Changing Your Linked Xbox Account on Ubisoft: A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can change the Xbox account linked to your Ubisoft account, but it requires a specific process due to the permanent link established upon initial connection. The key lies in unlinking the existing Xbox account and then linking the desired one. However, there are important caveats to be aware of, primarily that you can only relink the original Xbox account you had connected to your Ubisoft account in the past. Understanding these limitations and the steps involved is crucial for a smooth transition.
Unlinking Your Current Xbox Account
The first step is to sever the existing connection between your Ubisoft account and the Xbox account you wish to replace. Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your Ubisoft account: Visit the Ubisoft Account Management website (typically found at account.ubisoft.com) and sign in using your Ubisoft credentials.
- Navigate to Linked Accounts: Once logged in, look for a section labeled “Linked accounts,” “Account Information,” or something similar. The exact name may vary slightly depending on updates to the Ubisoft website.
- Locate the Xbox Tile: Within the Linked Accounts section, you should see tiles representing the various platforms you’ve linked to your Ubisoft account, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, etc. Find the “Xbox” tile.
- Unlink the Account: Click on the “Unlink” or “Disconnect” button associated with the Xbox tile. A confirmation prompt will appear.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: Read the confirmation prompt carefully. It will likely explain the consequences of unlinking (which are usually minimal if you’re planning to relink another account). Confirm your intention to unlink the account.
Important Considerations Before Unlinking:
- Ubisoft+ Subscribers: If you are subscribed to Ubisoft+ through Xbox, unlinking your accounts will interrupt your access to the service on that platform. Ensure you relink the correct Ubisoft account, used for the purchase of Ubisoft+, to your Xbox account immediately after to resume access.
- In-Game Content and Progress: Usually, unlinking and relinking accounts doesn’t affect your in-game progress or content. However, it’s always wise to double-check the specifics for the games you play, as some games might handle account linking differently.
- The “Permanent Link” Caveat: Remember, Ubisoft’s system remembers previous links. While you can unlink, you may only be able to relink the original account. If you are trying to link an Xbox account that has never been linked to any Ubisoft account, the linking process will usually be seamless. However, if that Xbox account has been previously linked to a different Ubisoft account, that is what it can be re-linked to.
Linking Your Desired Xbox Account
After successfully unlinking the old Xbox account, you can proceed to link the new one. There are two primary methods for doing this:
Method 1: Through the Xbox App on Windows PC
This method is suitable if you are using the Xbox app on a Windows PC:
- Open the Xbox App: Launch the Xbox app on your Windows PC.
- Sign In (If Necessary): Sign in to the Xbox app using the Microsoft account (the one associated with the Xbox account) you want to link.
- Launch a Ubisoft Game: Start any Ubisoft game that requires a Ubisoft account.
- Follow the Prompts: The game should prompt you to link your Xbox account to your Ubisoft account. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Typically, this involves signing into your Ubisoft account within the game interface.
Method 2: Through the Ubisoft Account Management Website
This method allows you to initiate the linking process directly from your Ubisoft account:
- Log in to Ubisoft Account Management: Go to the Ubisoft Account Management website (account.ubisoft.com) and log in.
- Navigate to Linked Accounts: Find the “Linked accounts” section, as before.
- Select the Xbox Tile: You should now see an option to link an Xbox account.
- Follow the Prompts: Click the “Link” button and follow the prompts to sign in to your Microsoft account (the one associated with the Xbox account you want to link). Grant the necessary permissions to allow Ubisoft to access your Xbox account information.
Troubleshooting Linking Issues:
- “Already Linked” Error: This is the most common issue. It means the Xbox account you are trying to link has previously been linked to a different Ubisoft account. Ubisoft enforces a “one Xbox account per Ubisoft account” rule (with the caveat of the “permanent link” mentioned earlier). You’ll need to either use the Ubisoft account that Xbox account was previously linked to, or contact Ubisoft Support for assistance.
- Connectivity Issues: Ensure you have a stable internet connection during the linking process.
- Browser Issues: Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, or try using a different browser.
- Disable VPNs: VPNs can sometimes interfere with account linking. Try disabling your VPN temporarily.
Contacting Ubisoft Support
If you encounter persistent issues or believe there’s an error with your account linking, contacting Ubisoft Support is the best course of action. Be prepared to provide the following information:
- Your Ubisoft account username and email address
- The Gamertag of the Xbox account you are trying to link
- Any error messages you are receiving
- A detailed description of the issue
Why is This Process Necessary?
Ubisoft’s account linking system is designed to prevent account fraud and protect user data. The “permanent link” policy, while sometimes inconvenient, aims to ensure that accounts are not easily stolen or misused. By implementing these measures, Ubisoft strives to provide a secure and reliable gaming experience. The Games Learning Society acknowledges this practice and encourages users to familiarize themselves with the Terms of Service of all platforms they use to minimize disruption. You can find out more about the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
While changing your linked Xbox account on Ubisoft requires navigating a specific process, it is entirely possible. Understanding the limitations and following the steps outlined above will help you successfully manage your account connections and enjoy your Ubisoft games across different platforms. Remember to pay close attention to any error messages and, when in doubt, reach out to Ubisoft Support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I unlink my Xbox account from my Ubisoft account?
If you unlink your Xbox account, you will lose the direct connection between the two accounts. This means you may need to manually log in to your Ubisoft account when playing Ubisoft games on your Xbox. Also, cross-progression features between Xbox and other platforms may be disabled. If you have Ubisoft+ subscribed through your Xbox account, access will be temporarily interrupted until you relink the correct Ubisoft account.
2. Can I link the same Xbox account to multiple Ubisoft accounts?
No. Ubisoft accounts can only be linked to one Xbox account at a time, and vice versa. The system remembers previous links, so an Xbox account can effectively only be linked to one Ubisoft account, ever, according to the permanent link policy, which can only be bypassed with Ubisoft Support assistance.
3. I get an error message saying my Xbox account is already linked to another Ubisoft account. What do I do?
This means the Xbox account you’re trying to link has been previously linked to a different Ubisoft account. You’ll need to either use the other Ubisoft account, or contact Ubisoft Support to request assistance.
4. Does unlinking and relinking affect my game progress or achievements?
Generally, no. Your game progress and achievements are usually tied to your Ubisoft account, not the linked platform account. However, it’s wise to check specific game details in case there are any platform-specific exceptions.
5. How long does it take for the unlinking process to complete?
The unlinking process is usually immediate. Once you confirm the unlinking on the Ubisoft Account Management website, the connection should be severed instantly.
6. Can I unlink my Xbox account from my mobile device?
Yes, you can unlink your Xbox account using a mobile browser by accessing the Ubisoft Account Management website on your mobile device. The process is the same as on a desktop computer.
7. I’m having trouble linking my Xbox account because of a connectivity issue. What should I do?
Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try restarting your router and modem. Also, check the Ubisoft server status to see if there are any known outages or maintenance periods affecting account linking.
8. What if I accidentally linked the wrong Xbox account to my Ubisoft account?
You can unlink the incorrect Xbox account and then link the correct one, as long as the correct account hasn’t been linked to a different Ubisoft account previously. If you are still unable to link the correct account, contact Ubisoft Support.
9. Is there a limit to how many times I can unlink and relink my Xbox account?
While there isn’t a stated limit, excessive unlinking and relinking might trigger security flags on your account. It’s best to avoid unnecessary unlinking.
10. Can I transfer ownership of a Ubisoft account to someone else?
In some limited cases, it might be possible to transfer ownership. Contact Ubisoft Support directly to discuss the specific circumstances. However, you usually cannot transfer in-game content, achievements, or progress.
11. My Ubisoft account was inactive for a long time. Will it be deleted?
Ubisoft may close long-term inactive accounts. However, they will notify you by email before doing so. If your account is flagged as inactive, you can cancel the closure to keep using it.
12. Can I share my Ubisoft games with friends or family?
Sharing your Ubisoft account credentials violates Ubisoft’s Terms of Use and puts your account at risk. Share Play, a feature for sharing your gameplay with friends, might be available for some games, allowing them to try your game without sharing your account details.
13. Why is Ubisoft Connect not letting me log in?
Ensure that Ubisoft Connect PC is not set to offline mode. Also, check your internet connection and the Ubisoft server status. If problems persist, try clearing your Ubisoft Connect PC cache.
14. What are the benefits of linking my Xbox account to my Ubisoft account?
Linking your accounts enables cross-progression for supported games, allowing you to share progress between Xbox and other platforms. It also streamlines the login process and unlocks Ubisoft Connect content across different platforms.
15. Is Ubisoft+ worth it on Xbox?
If you enjoy Ubisoft’s open-world games and want access to a vast library of titles, Ubisoft+ is worth considering. It’s especially beneficial if you don’t already own many Ubisoft games.