Change Your Username Through the Epic Games Website

You change your Epic Games username by logging into your account on the Epic Games website, going to your account settings, and updating the name field directly. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you play Fortnite, use the Epic Games Launcher, or just have an account for other reasons.

Start by opening a web browser and going to www.epicgames.com. Click the person icon in the top right corner and select "Sign In" if you are not already logged in. Enter your email address and password, then click "Sign In." If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will need to enter a code from your authenticator app or email before you can proceed.

Once you are logged in, click the person icon again and select "Account." On the left side of the page, click "General." You will see a field labeled "Display Name" — this is what other players see when you play online. Click the pencil icon next to your current name to edit it.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your display name through the Epic Games website by logging in, going to Account > General, and clicking the pencil icon next to your current name.
  • Your new username can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but cannot contain spaces or special characters like @ or #.
  • Epic Games lets you change your username once every 14 days, so plan ahead if you want to switch names multiple times.
  • The change takes effect when ready across all games and services tied to your Epic Games account, including Fortnite and the Epic Games Launcher.

What Characters and Lengths Are Allowed

Your new username must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, periods, or special characters like @, #, $, or %. Epic Games also does not allow usernames that are already taken by another account or that contain offensive language.

If you try to enter a name that breaks these rules, the website will show you an error message explaining what went wrong. For example, if you type a name with a space in it, you will see a message saying spaces are not allowed. straightforward delete the space and try again with a hyphen or underscore instead.

How Often You Can Change Your Username

Epic Games allows you to change your display name once every 14 days. This means if you changed your name today, you would have to wait two weeks before changing it again. The 14-day timer starts from the moment you save your new name, not from when you started the process.

If you try to change your name before the 14 days are up, the website will show you a message telling you when you can change it next. This limit exists to prevent people from constantly switching names to avoid being recognized or to confuse other players.

What Happens to Your Old Username

When you change your display name, your old username becomes available for someone else to use after a short period. Epic Games does not hold old usernames in reserve, so if you change your mind later, you may not be able to get your old name back. Before you confirm the change, make sure you are happy with your new name.

Your account itself — your progress in games, your friends list, your purchases — stays exactly the same. Only the name that appears to other players changes. Any friends you have will still see you in their friends list, but your name will show as the new one.

Changing Your Username on Mobile or Console

If you play on a phone, tablet, or console like PlayStation or Xbox, you still change your Epic Games username through the website, not through the game itself. Open a web browser on any device, log into your Epic Games account, and follow the same steps described above. The change will show up in your game the next time you log in.

Some consoles have their own usernames separate from your Epic Games display name. Your PlayStation Network name or Xbox Gamertag stays the same — only your Epic Games display name changes. If you want to change your console username as well, you will need to do that through your console's settings, not through Epic Games.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the pencil icon next to your display name is not clickable or is grayed out, you may have already changed your name within the last 14 days. Check the message on the page to see when you will be able to change it again. If you see a different error, try logging out and logging back in, or try using a different web browser.

If your new username is rejected and you are not sure why, check that it does not contain spaces, special characters, or numbers that look like letters (like using the number 0 instead of the letter O). Also make sure the name is not already taken by another player. If you are still stuck, you can contact Epic Games support through their website, though they may take a few hours to respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have not played in a long time?

Yes. As long as your account is active and you can log in, you can change your display name whenever you want. Epic Games does not disable this feature for inactive accounts. You will still need to wait 14 days between changes.

What if someone else has the username I want?

You cannot use a username that is already taken. If the name you want is taken, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique — for example, "PlayerName_1" or "PlayerName99". The website will tell you when ready if a name is unavailable so you can try a different one.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and your friends will still see you in their list with your new name. They do not need to re-add you or do anything on their end. Your account ID stays the same — only the display name changes.

Can I change my username back to my old one right away?

You have to wait 14 days between any username changes, so you cannot switch back when ready. If you change your mind, wait the 14 days and then change it back. Keep in mind that someone else may have taken your old username in the meantime.

Does changing my username affect my Fortnite progress or cosmetics?

No. Your skins, battle pass progress, V-Bucks, and everything else in Fortnite stays exactly the same. Only the name that appears above your character changes. All your progress is tied to your account, not to your display name.