure if that’s viable anymore but might be worth a shot (you will still probably have to do email stuff to verify but they can at least get you started).

1
BedingfieldsOP•

Email and password isn't an issue I got all that stuff locked in my head. I'll look into making a call tomorrow though it's currently 3am here.

I did some digging and It seems I can send in a picture of my photo ID instead of calling aswell thankfully

4
zweimtr•

Try to log in, when asked for authentication there should be a button saying something like you dont have access to the device anymore and the follow the instructions. You will need a gov't issued ID matching the name in your account.

1
AruneAlrune:hunter:•

I've always had problems with the authenticator app, stopped using it. Next time I would suggest copying the restore code and putting it in your google drive or save it as a draft in your email.

1
BedingfieldsOP•

Good idea, I will definitely do that once I get everything situated.

2
prairiebandit:warlock:•

Call their customer service hotline. I did the same thing as you several years ago and they were pretty awesome about it.

1