To provide a fixing device and a fixing method for an electrophotographic apparatus, whereby the temperature of a heat roll in its axial direction can be kept constant and stable fixing strength is obtained.

The fixing device of the electrophotographic apparatus has a heat roll incorporating a heater and a pressure roll firmly pressed against the heat roll, and conveys a recording material with a toner image held thereon while holding the recording material in such a manner that pressure and heat are applied to the material by a pressure contact part between the heat roll and the pressure roll, thereby fixing the toner image to the surface of the recording material. The fixing device is provided with: a first temperature detection means including a temperature detection element which can be switched so as to be brought into contact with part of the peripheral face of the heat roll or separated therefrom; a second temperature detection means including two or more temperature detectors disposed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the heat roll and interspacially disposed with respect to the peripheral face of the heat roll; and a control means which on/off controls the heater in accordance with the output of the first or second temperature detection means.