How to Secure an Apex Legends Account After Buying

Step 1: take over the email

Log in to the email the EA account uses and check that new messages arrive. Password resets and verification codes go there, so this inbox is the key to everything else. If the email account itself has a recovery phone or a second email you don't control, replace them with your own and change the email password too.

Step 2: change the EA account password

Sign in to the EA account in a browser and set a new password. EA's own tips: 8 to 16 characters with upper and lower case letters, a mix of letters, numbers and special characters, and a password you don't use anywhere else. Then add a secondary email you control; EA says it helps you reset the password if you are ever locked out of the primary email.

Step 3: unlink platform accounts that aren't yours

Open the Connected Accounts tab in the EA account settings. Every Steam, PlayStation or Xbox account listed there that belongs to the seller can still launch Apex Legends on your account. Select Unlink next to each one and confirm. EA may ask you to verify your identity.

EA lets you switch linked accounts up to 3 times in a rolling year, so don't experiment: unlink what isn't yours and link the platform you really play on. If the Unlink button is greyed out, contact the seller and our support before you confirm the order. Our guide to linked accounts and Cross Progression explains what stays and what doesn't.

Step 4: link your own platform

Launch Apex Legends on your PC, PlayStation or Xbox and sign in with the EA account when the game asks. On consoles EA sends a one-time code to the EA account's email to confirm the link. Your level, legends and cosmetics then load from the EA account.

Step 5: turn on two-factor authentication

In the EA account's Security settings, turn on two-factor authentication. EA offers three methods: email, an authenticator app or text messages to a phone. Once it is on, EA sends a code whenever a new device tries to log in. Then:

• Save the backup codes. EA says they are the only way to sign in from a new device if you lose your verification method.
• Check trusted devices and remove any you don't recognise, so earlier sessions don't stay trusted.
• Prefer an authenticator app if you can: EA notes the codes are generated on your device instead of being sent by email or text.

Step 6: check the account against the listing

Compare the account level and the other EA games with the listing. Remember that the level resets to 1 at each tier of 500, up to level 2000, so look at the level badge as well as the number. Only then confirm delivery.

What not to do

• Don't share the login or verification codes with anyone. EA says it will never ask for your password.
• Don't use sites that promise level-ups, XP or coins; EA treats that as cheating and warns such sites may try to steal your account details.
• Don't wait. Each day a seller's platform account stays linked is a day someone else can play your account.

Payment on BuyAccount is held until you confirm the account works, and the 14-day buyer protection covers a mismatch, failed delivery or an account that stops working through the seller's fault. See how it works and the checks in how to check an Apex Legends account before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the EA account's email?

Yes, in the EA account settings. EA may ask you to verify your identity first, so do it while you still have the original email.

Will EA help if the seller takes the account back?

Don't count on it. EA's help centre says buying accounts is against its rules and that it may decline to restore an account whose details were shared. Your protection is taking full control on day one and buying with buyer protection; see is it safe to buy an Apex Legends account?

Do I need to keep the seller's platform linked to keep my cosmetics?

No. Progress is tied to the EA account. Only platform-exclusive items stay with the platform they were earned on.

Find an account with its linked platforms shown on our Apex Legends accounts page.