Yes, you can change your Epic Games username, but only once every 14 days
Epic Games lets you change the username on your account through your account settings. The process takes a few minutes and happens when ready once you confirm the change. However, there is a built-in waiting period: you must wait at least 14 days between username changes, so you cannot swap back and forth freely.
The username you see in games and on your profile is separate from your email address. Changing your username does not affect your login email, your password, or access to your games and purchases. Your friends list, game progress, and cosmetics all stay with your account.
Key Takeaways
- You change your username in Account Settings under "General," not in the game itself.
- Epic Games enforces a 14-day waiting period between username changes to prevent abuse.
- Your new username must be between 3 and 16 characters and cannot contain spaces or certain special characters.
- Changing your username does not log you out, reset your password, or affect your game library or friends.
- If your desired username is taken, you will see that message when ready and must choose a different one.
Step-by-step: changing your username on the Epic Games website
Go to www.epicgames.com and sign in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, look for your account icon in the top right corner and click it. From the dropdown menu, select "Account."
On the Account page, click "General" in the left sidebar. You will see a section labeled "Display Name" with your current username. Click the pencil icon or "Edit" button next to it. Type your new username into the field that appears. Epic Games will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or breaks the naming rules.
Once you have entered a valid username, click "Save" or "Confirm." The change takes effect right away. You do not need to log out and back in—your new username will appear on your profile and in games within seconds.
Username rules and what you cannot use
Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters long. It can contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but not spaces or most other special characters. Epic Games rejects usernames that contain profanity, impersonation attempts, or references to real people without permission.
If you try a username and see an error message, it means either someone else has already claimed it or it violates Epic's naming policy. There is no way to reserve a username or get on a waitlist—you straightforward have to pick a different one. Common words and short names are usually taken, so adding numbers or underscores often helps.
The 14-day waiting period explained
After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 14 days. This rule exists to prevent people from rapidly cycling through names to evade bans, hide from reports, or confuse other players. The timer starts the moment you confirm your change, not when you first tried to change it.
If you made a typo or regret your choice when ready, you still have to wait the full 14 days. Epic Games does not make exceptions to this rule, even if you contact support. Plan your username change carefully so you do not feel stuck with a name you dislike.
Changing your username on mobile or in-game
You cannot change your username directly from the Epic Games Launcher or from within a game like Fortnite. You must use the Epic Games website. Open a web browser on your phone or computer, go to epicgames.com, and follow the steps above.
If you are playing on console—PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch—your in-game name is still tied to your Epic Games account. Changing your Epic username will update how you appear to other players across all platforms where you play.
What stays the same when you change your username
Your email address, password, and login credentials do not change. You will still sign in with the same email you have always used. Your game library, V-Bucks balance, cosmetics, and battle pass progress all remain exactly as they were. Friends will see your new username the next time they log in, but your friendship is not affected.
If you have linked your Epic Games account to other services—Steam, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or others—those connections stay active. You do not need to re-link anything after a username change.
If someone else has the username you want
Epic Games does not have a system to claim or reserve usernames. If the name you want is taken, it belongs to another player's account. You cannot request that Epic Games force them to change it or give it to you, even if their account is inactive.
Your only option is to choose a different username. Many players add numbers, underscores, or abbreviations to make a name unique—for example, "username_2024" or "user_name_1" instead of just "username." This is a common workaround when your first choice is unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my friends still see me after I change my username?
Yes. Your friends list does not change, and they will see your new username the next time they log in. You remain friends with the same people—only your display name updates.
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Only after 14 days have passed since your last change. If you changed your username and want to go back, you will have to wait the full waiting period before you can make another change.
What if I forgot my password and cannot log into my account?
You will need to reset your password before you can access your account settings. Go to epicgames.com, click "Sign In," then click "Forgot Password?" and follow the email instructions to create a new password.
Does changing my username affect my Fortnite rank or competitive standing?
No. Your rank, MMR, tournament history, and all competitive records stay with your account. Only your display name changes—your underlying account and all its data remain the same.
Can I use special characters like @ or # in my username?
No. Epic Games only allows letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces, punctuation, and symbols like @, #, $, or ! are not permitted in usernames.