How to Change Your Epic Games Account on PS4: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your Epic Games account on a PlayStation 4 (PS4) can be a tricky process, especially if you’ve linked the wrong account or simply want to use a different one. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps to unlink your current Epic Games account from your PSN account and link a new one. Whether you’re switching to a new Epic Games account, correcting a previous mistake, or just managing your gaming profiles, this guide will provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
## Understanding the Process
Before we dive into the steps, it’s crucial to understand the implications of unlinking and linking accounts. When you unlink your Epic Games account from your PSN account, you’re essentially breaking the connection between your Epic Games progress and your PlayStation profile. This means any progress, purchases, or items you’ve earned while playing games like Fortnite on your PS4 will be tied to the *linked* Epic Games account. If you unlink and link to a *different* Epic Games account, that new account will *not* have your previous progress. Make sure you understand this before proceeding, to avoid losing access to your game data.
Additionally, there are limitations on how frequently you can unlink and relink accounts. Epic Games imposes restrictions to prevent account abuse and ensure fair play. You typically can’t unlink and relink accounts multiple times in a short period. Be certain about the account you’re linking to avoid unnecessary complications.
With that said, let’s move on to the detailed steps.
## Step 1: Identifying Your Currently Linked Epic Games Account
Before you can unlink anything, you need to know which Epic Games account is currently linked to your PSN account. There are a few ways to find this information:
* **Through the PlayStation 4:**
* **Option 1: In-Game (Fortnite Example):** If you primarily play Fortnite, the easiest way is through the game itself. Launch Fortnite on your PS4.
* Go to the main menu and navigate to ‘Settings’ (usually represented by three horizontal lines or a gear icon).
* Look for the ‘Account’ tab. Within the Account settings, you should find an option related to ‘Linked Accounts’ or ‘Connected Accounts.’ This will typically display the Epic Games account currently associated with your PSN ID.
* **Option 2: Directly on Epic Games Website (if login is remembered):** If you happen to remember the email and password combination for your Epic Games account, simply try logging in on the Epic Games website. If it logs you in successfully, this is the linked account.
* **Through the Epic Games Website (If you don’t know your login details):**
* Go to the Epic Games website (www.epicgames.com).
* Click on ‘Sign In’ in the top right corner.
* Instead of entering your email and password, select the PlayStation icon to ‘Sign In with PlayStation.’ This uses your PSN credentials to attempt to log you into the linked Epic Games account.
* If successful, you will be redirected to your Epic Games account dashboard. Note the email address associated with the account, as you will need this later.
* If unsuccessful, it may indicate that you are already logged in to a different Epic account. Log out of the Epic Games launcher and website before trying again.
If none of the above works and you are still unsure which Epic Games account is linked, contact Epic Games Support. They can help you identify the linked account based on your PSN ID. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your PSN account to verify your identity.
## Step 2: Unlinking Your Epic Games Account from Your PSN Account
**Important Note:** *Unlinking your account can have consequences, including potential data loss if you link the wrong account afterward. Proceed with caution! Consider enabling two-factor authentication on both your PSN and Epic Games accounts for added security.*
There are two primary methods for unlinking:
* **Method 1: Through the Epic Games Website (Recommended):**
* **Log in to the Correct Epic Games Account:** Make absolutely sure you are logged into the *Epic Games account you want to unlink* from your PSN. Go to the Epic Games website (www.epicgames.com) and sign in using your Epic Games credentials. If you had to use the ‘Sign in with PlayStation’ method earlier, repeat that process to ensure you are logged into the correct account.
* **Navigate to Connected Accounts:** Once logged in, click on your account name in the top right corner and select ‘Account’ from the dropdown menu.
* On the Account page, find and click on ‘Connections’ or ‘Connected Accounts’ in the left-hand menu. It is often under a section named “Apps and Accounts”.
* **Locate PlayStation Network:** You should see a list of connected accounts, including PlayStation Network. Find the PlayStation Network (or PSN) entry. It will likely show your PSN ID or Online ID.
* **Unlink Your Account:** Click the ‘Disconnect’ or ‘Unlink’ button next to PlayStation Network. A confirmation message will appear, explaining the consequences of unlinking. Read it carefully.
* **Confirm Unlinking:** Confirm that you want to unlink the accounts. You may need to enter your Epic Games password to proceed. It will likely require you to check a box acknowledging the loss of any unsaved progress.
* **Method 2: Contacting Epic Games Support (If you cannot access the Account):**
* If you can’t access the Epic Games account that is linked to your PSN ID (e.g., you forgot the password and cannot recover it), you will need to contact Epic Games Support directly.
* Go to the Epic Games Support website.
* Submit a support ticket explaining your situation. Be as detailed as possible, providing your PSN ID, the email address (if you know it) associated with the Epic Games account, and any other relevant information.
* Epic Games Support may ask for proof of ownership of your PSN account, such as screenshots of your PlayStation profile or purchase receipts. Provide this information promptly to expedite the process.
* Be patient. It may take several days for Epic Games Support to review your request and unlink the accounts. Note that Epic Games support will require more proof of ownership via valid documents and verification codes, and may require you to have accessed the current account in a set timeframe.
## Step 3: Linking a New Epic Games Account to Your PSN Account
Once you have successfully unlinked your previous Epic Games account, you can link a new one. This process is generally simpler than unlinking.
* **Option 1: Through the Epic Games Website:**
* **Log In (or Create) the Epic Games Account:** Log in to the Epic Games account you *want* to link to your PSN account on the Epic Games website (www.epicgames.com). If you don’t have an Epic Games account, create one. Make sure the information you provide when creating your account (like your birthday) is accurate.
* **Navigate to Connected Accounts:** As before, click on your account name in the top right corner and select ‘Account’ from the dropdown menu. Go to ‘Connections’ or ‘Connected Accounts’.
* **Connect to PlayStation Network:** Find the PlayStation Network icon. It should now display a ‘Connect’ or ‘Link’ button. Click on it.
* **Sign In to PSN:** You will be prompted to sign in to your PlayStation Network account. Enter your PSN ID (email address) and password.
* **Authorize the Connection:** After signing in, you will be asked to authorize the connection between your Epic Games account and your PSN account. Click ‘Allow’ or ‘Authorize.’
* **Option 2: Through a Game (Fortnite Example):**
* **Launch Fortnite (or another Epic Games Title):** Launch Fortnite or another Epic Games title on your PS4. Note: the game will require you to sign in with an Epic Games account if it detects that you aren’t signed in yet.
* **Log in or Create an Account:** The game will prompt you to either log in to an existing Epic Games account or create a new one. Make sure the region on the Epic Games account is the same region as your PSN account.
* **Follow the On-Screen Instructions:** Follow the on-screen instructions to link your Epic Games account to your PSN account. This will typically involve entering your Epic Games credentials.
* **Confirm the Link:** You may need to confirm the link via email or through the Epic Games website.
## Step 4: Verifying the Connection
After linking your new Epic Games account, it’s essential to verify that the connection is working correctly.
* **Check on the Epic Games Website:** Go to the Epic Games website (www.epicgames.com), log in to the Epic Games account you just linked, and navigate to ‘Account’ -> ‘Connections’ or ‘Connected Accounts.’ Confirm that PlayStation Network is listed as a connected account.
* **Launch a Game:** Launch a game like Fortnite on your PS4. Ensure that you are logged in with the newly linked Epic Games account. Check your profile and settings within the game to confirm the correct account is active.
* **Test Purchases (Optional):** If you plan to make purchases, consider making a small test purchase to ensure that the payment information is associated with the correct Epic Games account. This helps avoid accidental purchases on the wrong account.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to resolve them:
* **”This Epic Games account is already linked to another PlayStation Network account” Error:** This means the Epic Games account you are trying to link is already associated with a different PSN account. You must unlink it from the other PSN account first, following the steps outlined above.
* **”This PlayStation Network account is already linked to another Epic Games account” Error:** This indicates your PSN account is linked to a different Epic Games account. You must unlink it from that Epic Games account before linking it to the new one.
* **Unable to Unlink Account:** This can happen if you’ve recently unlinked and relinked accounts. Epic Games has restrictions on how frequently you can do this. Wait a few days and try again. If the problem persists, contact Epic Games Support.
* **Forgot Epic Games Account Password:** If you forgot the password for the Epic Games account you want to link, use the ‘Forgot Password’ option on the Epic Games website. Follow the instructions to reset your password.
* **Lost Access to Epic Games Account:** If you’ve lost access to the Epic Games account (e.g., you no longer have access to the email address), contact Epic Games Support. They will require proof of ownership to help you recover the account.
* **Game Progress Not Transferring:** Remember that game progress is tied to the Epic Games account. If you link a different Epic Games account, your previous progress will not transfer. There is no way to move the game progress from one Epic Games account to another.
## Security Considerations
* **Two-Factor Authentication:** Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on both your Epic Games account and your PSN account. This adds an extra layer of security and helps prevent unauthorized access.
* **Strong Passwords:** Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. A password manager can help you generate and store strong passwords.
* **Phishing Awareness:** Be aware of phishing scams. Never click on suspicious links or provide your account credentials to untrusted sources.
* **Monitor Account Activity:** Regularly monitor your account activity for any signs of unauthorized access. If you notice anything suspicious, change your passwords immediately and contact support.
## Final Thoughts
Changing your Epic Games account on a PS4 requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps and understanding the potential consequences, you can successfully unlink and link accounts without losing access to your game data. Remember to prioritize security and take precautions to protect your accounts from unauthorized access. If you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to contact Epic Games Support for assistance.
This guide provides a thorough overview of the process, covering everything from identifying your linked account to troubleshooting common issues. With this information, you can confidently manage your Epic Games and PSN accounts and enjoy your gaming experience on the PlayStation 4.