What happens when you connect Epic Games to Xbox
Connecting your Epic Games account to Xbox links the two accounts so that games, progress, and purchases move between them. When you sign into an Xbox console or the Xbox app on PC with your Microsoft account, the system recognizes your Epic Games connection and loads your games and save data. You do not need to buy games twice — if you own a game through Epic Games, you can play it on Xbox without purchasing it again on that platform.
The connection also syncs your progress in games that support cross-progression, meaning your character level, unlocked items, and achievements carry over when you switch between devices. This is especially useful for games like Fortnite, where your cosmetics and battle pass progress stay the same whether you play on console, PC, or mobile.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Microsoft account on Xbox and an Epic Games account to make the connection — both must already exist before you start.
- The connection happens on the Epic Games website, not on your Xbox console, so you will need a computer or phone to complete it.
- After connecting, sign out completely from your Xbox, then sign back in with your Microsoft account to see your Epic Games library appear.
- Games you own through Epic Games become playable on Xbox, but games you buy on Xbox do not automatically appear in your Epic Games library.
Create or locate your accounts before you start
You need both accounts to exist and be active before you connect them. If you already play games on Xbox, you have a Microsoft account — this is the email and password you use to sign into your console. Write down the exact email address you use for Xbox, because you will need it during the connection process.
For Epic Games, go to www.epicgames.com and check whether you already have an account by clicking Sign In in the top right. If you see your username, you are already set up. If not, click Create Account and fill in your email, username, and password. Use an email address you check regularly, because Epic Games will send you a confirmation link. Wait for that email to arrive and click the link before moving forward — your account is not fully active until you confirm the email.
Connect the accounts on the Epic Games website
Open a web browser on your computer or phone and go to www.epicgames.com. Sign in with your Epic Games username and password. Once you are logged in, look for your account name in the top right corner and click it, then select Account from the menu that appears.
On the left side of the page, you will see a list of options. Click Connections. Scroll down until you see Xbox Network with a blue button that says Connect. Click that button. A new window will open asking you to sign in with your Microsoft account — use the same email and password you use on your Xbox console. After you sign in, Xbox will ask for permission to connect to Epic Games. Click Allow or Authorize (the exact wording varies). The page will then show Xbox Network as Connected with a green checkmark.
Sign out and back in on your Xbox console
Go to your Xbox console and sign out completely. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then go to Profile and System, select Sign Out, and confirm. Wait a few seconds, then sign back in using your Microsoft account email and password — the same credentials you just used on the Epic Games website.
After you sign in, your Xbox will sync with your Epic Games account. This can take a few minutes. Go to your Games library and look for a section called Game Pass or your purchased games — Epic Games titles should now appear there. If you do not see them when ready, restart your console by holding the Xbox button for ten seconds and selecting Restart Console.
Troubleshooting if games do not appear
If your Epic Games library does not show up on Xbox after signing back in, the most common cause is using a different Microsoft account than the one connected to Epic Games. Double-check the email address on your Xbox profile by going to Settings, then Accounts, then Your Info. This email must match exactly the one you used to connect on the Epic Games website.
Another common issue is that the connection did not fully complete. Go back to www.epicgames.com, sign in, go to Account, then Connections, and look at Xbox Network. If it shows Disconnect instead of Connected, click Connect again and repeat the authorization steps. Some games also require you to launch them once on Xbox before your progress syncs — start the game, wait for it to load fully, then close it and try again.
What happens with games you buy on Xbox
Games you purchase directly on Xbox do not automatically appear in your Epic Games library. The connection is one-way for purchases — Epic Games titles move to Xbox, but Xbox purchases stay on Xbox only. If you buy a game on your Xbox console, you can play it there, but you will not see it in your Epic Games account on PC or other devices.
This matters if you use both platforms regularly. If you want a game on both Xbox and PC through Epic Games, you need to buy it on Epic Games first, then connect to Xbox. Buying it on Xbox instead means you can only play it on Xbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Xbox Game Pass to connect my Epic Games account?
No. Xbox Game Pass is a separate subscription service. You can connect Epic Games to Xbox without Game Pass, and your purchased games will still appear. Game Pass is only required if you want to play games included in the Game Pass library.
Can I connect the same Epic Games account to multiple Xbox profiles?
Your Epic Games account can only be connected to one Microsoft account at a time. If you try to connect it to a different Xbox profile, the system will disconnect it from the first one. If you have multiple people in your household, each person needs their own Epic Games account.
Will my Fortnite skins and battle pass transfer to Xbox?
Yes, if the game supports cross-progression. Fortnite does, so your cosmetics, V-Bucks, and battle pass progress will be the same on Xbox as they are on PC or other devices. Not all games support this, so check the game's settings to confirm.
What if I forget which email I used for my Epic Games account?
Go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In. Click the Forgot Password link. Enter any email address you think you used, and Epic Games will tell you whether an account exists under that email. If you find the right one, you can reset your password and sign in.
Can I disconnect my Epic Games account from Xbox later?
Yes. Go to www.epicgames.com, sign in, go to Account, then Connections, and click Disconnect next to Xbox Network. Your games will no longer appear on that Xbox profile, but you can reconnect anytime by repeating the connection steps.