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 in one field. The change takes effect when ready, though you may need to restart any games you have open. You can change your username once every 30 days, so pick a name you are comfortable with for at least that long.
Start by opening a web browser and going to www.epicgames.com. Click the account icon in the top right corner (it looks like a person's head) and select "Account" from the dropdown menu. You will land on your account overview page.
On the left side of the page, click "General" under the Account section. Scroll down until you see the "Display Name" field — this is what other players see when you play online. Click the pencil icon next to your current name to edit it.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name is what appears to other players and can be changed once every 30 days through your account settings on the Epic Games website.
- Display names must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or special characters.
- If your desired name is taken, you will see an error message when ready and must choose a different one.
- Changes take effect right away, but you should restart any games currently running to see the new name reflected in-game.
What names are allowed and what to avoid
Epic Games has rules about what characters and words you can use in a display name. Your name must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can only contain letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or special characters like @, #, or $.
Epic Games also blocks names that contain profanity, hate speech, or references to real people's names without permission. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, the system will reject it and tell you why. The most common reason a name gets rejected is that someone else already has it — in that case, try adding a number at the end or using an underscore to separate words.
Keep in mind that your display name is public. Anyone playing with you will see it, so avoid names that could embarrass you later or that you might regret in a few months.
Confirming your change worked
After you type in your new name and click "Save," the page will refresh and show your updated display name at the top of the General settings page. This means the change has been saved to your account. However, if you are currently playing a game, that game may still show your old name until you close it completely and restart it.
To see your new name in-game, close the game entirely (do not just minimize it) and launch it again. When you log back in, your new display name should appear. If you are playing with friends, they may need to restart their games too before they see your updated name in their friend list or in-game.
If your name is already taken
When you type a name into the Display Name field, Epic Games checks whether that name is already in use. If it is, you will see a red error message saying "Display name is taken" or "Display name is unavailable." This happens when ready — you do not have to wait or submit anything to find out.
When this occurs, you have two options: choose a different name, or try a variation of the one you wanted. Common variations include adding numbers at the end (like "PlayerName42"), using an underscore between words (like "Player_Name"), or shortening the name. Remember that your name can only be 16 characters, so longer variations may not fit.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
Once you change your display name, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule applies whether you change it once or change it back to your original name. The 30-day timer starts the moment you save your new name, not when you log out or close the browser.
If you try to change your name before 30 days have passed, the "Save" button will be grayed out and you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. Write down the date you made the change if you think you might want to change it soon, so you know exactly when the waiting period ends.
Changing your username versus your display name
Epic Games has two different names attached to your account, and it is important to know the difference. Your display name is what other players see in games and on your profile — this is what you just changed. Your username (also called your account name) is what you use to log in, and it cannot be changed.
If you want to change the email address you use to log in, you can do that in the same General settings area by clicking the pencil icon next to your email. However, the actual username you type into the login screen is permanent and tied to your account forever. If you hate your original username, your only option is to create a new Epic Games account with a different email address.
Troubleshooting if the change will not save
If you type in a new name, click "Save," and nothing happens, first check that your name follows the rules: 3 to 16 characters, letters and numbers only, no spaces or special characters. If your name is correct, try refreshing the page and logging in again, because sometimes the page does not update properly.
If the problem continues, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If you are using an older browser, try a different one like Chrome or Firefox. If you still cannot save after these steps, contact Epic Games support through their website — go to www.epicgames.com/help and click "Contact Us" to start a support ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my display name on my phone or game console?
No, you must change your display name through the Epic Games website on a computer or tablet with a web browser. You cannot change it through the mobile app or through your console's settings. Log in to www.epicgames.com on any device with a browser to make the change.
What happens to my old name after I change it?
Your old display name becomes available for someone else to use after you change it. If you change your mind and want your old name back, you will have to wait 30 days, then change to a different name, then wait another 30 days before you can claim your original name again — if no one else has taken it by then.
Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?
Yes. Your friends list is tied to your account, not your display name, so they will still see you in their friends list even after you change your name. Your new name will appear next to your account in their list, and they can still invite you to games.
Can I use special characters like underscores in my display name?
Yes, underscores are the only special character allowed. You can use them to separate words, like "Player_Name" or "Cool_Gamer_123." Hyphens, periods, spaces, and other symbols are not allowed.
Do I need to change my password after changing my display name?
No, changing your display name does not affect your password or account security. Your password stays the same, and you do not need to update it unless you suspect someone else knows it.