How do I link my child’s Epic Games account?

How to Link Your Child’s Epic Games Account: A Comprehensive Guide

Linking your child’s Epic Games account can be a crucial step in ensuring they have access to all the fun and features of games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys, while also managing their online safety and experience. It’s not always a straightforward process, so we’ve put together this guide to walk you through the various aspects of managing your child’s Epic Games account, including the necessary steps for linking and parental controls.

First, let’s directly address the question: How do you link your child’s Epic Games account? The answer depends on the specific scenario. Epic Games does not offer a traditional “linking” process in the way you might expect where two separate Epic accounts merge into one. Instead, linking usually refers to one of the following scenarios:

  • Parental Linking for Consent: If your child’s account is a Cabined Account (meaning they are under 13 or the digital consent age for their country), you’ll need to provide parental consent, which is essentially ‘linking’ your verified parent account to their restricted account. This usually involves verifying your identity through methods like Face Scan, Credit or Debit Card verification, or ID Scan.
  • Linking an Existing Account (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch): If your child has an existing gaming account on Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, you will connect that platform account to their Epic Games account. This enables them to carry progress across platforms.
  • Linking with Other Services: You can connect your child’s Epic Games account to other services like social media platforms. This is typically optional.

This guide will break down these various linking scenarios and help you manage your child’s Epic Games experience effectively.

Setting up Parental Controls

How to Set up Parental Controls Through Fortnite

One of the primary methods for managing your child’s Epic Games account is through parental controls. This gives you direct oversight of their experience within Epic Games.

  1. Launch Fortnite: Start by opening Fortnite on the platform where your child plays (PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, etc.).
  2. Open the Main Menu: Once you’re in the lobby, open the main menu in the game.
  3. Select Parental Controls: Look for the PARENTAL CONTROLS option. It is usually represented by a gear icon.
  4. Confirm Email Address: You’ll be asked to confirm the email address associated with the account.
  5. Set Up a PIN: You will then set up a six-digit Parental Controls PIN. It’s crucial to keep this PIN secure, as it will control access to the settings.
  6. You’re All Set: Once these steps are done, your parental controls are enabled.

Managing Parental Controls

With your Parental Controls PIN, you can manage various aspects of your child’s account:

  • Purchases: Set restrictions on in-game purchases.
  • Communication: Control who your child can chat with (friends, or no one).
  • Social Features: Disable or limit access to social aspects of games.
  • Content Access: Manage what kind of content your child has access to.

Verifying Your Child’s Account

The Importance of Verification

Verifiable parental consent is crucial for children under 13 or the age of digital consent in their respective country. This is a requirement under privacy laws. Without verification, your child will have a Cabined Account with limited functionality.

How to Complete the Parental Consent Process

Epic Games offers multiple options to verify your identity as a parent:

  1. Face Scan: Use your device’s camera to perform a scan of your face.
  2. Credit or Debit Card: Verify by using a credit or debit card.
  3. ID Scan: Scan a government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport).

The specific options available might vary based on the region. If your child’s account is nameless, you will need to enter an email address and password as part of the parental consent process.

Linking Existing Gaming Accounts (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch)

How to Link Your Console Accounts

If your child has an existing gaming account on a console (Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch), you can link it to their Epic Games account for seamless gameplay across platforms:

  1. Go to the Epic Games Website: Open www.epicgames.com on a web browser.
  2. Sign In: Click on “Sign-in” in the top right corner and log in to your (or your child’s) Epic Games account.
  3. Access Your Account: Hover over the display name and click Account.
  4. Navigate to Connections: Look for “Connections” on the left menu.
  5. Connect Your Accounts: Click the “Connect” button next to the console account you wish to link (Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch).
  6. Follow the Prompts: Follow the on-screen prompts to finalize the linking process.

Creating an Epic Account For Your Child

If your child is new to Epic Games, and doesn’t yet have an account, here’s how you should approach it:

  1. Initiate the Account Creation: If your child tries to sign up on their own, they will likely be prompted to enter your email address so you can give consent. Alternatively, you can set it up from your own computer.
  2. Enter Child’s Birthday: Whether they start it or you do it for them, be sure to correctly enter your child’s date of birth. This will determine if the account needs parental verification.
  3. Check Your Email: Look out for an email from Epic Games which will direct you through the parental consent process, where applicable.
  4. Set Up the Account: Use this email to set up the child’s account fully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions parents have about managing their child’s Epic Games account:

  1. Can I link my Epic Games account to another email? Yes, you can. In your Account Info section, click the “Edit” button next to your email address. Enter your new email and click “CONFIRM“.

  2. Can you use 2 accounts on Epic Games? Epic Games only permits one account per email address. If you want to have multiple accounts you’ll need different emails.

  3. Is a parent or guardian required to verify your Epic Games account? Yes, if an account’s birthdate is under 13 or their country’s age of digital consent, it will become a Cabined Account, requiring parental consent.

  4. How do I find my parental code on Epic Games? If you forget your current PIN, click “Forgot Your PIN?“. Click “CONFIRM” in the pop-up window. An email with instructions to reset the PIN will be sent to the associated parent/guardian email.

  5. How do I know if my Epic Games account is verified? Log into your account page. If your email is unverified, a yellow notification will appear. Click the link to resend the verification email.

  6. Can you have two kids on one Epic account? No, Epic Games accounts are individual. However, a reading service called “Epic” allows for up to four child profiles on a single parent account, this is a different service.

  7. Can you merge Fortnite accounts? No, merging two Epic Games accounts is not possible.

  8. Is there an age restriction on Epic account? Yes, if a child is under 13, they need parental consent for certain features on the Epic Games Store.

  9. What is the age of consent for Epic Games? Players under 13 years old, or the age of digital consent in their country, need verified parental consent to play games.

  10. Why did Epic Games add parental permission? Epic Games implements parental controls and consent for children’s accounts to comply with child privacy laws. This also enables parents to better manage their children’s gaming experience.

  11. How do I share Epic Games with family? You can enable family library sharing on a shared computer. However, you can not share your games or digital items between different accounts.

  12. Is it OK to share Epic Games ID? No, never share your Epic account details with anyone, to protect your account from theft and fraud.

  13. How many kids can use Epic? You can create profiles for up to four children. If you have more, you should create a second account. This is in reference to the reading service “Epic” not to a standard Epic Games Account.

  14. Can you use the same epic account on two computers? Yes! All your profiles and data will be available on all your compatible devices.

  15. Is there a kid version of Fortnite? Fortnite has Cabined Accounts for players under 13 with restricted features. These features can be unlocked when parental consent is given.

By understanding these aspects of managing your child’s Epic Games account, you can create a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for them. Be sure to use the available parental control tools and stay aware of your child’s online activity.

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