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 change takes effect when ready across Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys, and any other game tied to your Epic account. You can make this change yourself without contacting support — but there is a waiting period between changes.

The 14-day cooldown means if you changed your username yesterday, you cannot change it again for another 13 days. This limit applies whether you changed it intentionally or had it changed by someone else. Epic enforces this to prevent account takeovers and username-squatting.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username through your Epic Games account settings under "Account" and then "General," not through the game client itself.
  • The new username appears when ready in your games and on your Epic profile, but the old name becomes available for others to claim after a short delay.
  • You must wait 14 days between username changes, even if you only want to fix a typo or revert to a previous name.
  • Changing your username does not affect your email, password, or any games you own — only the display name other players see.

How to change your username step by step

Go to www.epicgames.com and sign into your account. Click your account name in the top right corner, then select "Account." On the left side menu, click "General." You will see a field labeled "Display Name" — this is your username.

Click the pencil icon next to your current display name to edit it. Type your new username. Epic Games usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed. Click "Save" when you are done. The change is live when ready.

If you see a message saying you must wait before changing your username again, you are still within the 14-day cooldown period. The exact date you can change it next appears on the same screen.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one does not disappear forever. Other players can claim it after a waiting period, which typically lasts a few days. If you change your mind and want your old username back, you need to wait until that cooldown expires, then claim it yourself before someone else does — but you will still face the 14-day wait between your current change and that reclaim.

Your friends list, game progress, and cosmetics stay with your account no matter what username you use. Changing the name does not reset anything or move your account.

Usernames you cannot use

Epic Games blocks certain usernames for safety and policy reasons. You cannot use names that are already taken by another active account, names that contain slurs or hateful language, or names that impersonate Epic Games staff or well-known players. Names that are too similar to existing ones may also be rejected.

If your chosen username is rejected, try a variation — add a number, use an underscore, or shorten it. The system will tell you when ready if a name is unavailable or violates the rules.

Changing your username in the game client does not work

Some players try to change their username through the Fortnite launcher or in-game settings. Those screens show your username but do not let you edit it. The only way to change it is through the Epic Games website account settings. If you see an option in the game that looks like it lets you change your name, it is usually just showing you your current name or letting you set a display name for that specific game, which is different from your Epic account username.

This is a common source of confusion because the game client displays your name prominently, making it seem like you should be able to edit it there. You must go to the website instead.

If you cannot change your username

The most common reason you cannot change your username is the 14-day cooldown. Check the "General" settings page — it will show you the exact date you can change it next. If that date has passed and you still cannot change it, try signing out and signing back in, or use a different browser.

If your account was compromised and someone else changed your username, contact Epic Games support through www.epicgames.com/help. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing a photo ID. Support can reset the cooldown timer in cases of account takeover, but this process takes several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username affect my Fortnite account or my cosmetics?

No. Your account, V-Bucks, skins, emotes, and everything else you own stays exactly the same. Only the name that appears above your character and on your profile changes. Your friends can still find you and play with you.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. After you change your username, your old one becomes available to other players after a few days. If you want it back, you must wait until the 14-day cooldown expires, then claim it before someone else does. You will then face another 14-day wait before your next change.

What if the username I want is already taken?

You cannot use a username that belongs to an active account. Try adding numbers, underscores, or hyphens to make it unique. If a username belongs to an inactive account, it may become available eventually, but there is no way to know when or to request it.

Do I need to change my password after changing my username?

No. Your password is separate from your username and does not change. Your email address also stays the same. Only the display name that other players see is affected.

Can I change my username on mobile or console?

You must change it through the Epic Games website on a computer or mobile browser. The mobile app and console versions of Fortnite do not have a username-change option. Go to epicgames.com, sign in, and follow the steps in your account settings.