How to Activate CD Keys on Battle.net

DRM Sacha Loric - May 24, 2021, 17:49

If you bought or received a Blizzard game, the next logical step is figuring out how to activate CD keys on Battle.net.

Firstly, Battle.net is Blizzard Entertainment’s digital distribution and DRM, featuring several popular game series such as Overwatch, Diablo, Starcraft, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, World of Warcraft, and Call of Duty. Meanwhile, a CD key is an alphanumeric code that lets you download and activate a game from a distributor. It is typically found on the physical packaging of the game or in the email confirmation sent by the retailer.

There are two ways how to activate CD keys on Battle.net: Through the desktop app or through the website.

To use the app, download the latest version here, then follow these instructions:

Log into the Battle.net app.
Click on your account name on the upper right corner and select Redeem Code.
Enter the code and hit Redeem. Click Confirm on the Next screen.
You will receive an activation confirmation and your key on the next screen. Keep note of your code as you may be asked to provide it upon running the game. In case you get an invalid key error message, check for typos in your input. If you get a used key error, contact the Battle.net customer support.
You may download your game by clicking on the Games button, selecting your game, and clicking on the Download or Try button.
In some cases of classic games like Diablo II and Warcraft III, you will need to download the client from the Battle.net downloads page.

During installation, you may select what folder or drive to install.

To use the website instead of the app:

Log on to your account. Click on your account name in the upper right corner. Select Account settings.
Enter the CD key in the Redeem a code box and hit Redeem code.
You will receive a confirmation and your key on the next screen.
Go to the Downloads page and select your game. Download the installer and run it to download the game.

Congratulations, now you know how to activate CD keys in Battle.net. Here are some additional things you should note about CD keys:

Some codes may be restricted to specific regions. You can’t use a code outside of that region.
Some codes must be activated by the cashier before they can work. For instance, Blizzard Balance that is purchased in a shop needs to cashier activation.
Some codes may expire and need to be used before a specific date. Please be aware of a code’s expiration date.

Note that once you have activated a game on Battle.net, you own it permanently. You may uninstall and download it again for free at your convenience. This is useful if you should ever change computers.

Now that it's activated, enjoy your game!