Is there a PC App for the authenticator? I don’t keep a cell phone near me. We don’t have cell service where I live so I have no need for one of those electronic leashes. lol
There isn’t unfortunately. But it doesn’t have to be a cell phone either. Just about any android device or even an old ipad should work too.
Alternatively, I know I’ve read in the past where people will run a sort of android emulator on their desktop but that would be something that you would have to look into. I’ve never tried that myself, but my understanding is that it would work.
I don’t keep anything like that near my desk. Oh well.
No harm in looking into the android emulator option if having the authenticator on your desktop is what you’d prefer
I’d definitely be interested in hearing back from you if you tried it and whether or not it worked for you too!
I think the point is to not have it on the computer. It defeats the purpose having two devices whch is the point behind the system.
I’ve used an authenticator key since Wrath days. You can still get them on Amazon. Enter " Blizzard BATTLE.NET Authenticator" in the search box. I prefer that to the phone app still.
Before I got the app on my phone, I was using it via Bluestacks on my computer. So you could try that at least.
With the exception of the non-authenticator listings via this search term, just want to say this won’t work as they’re all listed as “currently unavailable.”
If you have either of those devices, you could still use it for your authenticator. You don’t have to keep it by your desk to use it.
I have mine set to not ask for my authenticator every log-in. It only asks if I’m logging in from a different computer, different area entirely, etc. It’s been months since I’ve had to input a code.
As long as you set up your account/authenticator properly there is no need to keep the device it’s on right by your computer; you’ll just need to be able to find and use it periodically.
This is an excellent point The system will eventually learn your patterns and won’t ask for it as frequently but it will still keep unauthorized users out.
Indeed. My login process hasn’t asked me for an authenticator code this entire xpac. Longer perhaps? It has definitely been several years.
I log in from the same machine every day, so my guess is that I’ll never be asked for an auth code unless I move my computer to a different physical location (like a different city, I mean.)
Should you not be all that into having a phone around, you can get an uber-cheap smartphone for like 20 bucks, forget about 4g service and just use it on wi-fi at home. Put the authenticator on that and forget about it.
If you cannot afford to purchase a smartphone, they can be had for free through the federal lifeline program and something like Safelink. Of course, this is qualified by financial need.
Google lifeline phone service or safelink if you need to take advantage of those services.
Yes you can use an emulator. I used Android Virtual Device and it worked. GL.
Not everyone has a cell phone and saying get a cheap one isn’t the point. I understand that Blizzard didn’t make or lost money on the physical authenticators, but there has to be some OTHER way than requiring a Cell Phone / iPad / Tablet to have that added protection.
In addition, why can the Mobile Authenticator work for multiple accounts.
Enter the ID/Password and it generates one for that account.
I would HATE to have to open my account up to hackers because there isn’t an alternative method (and I am not talking about trying all the emulators and other items mentioned above).
My company has a Mobile and Desktop version of our Authenticator. Don’t know why Blizzard can’t offer the same.
Seriously, please do not revive inactive topics. If you have a question, create your own thread!
Be aware of the thread dates, no point resurrecting a 4 year old thread, just start a new one.
Not wanting a mobile phone or tablet is a personal decision. You don’t even need a data plan, just something with WiFi. I found a couple on Amazon for $20 and some lower. I picked up an used Apple Air Pad for $25, and it works fine for me.
As for having a PC Desktop app, if your computer gets hacked, so does the app. Then you are doubly screwed.
Then you’ll want to use the in-game suggestion feature to suggest a change. A 4 year old thread in the wrong forum won’t gain any traction for your cause unfortunately. Especially in 2024 where a LOT of people do indeed have cell phones and I’d even argue that more people have cell phones than home phones attached to a wall at this point. At least in the NA regions.
Because it was exploited by hackers.
Then by all means, do not provide hackers or phishers with your account info and you should be fine too. Keep a clean system, do not reply to fake messages and do not share your account info with anyone and your account should stay just as safe.
Be sure to use a unique e-mail for your battle.net account that you don’t use for ANYTHING else and you’ll be fine