The steps to change your Fortnite username
You change your Fortnite username by logging into your Epic Games account on a web browser, not inside the game itself. Go to www.epicgames.com, sign in with your email and password, then navigate to your Account settings. From there, select "General" and look for the display name field — this is what appears in Fortnite lobbies and on your profile. Type your new username, click save, and the change takes effect when ready in-game.
The process takes about two minutes if you already know your Epic Games password. If you have forgotten it, you will need to reset it first by clicking "Forgot password" on the Epic Games login page, then check your email for a reset link. Epic Games will send you a confirmation email after you change your display name, so check your inbox to make sure the change went through.
One important detail: your Epic Games account name (the one you use to log in) is different from your display name (what shows in Fortnite). You can only change your display name, not your account login name. If you want to change your account email address instead, that is a separate process in the same Account settings menu.
Key Takeaways
- Log into www.epicgames.com on a computer or phone browser, then go to Account settings and select General to find your display name field.
- Your display name is what other players see in Fortnite; your account login name cannot be changed through this process.
- The change takes effect when ready in-game and you will receive a confirmation email from Epic Games.
- If you have forgotten your Epic Games password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page before you can access your account settings.
What happens to your old username after you change it
Once you change your display name, your old username becomes available for other players to use. Epic Games does not hold old usernames in reserve, so if you change your mind within a few hours, someone else may have already claimed it. There is no "undo" button, so think through your new username before you save it.
Your friends list, match history, and cosmetics (skins, emotes, pickaxes) all stay attached to your account. Changing your display name does not reset your progress or lose any items you own. Other players will see your new name the next time they load into a match or check their friends list.
How often you can change your username
Epic Games allows you to change your display name as often as you want, with no cooldown period between changes. You can change it once a day, once a week, or multiple times in a single day if you choose. There is no limit to how many times you can modify it.
However, if Epic Games detects that you are using a display name that violates their Code of Conduct — such as names containing hate speech, slurs, or impersonation of real people — they may lock your account from changing it again for a period of time. If this happens, you will see a message in your Account settings explaining the restriction.
Display name rules and what you cannot use
Epic Games has specific rules about what display names are allowed. You cannot use names that impersonate real celebrities, professional players, or Epic Games staff members. You also cannot use slurs, hate speech, or sexually explicit language. Names that promote illegal activity or contain excessive profanity will be flagged.
Your display name must be between 3 and 16 characters long. It can include letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like @, #, or $. If you try to save a name that breaks these rules, Epic Games will show you an error message and ask you to choose a different one.
If another player reports your display name as inappropriate, Epic Games may force you to change it. You will receive an email notification if this happens, and you will have a set number of days to pick a new name before your account is restricted from playing.
Changing your username on console or mobile
You cannot change your display name directly from the Fortnite app on your phone or from your PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. You must use a web browser on a computer or mobile device to log into www.epicgames.com and make the change there. Once you save it, the new name will show up the next time you launch Fortnite on any device.
If you are on a console, you can open a web browser on your phone or computer while your console is nearby, make the change, then restart Fortnite on your console to see the update. The change syncs across all devices linked to your Epic Games account automatically.
Troubleshooting: why your username change might not work
If you save a new display name but it does not appear in-game, try logging out of Fortnite completely and logging back in. Sometimes the game client does not refresh when ready. Close the Fortnite app or game window, wait 30 seconds, then reopen it and sign in again.
If you see an error message saying your display name is unavailable or invalid, check that it does not contain spaces or special characters, and that it is between 3 and 16 characters. If the name you want is already taken, you will need to choose a different one — Epic Games does not hold names for you.
If you cannot access your Epic Games account at all, make sure you are using the correct email address and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your account, you will need to enter a code from your authenticator app or email before you can log in. If you still cannot access it, use the "Forgot password" option to reset your login credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Fortnite username back to what it was before?
No, once you change your display name, the old one becomes available for other players to claim. If someone else has already taken it, you cannot get it back. You can only choose a new, unclaimed name.
Does changing my username affect my V-Bucks or cosmetics?
No. Your V-Bucks, skins, emotes, pickaxes, and all other cosmetics stay on your account. Changing your display name only changes what other players see — it does not touch your inventory or account balance.
What if my username was forced to change by Epic Games?
If Epic Games forced a name change because your old one violated their Code of Conduct, you will receive an email explaining why. You then have a set number of days to choose a new name. If you do not change it within that time, your account may be restricted from playing.
Can I use special characters or spaces in my display name?
No. Your display name can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Spaces and special characters like @, #, $, or ! are not allowed. If you try to use them, Epic Games will show an error message.
Will my friends still see me after I change my username?
Yes. Your friends list does not change, and your friends will see your new display name the next time they check their friends list or load into a match with you. Your account stays the same — only the name changes.