How to Change Your Epic Games Email Without Access to the Old Email
Losing access to the email address associated with your Epic Games account can be incredibly frustrating. It’s the key to managing your account, receiving important notifications, and recovering your password. The good news is, even if you no longer have access to your previous email address, it is still possible to change it, though it requires a slightly different process than a simple email change.
The short answer is that you cannot directly change your Epic Games email without access to the current one. Epic Games requires verification for security reasons. However, if you’ve lost access to the email account currently linked to your Epic Games profile, you’ll need to submit a support ticket to Epic Games customer service. You will need to verify your identity and provide the necessary information to prove your ownership of the account. This process can take time, so patience is key. Let’s break down the steps involved.
Steps to Change Your Epic Games Email Without the Old Address
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you need to do if you’ve lost access to your Epic Games email:
1. Prepare Your Information
Before contacting support, gather as much information as possible about your account. This will help expedite the process. Crucial details include:
- Your Epic Games Display Name: This is the name other players see in-game.
- Your Epic Games ID: You can find this in your account settings on the Epic Games website or app, if you still have any access to the platform.
- Date of Account Creation: An approximate date is usually sufficient.
- Any Linked Accounts: Know what accounts (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, etc.) are linked to your Epic Games account.
- Purchase History: If possible, have copies of receipts for games or V-Bucks purchased through your account. These serve as proof of ownership.
- Current and Desired New Email Address: Although you have lost access to your old address, you will need to provide it, as well as your new email address.
- Alternative Contact Information: Have an alternative email and/or phone number ready in case they need to get in touch with you.
2. Submit an Epic Games Support Ticket
Go to the Epic Games support website. Look for the “Contact Us” or “Submit a Ticket” option. You’ll be required to select a category for your issue, often related to account access or email changes. When filling out the support form, provide the following:
- A clear explanation of your situation: Be direct in explaining that you have lost access to the email address currently associated with your Epic Games account and that you need to change it.
- All the information you gathered in Step 1. The more details you provide, the easier it will be for them to verify your identity.
- Your desired new email address. Make sure this is an email you currently have access to.
3. Follow Up with Support
After submitting the ticket, be prepared to answer follow-up questions. Epic Games support may require additional information to confirm your identity. Be responsive and provide the requested information promptly. They may need to send a verification email to your alternative address, or even contact you by phone.
4. Wait for Confirmation
The email change process is not instantaneous. It may take a few business days, or even longer, for Epic Games to process your request. Regularly check your new email address (including the spam folder) for any updates or confirmation from their support team.
5. Secure Your Account
Once your email is changed, immediately take steps to secure your account. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security. You should also use a strong, unique password.
Important Considerations
- Patience is essential: Resolving this kind of issue can be time-consuming, so be prepared to wait.
- Honesty is crucial: Provide truthful information throughout the process. Any attempt to mislead or provide fake information could hinder your request.
- Security matters: After regaining access, take all necessary security measures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I change my Epic Games email if I forgot my password?
Yes, you can still change your email even if you’ve forgotten your password. However, you’ll still need to either access your old email to do a standard password reset and email change, or follow the procedure for when you have lost access to the email account.
2. What if I don’t remember my Epic Games display name?
If you have forgotten your display name, you can often find it when you try to log into your Epic Games account using any linked accounts like Xbox, Playstation, or other platform accounts. You can also check in-game if someone you play with knows your display name.
3. How can I find my Epic Games ID if I can’t log in?
Finding your Epic Games ID when you can’t log in is challenging. If you’ve linked other accounts, log into your Epic Games account through those accounts. You can also try to search through your email and find any past email from Epic Games, as these can include your ID. Otherwise you will need to describe your account to Epic Support, hoping they can locate your ID through other methods.
4. Can I merge two Epic Games accounts if one has the correct email?
No, Epic Games does not offer a way to merge accounts. You’ll need to decide which account to use if you have multiple accounts and follow the procedure to change the email on that account, if required.
5. Can I use the same email address for two Epic Games accounts?
No, each Epic Games account must be associated with a unique email address. You cannot use the same email for two different accounts.
6. How long does it take for Epic Games Support to change my email?
The time it takes to change your email can vary depending on the volume of support requests they are handling. Typically, it can take a few business days, and sometimes even longer. Ensure you provide all requested details to help expedite the process.
7. Will changing my email address affect my game progress?
No, your game progress and purchases are stored on your Epic Games account. Changing your email will not affect any of that data, so long as you log into the game using the same account.
8. Can I transfer my Fortnite account to another Epic account?
No, you can’t transfer your Fortnite account to another Epic account. If you have linked your other game accounts to Epic, your purchased content is shared across those platforms when using the same linked Epic account.
9. What should I do if I don’t receive a password reset email?
If you don’t receive a password reset email, check your spam or junk folder first. If it’s not there, ensure you’ve entered the email address associated with your account correctly. It is also possible that the email is blocked by your email service, in which case you’ll need to contact support for help.
10. What if my Epic account is linked to an email that doesn’t exist anymore?
If your Epic account is linked to an email address you can no longer access, follow the instructions in this article by contacting Epic Games support. You will need to verify your identity through other means and provide a new email address.
11. Can I link my console accounts to a different Epic account later?
Yes, you can link and unlink your console accounts to your Epic accounts. However, all game progress and purchases are associated with the Epic account and will not transfer if you change accounts or unlink.
12. Why is Epic Games asking for my birthday?
Epic Games asks for your birthday to ensure players have a safe and inclusive experience, especially for younger players. Depending on your age, it may place restrictions on certain features of the game, or require parental approval.
13. How can I secure my account against unauthorized access?
Always use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security and helps prevent others from accessing your account.
14. What is a “Cabined Account,” and how does it affect me?
A “Cabined Account” is an account for younger players that may have restrictions placed on some of the game functions. A parent or guardian must provide an email to authorize access for the account.
15. Will unlinking my console account delete everything?
Unlinking your console account from your Epic Games account does not delete your game progress or purchases, but you will lose access to that data from the disconnected console account. This data is all stored within the Epic Games account.
By following these steps and keeping these FAQs in mind, you should be able to successfully change your Epic Games email address, even without access to your old one. Remember to be patient, thorough, and prioritize account security. Good luck!