How to Change Two-Factor Authentication Phone Number on Epic Games
If you need to update the phone number tied to your Epic Games account, the process is straightforward once you know where the security settings are.
This guide explains how to change two factor authentication phone number on Epic Games, what to do if you no longer have access to your old number, and how to keep your account secure during the switch.
Epic Games uses account security tools such as two-factor authentication, email verification, and backup methods to protect access to Fortnite, the Epic Games Store, Unreal Engine services, and connected platforms.
What two-factor authentication means on Epic Games
Two-factor authentication, often shortened to 2FA, adds a second verification step when you sign in.
On Epic Games, that second step can be a code sent by SMS, an authentication app, or email-based verification, depending on the options enabled on your account.
Changing your phone number matters because the number linked to SMS-based 2FA must stay current.
If the number is outdated, you may not receive login codes, which can make it harder to access your account or confirm sensitive changes.
Before you change the phone number
Before updating anything, make sure you can still access at least one recovery method.
Epic Games may ask for confirmation through your password, email inbox, or an existing authenticator app.
- Confirm you know your Epic Games password.
- Check that you can access the email address on the account.
- Have the new phone number ready and active.
- Remove the old number only after the new one is working.
If your account uses an authenticator app, keep that app installed until the change is complete.
This reduces the chance of being locked out during the update.
How to change two factor authentication phone number on Epic Games
Epic Games does not always present a dedicated “edit phone number” button for 2FA in the same way that some services do.
In most cases, you update the phone-related security method by signing in, opening account settings, and managing the two-factor authentication or security settings connected to your account.
Step 1: Sign in to your Epic Games account
Go to the official Epic Games website and sign in with the account that has the old phone number attached.
Use the correct account because 2FA settings are tied to each individual Epic account, not to your device.
Step 2: Open account settings
After logging in, open your account profile and navigate to the account settings or password and security section.
This is where Epic Games typically groups login and verification controls, including two-factor authentication options.
Step 3: Review your current 2FA method
Look at the existing security methods on the account.
If SMS text messages are enabled, check whether Epic Games allows you to replace the current number directly or whether you need to disable the current method and set it up again with the new number.
Step 4: Update or remove the old phone number
If the interface allows direct editing, enter the new phone number and verify it with the code sent to that phone.
If direct editing is not available, disable the old SMS method first, then re-enable it using the new number.
Follow the on-screen prompts carefully so you do not interrupt the verification flow.
Step 5: Confirm the new number
Epic Games will usually send a verification code to the new phone number.
Enter that code to confirm ownership.
Once confirmed, test the setup by signing out and signing back in, if needed, to ensure the new number receives codes correctly.
If you no longer have access to the old phone number
Losing access to the old phone number is common after changing carriers, replacing a device, or switching countries.
If the number is no longer active, your main goal is to recover access through other trusted methods before changing the 2FA setting.
- Use your Epic Games password and account email.
- Check whether an authenticator app is still connected.
- Look for backup codes if you saved them during setup.
- Use Epic Games account recovery if you cannot verify through normal login.
If Epic Games requires confirmation from the old number and you cannot receive it, contact Epic Games Support and explain that the phone number tied to two-factor authentication is no longer accessible.
Be ready to provide account details that prove ownership, such as the email address, display name, linked console accounts, or purchase history.
Can you switch from SMS to an authenticator app?
Yes, and in many cases an authenticator app is more reliable than SMS.
Apps such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy generate time-based codes on your device, so they are not dependent on a mobile carrier or phone number.
If your goal is not just to change the number but to improve account security, switching from SMS to an authenticator app can reduce the risk of SIM swap attacks and carrier-related delivery issues.
Many users keep email as a backup and use an authenticator app as the primary 2FA method.
Common problems when updating Epic Games 2FA
Several issues can interrupt the update process, especially if your account details are out of date or your phone service is unstable.
Verification code never arrives?
Check that the number is entered correctly, including the country code.
Also confirm that the phone can receive SMS messages, has signal, and is not blocking short codes or unknown senders.
Epic Games says the phone number is already in use?
A phone number may already be attached to another Epic Games account or another security setup.
In that case, you may need to remove it from the other account first or choose a different number.
You are locked out of the account?
If you cannot sign in because 2FA is still tied to an old number, use the account recovery flow on the official Epic Games support pages.
Avoid making repeated failed attempts, which can slow down recovery checks.
Your new number is from a different country?
International numbers can work, but formatting matters.
Enter the full number in the required format and make sure your carrier supports international SMS if Epic Games sends text-based verification codes.
Security best practices after changing the number
Once the new number is active, take a few extra steps to protect the account.
These habits help prevent future lockouts and reduce unauthorized access risks.
- Save recovery codes in a secure password manager or offline location.
- Keep your Epic Games email account protected with its own 2FA.
- Update your phone number everywhere else it matters, including billing and recovery settings.
- Consider using an authenticator app instead of SMS for stronger protection.
- Review linked accounts such as PlayStation Network, Xbox, Nintendo, Steam, or social logins.
It is also smart to verify your backup email and payment details.
Epic Games support often relies on consistent account information when confirming ownership.
When to contact Epic Games Support
Contact support if you cannot access the old number, if the verification process loops without success, or if your account appears compromised.
Epic Games Support can help with account-specific issues that cannot be solved through the self-service settings page.
Be concise when describing the problem.
Mention that you need to update the two-factor authentication phone number, explain why the old number is unavailable, and include any details that help prove account ownership.
Helpful account security checks after the update
After you finish changing the phone number, review the rest of your account security settings.
Small checks now can prevent major problems later.
- Confirm the new number is saved correctly.
- Log out and log back in to test the verification flow.
- Check that your email address is still current.
- Review any connected third-party logins.
- Make sure your device date and time are set automatically if you use an authenticator app.
Keeping your Epic Games account current helps protect access to purchases, game libraries, and any progress tied to your profile.
Updating the phone number linked to two-factor authentication is a routine security task, but doing it carefully makes the difference between a smooth change and an account recovery headache.