Yes, you can run different Apex Legends accounts on the same computer, but you need separate Origin or Steam logins
You can switch between multiple Apex Legends accounts on a single computer by logging out of one account and logging into another through Origin (EA's platform) or Steam. Each account is tied to its own login credentials, so the game client recognizes them as separate players. Your progress, cosmetics, and rank stay with each account individually.
The catch is that you cannot run two accounts simultaneously on the same computer — you have to close the game completely, log out, and start fresh with the other account. If you want to play two accounts at the exact same time, you would need two separate computers or use a virtual machine, which violates EA's terms of service.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple Apex accounts can use the same computer as long as each one logs in with its own Origin or Steam username and password.
- You cannot play two accounts at the same time on one computer without breaking EA's terms of service.
- Switching between accounts requires closing the game, logging out completely, and restarting with a different login.
- Your rank, battle pass progress, and cosmetics stay separate for each account and do not transfer between them.
- Using a virtual machine or remote desktop to run a second instance of the game is against EA's policy and can result in account suspension.
How to switch between accounts on the same computer
Close Apex Legends completely — do not just minimize it. Then close Origin or Steam entirely as well. Open Origin or Steam again and log in with the username and password for your second account. Launch Apex Legends from that account's library. The game will load with that account's progress, cosmetics, and rank.
If you use Origin, you can also use the "Switch User" option in Origin itself without closing the entire application, though closing everything is more reliable. Steam does not have a built-in user switcher, so you must log out and log back in through the main Steam window.
What does not transfer between your accounts
Battle pass progress is account-specific. If you buy a battle pass on Account A and reach level 50, that progress exists only on Account A. Starting a battle pass on Account B begins at level 1 with no carryover. The same applies to seasonal challenges and their rewards.
Cosmetics, skins, and weapon wraps do not transfer. A legendary skin you own on Account A is not available on Account B unless you purchased it separately on that account. Ranked rating and your current rank badge stay with each account — you could be Platinum on one account and Gold on another.
Apex Coins (the premium currency) are tied to the account that purchased them. If you spent money on coins for Account A, those coins exist only in Account A's wallet. You cannot pool coins across accounts or gift them between your own accounts.
Why you cannot run two accounts at once
EA's terms of service prohibit running multiple instances of Apex Legends simultaneously, even if they are different accounts on the same computer. This rule exists to prevent account farming, boosting services, and other forms of abuse. Running two copies of the game at the same time — whether through virtual machines, remote desktop software, or other workarounds — violates this policy.
If EA detects you running multiple instances, the accounts involved can be suspended or permanently banned. The detection happens through the game's anti-cheat system, which monitors what processes are running on your computer while the game is active. It is not worth the risk.
Using a second computer or console instead
If you want to play two accounts simultaneously, the legitimate option is to use a second computer or a second console (PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch). Each device can run its own instance of the game with its own login. This is the only way to stream or play two accounts at the same time without violating EA's policy.
A second computer does not have to be expensive or powerful — Apex Legends runs on modest hardware. Used gaming laptops or budget desktops from the last few years can handle it. Console options are often cheaper upfront if you already own one.
Keeping track of multiple accounts
Write down the username and password for each account somewhere secure, or use a password manager. It is easy to forget which email address is tied to which account, especially if you have three or more. Origin and Steam both show your username in the top-left corner of the launcher, so you can verify which account is currently logged in before launching the game.
If you forget the password to one of your accounts, you can reset it through the Origin or Steam website using the email address associated with that account. Make sure you have access to the email address before you create the account, because you will need it to recover the password later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will EA ban me for having multiple accounts?
No. Having multiple accounts is not against the rules. What is against the rules is running them simultaneously on the same computer or using automation to farm rewards. Playing one account at a time on the same computer is fine.
Can I transfer my rank or cosmetics from one account to another?
No. Rank, cosmetics, and battle pass progress are permanently tied to the account they belong to. EA does not offer transfers between accounts. If you want the same cosmetics on a second account, you have to purchase them again.
What if I use a virtual machine to run a second copy of the game?
That violates EA's terms of service and can result in both accounts being suspended or banned. The anti-cheat system detects virtual machines and multiple game instances. It is not a safe workaround.
Can I play on my account and my friend play on theirs on the same computer at different times?
Yes, as long as you take turns. Close the game completely, log out, and let your friend log in with their own credentials. This is no different from sharing a computer for any other purpose.
Do I need separate email addresses for each Apex account?
Yes. Each Origin or Steam account must have its own email address. You cannot use the same email for two different accounts on the same platform. If you run out of email addresses, you can create free ones through Gmail, Outlook, or other providers.