Issues with Mobile Authenticator get it pulled from the App Store
by Mike Schramm 
Sep 14th 2009 at 3:00PM
Of course it's a major issue, and in response, Blizzard has acknowledged the problem and apparently pulled the Authenticator from the App Store. So if (like me) you haven't updated yet, you won't need to worry about it, and hopefully the next version will fix the issue. But yes, if you have updated, you'll need to go through the steps above to remove the app from your iPhone and account, or just call Blizzard customer service at 1-949-955-1382 and they should be able to help you with the issue.
Update: So far we've only heard about problems with the iPhone version, and of course the issue is when you go from the old to the new version. If you use another phone, or have only used the new version, you shouldn't have any issues.
Filed under: Odds and ends, Blizzard, Hardware, Account Security
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
JPN Sep 14th 2009 3:06PM
I prefer the physical one anyway - however, I would have liked the free one versus paying for it. The physical one "feels" safer, because the app is electronic anyway, but really I have no idea how they work so I could be wrong.
I do want a new authenticator though with the new graphics, I hate my old Blizzard one, but I'd probably be locked out of logging in if I switched.
MazokuRanma Sep 14th 2009 4:35PM
If you want to switch authenticators all you have to do is remove your old one from the Account Management page and then add the new one.
Alex Austin Sep 14th 2009 3:08PM
Bilzzard?
Grumaya Sep 14th 2009 3:11PM
Now, I downloaded a mobile authenticator to my cellphone, an older Nokia model, a few days ago. I haven't had a single issue with it.
Is this article referring to just the iPhone authenticator, or all models in general? I hadn't planned on updating mine, since it works just fine as is, but... What's the deal?
Mike Schramm Sep 14th 2009 3:12PM
We've only heard about the iPhone version, though it's possible that you just downloaded the new version and it works just fine (the problems only come in when you go from the old to the new version). I've updated the post.
snowleopard233 Sep 14th 2009 3:11PM
I know people seem to love the authenticator, but it’s for these reasons I’m turned away from it. That, and having to have my i-pod or keychain on hand whenever I want to play. What if someone’s borrowing my car and has the keys? What if my i-pod ran out of battery or broke? What if I sit on the key chain and it breaks? What if I don’t want to wear pants and as a result, am lacking pockets?
It just seems like a weird and inorganic solution that although making sense for the veteran player, would seem downright bizarre to a newcomer.
jfofla Sep 14th 2009 3:19PM
I have been using an Authenticator since the first batch came out.
I can assure you that I never have any of the issues you speak of.
I can also assure you my account will never be hacked.
Small price to pay I think.
ichristopher@me.com Sep 14th 2009 3:24PM
I totally agree with you about it being stupid to use with an iPod. It would most definitely be a hassle to have to have your iPod on you at all times you want to play WoW.
I, however, have an iPhone and it only makes perfect sense to have it connected to my phone. I am never anywhere without my phone, and if I didn't have it (lost, died, etc) playing WoW would be the least of my priorities. I really think the authenticator on phone devices just makes sense. The only problem is the limited use it is getting because iPhone, and blackberry's are still rare as compared to "dumb" phones.
Joshua Ochs Sep 14th 2009 3:52PM
I have a Mac. I will never be hacked.
I also use Windows and have a brain. I will never be hacked.
So far, all history has supported this statement.
The fact that people want Blizzard wants to protect you from your own selves (and people are crying for it to be mandatory!) is silly. If you're on a Mac... you're done. If you're on Windows, then STOP RUNNING RANDOM PROGRAMS. Every single malware infestation I've seen has been user caused.
Wulf Sep 14th 2009 4:12PM
@Joshua Ochs:
The only reason Macs have the mythical 'immunity' has nothing to do with their 'superior OS' (they're all crippled PC's now, same hardware, but less upgrade choices, just running a different operating system).
It's due to Macs being an insiginificant portion of the installed base of personal computers.
If you're a pimply-faced social reject living on IRC, and your claim to fame and glory is the number of installations you can infect with your 'Baby's First Malware' compiling kit, you're not going to bomb the shack on the outskirts of the suburbs. You're going to drop it right smack in the middle of downtown New York for maximum effect.
As Macs enjoy their growing popularity amidst the technologically-challenged, they will certainly become targets.
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-system/155583-wow-account-hacked-through-my-mac.html
MazokuRanma Sep 14th 2009 4:38PM
Regarding the physical authenticator, just because it has a keychain attachment, you are not required to attach it to your keys. I keep mind in a drawer in my desk. Now the authenticator is always next to the computer. If you use a laptop, just keep it in the bag or something.
jbodar Sep 14th 2009 7:44PM
- They make keychains with quick-release separators, so you could easily detach your authenticator before handing over your keys if, for some reason, you felt it needed to attach to your car keys. If people borrow your car without your knowledge or consent, kick them in the taint.
- Weird and inorganic? Two-factor authentication is nothing new. These are the guys that make the devices: http://www.vasco.com/
- Worst-case scenario you don't get to log onto WoW until you can rectify the situation. Oh, the horror.
Tek Sep 14th 2009 3:19PM
This happened to me on Friday when it was released. I called up Billing Services to see what could be done. For anyone interested to know in the how to get your account freed up:
1a) Have your authentication serial number from the previous installation written down somewhere. This is the most common step that will solve it for people, but there are still going to be some (like me) who either don't have it or may of written it down wrong.
1b) Have your VANILLA WoW CD-Key. Which is probably only anyone who's accounts only been open for a few months at most.
Or b) Print out a form, fill it out, scan it and a copy of your drivers license, and e-mail it to Blizzard.
B is the option I've taken, and I still haven't heard anything back from them yet.
Once this is resolved, make sure to write down your serial key :)
Jeremy Sep 15th 2009 4:08PM
I had this happen to me as well and i had to call in and the Rep suggested unlinking the authenticator from my account before doing any upgrade Ie. (3.1 to 3.1.1 Ipod update) (or mobile authenticator update) to ensure if the serial changes you do not have to call in
Patton Sep 14th 2009 3:21PM
This could turn into an epic mess.
My iPhone had to be hard reset recently. As a result, the serial code changed, thus making it so that the codes it generated no longer got me into my account. I had to contact Blizzard's Billing and Account Services to have the Authenticator removed.
Note: Their Billing and Account Services are not available on the weekends, and you need either the serial number of the authenticator (which you won't have if the update resets the serial number,) or the key you originally used to establish your WoW account (in my case, the original vanilla WoW.)
If you don't have either of these things (like me,) you have to print and fill out this 2 page form, and fax it or scan/e-mail it back to them. Long story short, it took about 5 days from when I lost access to the account to when I got back in.
Kyle Sep 14th 2009 3:24PM
i had my iphone authenticator set up to my account since its been out. but recently i canceled my wow account for a month which obviously takes the authenticator off of it. long story short, i reactivated my account and haven't set my authenticator back up to it yet. so this is good for me.
also, fail blizzard fails.
Ugru Sep 14th 2009 3:41PM
I've had zero problems with Authenticator on my iPod. Is this problem exclusive to iPhones?
Zybron Sep 14th 2009 4:20PM
I just tested my updated iPhone app via the website and had no issues logging in with it. Maybe the issue is only via the client?
Sam Sep 14th 2009 3:30PM
Woah. I got some new news, I just tried to open the authenticator on my ipod touch and it immediately closed. So I look whats wrong and found this. I then try to see if there's a new one on my update list on the app store and I got nothing. I search blizzard authenticator and I can't find it :(!!!!111ONEONOENE How will I log on >< this is BS.
Sam Sep 14th 2009 3:33PM
oh wow /retarded :( Nvm guys