How to Switch Your Epic Games Account on Fortnite: A Comprehensive Guide
Switching your Epic Games account on Fortnite involves a few steps, mainly focusing on unlinking existing connections and linking the desired accounts. The process isn’t always straightforward, as it involves the intricate web of your console accounts and your primary Epic Games ID. The core principle lies in managing your connected accounts within the Epic Games ecosystem. To directly answer the question: You cannot directly “switch” between Epic Games accounts while logged into Fortnite on the same device. Instead, you need to manage your linked accounts. This involves unlinking your current console account from your Epic Games account, then linking the desired console account to your primary Epic Games account. Let’s break down how to navigate this process on different platforms.
Understanding the Epic Games Ecosystem
Before we dive into the specific steps, it’s vital to understand how Epic Games accounts interact with your console profiles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch). Your Epic Games account acts as a central hub, linking together your game progress, purchases, and cosmetics across multiple platforms. Each console has its own user profile, and these profiles can be linked to one Epic Games account. This linkage dictates where your Fortnite progress and purchases are stored. Thus, to “switch” accounts effectively, you are essentially remapping these links.
How to Switch Your Fortnite Account on PlayStation
If you wish to change the Epic Games account linked to your PlayStation, the following process is required:
Step 1: Reboot the Game
The first step is to completely close the Fortnite application. This ensures a clean slate for switching accounts.
Step 2: Sign-in Page
Upon restarting Fortnite, you should be presented with a sign-in page. This is where you will have the option to select or enter different PlayStation Network user information. You will not be entering Epic Games account details here.
Step 3: Enter New User Information
At this stage, you can type in your preferred PlayStation user credentials. This allows you to either select a previously added PSN user profile or set up a new one entirely. Once you log in to PlayStation with the user connected to your desired Epic Games account, you will automatically access Fortnite using that account.
How to Change Your Fortnite Account on Nintendo Switch
Switching your Fortnite account on Nintendo Switch involves both Nintendo and Epic Games account management:
Step 1: Unlink Your Current Nintendo Account from Your Epic Games Account
Navigate to the Epic Games website on a computer or smart device. Log into the primary Epic Games account you want to use. Then, go to “Account Settings” and select “Connections”. You will find a list of connected platforms, including Nintendo Switch. Select “Disconnect” to remove the existing link.
Step 2: Link Your Desired Nintendo Account
Now, log into the Epic Games account that you would like your Switch account to be tied to. Follow the same directions and navigate to “Connections” and now click “Connect” under the Nintendo Switch option. A new window will prompt you to log in with your Nintendo Account.
Step 3: Change the Active Switch Profile
If you want to switch to a different Nintendo Switch user profile, navigate back to the Nintendo Switch HOME menu and press the HOME button. Select “(Y) Change User”. Choose the Nintendo Switch user profile that is linked to the Epic Games Account you wish to use with Fortnite.
How to Switch Your Fortnite Account on Other Platforms (Xbox, PC, Mobile)
For Xbox, PC, or Mobile, the principle is largely the same.
- Xbox: The process mirrors PlayStation. Close the game, select a different Xbox profile at the Xbox sign-in page when you restart the game, and that account’s linked Epic Games information will be utilized.
- PC: The Epic Games launcher allows you to choose which Epic Games account is actively logged in. Log out of your current Epic Games account in the launcher, then log in with the desired account. When you launch Fortnite, it will use this new account.
- Mobile: Like PC, you’ll need to log out of your current Epic Games account in the Fortnite mobile app settings, then log back in using your desired Epic Games account credentials.
Key Considerations
- Primary Epic Account: Always use the Epic Games account that contains your game progress, purchased cosmetics, and V-Bucks (the primary account).
- Unlinking Caution: Disconnecting an account means it will be unassociated from that Epic Games account, and any linked progress may be inaccessible. Always ensure you have the correct account details before unlinking.
- V-Bucks: Keep in mind that V-Bucks are tied to the platform and cannot be transferred across consoles or accounts.
- One Account Per Email: Each Epic Games account needs its own email address. You can’t have multiple Epic Games accounts with the same email address.
- Platform Restrictions: You can’t link the same type of platform account to a second Epic Games Account, so be careful with linking and unlinking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions regarding switching Epic Games accounts on Fortnite:
1. Will I lose my skins or progress if I unlink my account?
No, as long as you do not delete your Epic Games account, your skins, progress, and other purchases will remain associated with your primary Epic Games account. When you re-link a console account, all the data will be accessible again.
2. Can I merge two Epic Games accounts?
No, Epic Games does not allow the merging of two Epic Games accounts. Player Support cannot assist with merge requests. Instead, you must select one account as the primary account and link all of your desired console accounts to it.
3. Can I have two Fortnite accounts on the same console?
Yes, you can have multiple Fortnite accounts tied to different Epic Games accounts, but each must be tied to a unique console user profile (e.g. PlayStation user profile, Xbox user profile, Nintendo Switch user profile).
4. Can I switch my Fortnite account to another console?
Yes. You can switch your Fortnite account to another console as long as the console account is linked to the same primary Epic Games account. However, V-Bucks will not transfer.
5. How do I unlink my Epic Games account from my Switch?
You can unlink your Nintendo Account from your Epic account by visiting the Epic Games website on a PC or smart device, logging into your Epic Games account, and choosing to disconnect your Nintendo Account within the “Connected Accounts” menu.
6. Can I use the same email for multiple Epic Games accounts?
No, you cannot use the same email for multiple Epic Games accounts. Each account requires a unique email address.
7. Why does my Nintendo Account show as already associated with another Epic Games account?
This error occurs when that specific Nintendo account was previously linked to another Epic Games account. To resolve this, you must relink to the previous Epic Games account if you wish to use it.
8. Can I sell my Fortnite account?
Selling Fortnite accounts is a violation of Epic Games’ terms of service. Engaging in this practice can result in account bans or other penalties. Although sites such as Swappa facilitate selling accounts, it is not an advised practice.
9. What happens if I delete my Epic Games account?
If you delete your Epic Games account, you will permanently lose access to all your Fortnite progress, skins, and any other purchased content associated with that account. No refunds will be issued for any virtual items lost due to account deletion.
10. What are the benefits of linking my accounts?
Linking your platform accounts to your primary Epic Games account allows you to access your Fortnite progress, skins, and purchases on all platforms linked to that primary account.
11. Can I unlink an Epic Games account and link it to another?
If you disconnect a primary account, you won’t be able to connect a different platform of the same type to the same Epic Games account. You can only link one of each platform type to one Epic Games Account, which is why you have to unlink a console from the wrong Epic Games account, then connect to the correct one.
12. Do I need a Nintendo Online subscription to link Epic Games accounts on the Switch?
No, you do not need an active Nintendo Online subscription to link your Nintendo Account to your Epic Games account.
13. Will uninstalling Epic Games delete my Fortnite progress?
Uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher from your computer will not delete your game progress. Your progress is stored within your Epic Games account. When you reinstall the launcher, you can log back in and resume where you left off.
14. Why can’t I change my username on Switch?
The Nintendo Network ID (username) and country cannot be changed once created. The only way to change this information is to create a new Nintendo Network ID. This is not linked to your Epic Games ID.
15. Why did Fortnite remove account merging?
Epic Games removed account merging to prevent fraudulent activities, like selling or trading accounts. Merging accounts went against the Epic rule book and as a result, the feature was discontinued.
Conclusion
Switching Epic Games accounts on Fortnite, while not directly done within the game itself, is achievable by carefully managing the linked accounts associated with your primary Epic Games ID. Always ensure you understand the process and its implications for your progress and content. If you follow the above steps and information, you’ll be able to effectively enjoy Fortnite using your desired Epic Games account across various platforms. Remember to be cautious when unlinking accounts, and always prioritize your primary Epic Games account to maintain access to your data and purchases.