Yes, you can change your Fortnite username, but Epic Games limits how often and charges a fee after your first change
You can change your Fortnite username once for free when you first link your Epic Games account. After that, each username change costs 950 V-Bucks — the in-game currency that costs real money to buy. Epic Games does not let you change your username more than once every 30 days, and the name you choose must not already be taken by another player.
The process itself takes a few minutes and happens through your Epic Games account settings, not inside the Fortnite game itself. Your new name shows up when ready in your profile and in matches, though some third-party tracking sites may take a few hours to update.
Key Takeaways
- Your first username change is free, but every change after that costs 950 V-Bucks, which you must purchase with real money.
- You can only change your username once every 30 days, so plan ahead if you want a specific name.
- The username change happens in your Epic Games account settings on a computer or phone browser, not in the game app.
- Your new username appears right away in your profile and in matches, though some tracking websites may lag behind by a few hours.
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" from the dropdown menu. On the left side of the page, click "General" to open your account details.
Look for the "Display Name" field — this is your Fortnite username. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new name and click "Save". If the name is already taken, Epic Games will tell you when ready and ask you to try a different one. Once you save a new name, you cannot change it again for 30 days.
If you have already used your free change, you will see a prompt asking you to spend 950 V-Bucks before the change goes through. You can buy V-Bucks through the Epic Games store on your computer, through the Fortnite game itself, or through your console's store if you play on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.
What names you cannot use
Epic Games blocks usernames that are already taken, contain certain profanity, or include slurs. The system also rejects names that impersonate Epic Games staff, famous people, or other well-known players — though the rules around impersonation are not always clear in advance.
Names with spaces, special characters, or numbers are allowed. If you want a name that is close to one you like but taken, try adding numbers at the end or using underscores instead of spaces.
How V-Bucks work and what they cost
V-Bucks are Fortnite's virtual currency. You buy them with real money, and the price depends on how many you purchase at once. A bundle of 1,000 V-Bucks typically costs around $10 USD, though prices vary by country and region. Since a username change costs 950 V-Bucks, you would need to buy at least the 1,000 V-Bucks bundle.
V-Bucks do not expire and carry over between seasons. If you have leftover V-Bucks from the Battle Pass or from previous purchases, you can use those toward a username change without spending more money.
Why your username matters and what stays the same
Your Fortnite username is what other players see when you are in a match or on their friends list. Changing it does not affect your account security, your progress, your cosmetics, or your V-Bucks balance — everything else stays exactly the same.
Your Epic Games account ID, which is a long string of numbers behind the scenes, never changes. Some tracking websites and competitive leaderboards use that ID instead of your display name, so your stats and history remain linked even after you change your username.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. This rule applies whether your change was free or cost V-Bucks. Epic Games enforces this to prevent players from constantly switching names to evade reports or confuse other players.
If you change your mind about a new name shortly after switching, you have to wait the full 30 days before you can pick something different. Plan your username change carefully, especially if you are paying for it.
What happens if your username is reported or flagged
If another player reports your username for violating Epic Games' rules — for example, if it contains slurs or impersonates someone — Epic Games may force you to change it. When this happens, you get a notification in your account and a grace period, usually around 30 days, to pick a new name yourself. If you do not change it in time, Epic Games will assign you a temporary username like "Player12345" and you will have to pay to change it again.
Forced username changes are rare and usually only happen when a name clearly breaks the rules. If you receive a notice, read it carefully to understand what triggered it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username on mobile or console?
No. You must change your username through the Epic Games website on a computer or phone browser. You cannot do it through the Fortnite app on mobile, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, though the change will show up on all those platforms once you make it.
What if the username I want is taken?
Try a variation: add numbers at the end, use underscores, or add a prefix or suffix. Epic Games does not reserve inactive accounts' names, so even old usernames can be taken. If a name is taken, the system will tell you when ready when you try to save it.
Do I get a refund if I change my username and then change it back?
No. Each username change costs V-Bucks (except your first free change), and Epic Games does not refund the cost if you change your mind. You also have to wait 30 days between changes, so changing back is not quick.
Will my friends still see me after I change my username?
Yes. Your friends list does not break when you change your username. Your friends will see your new name the next time they log in, and you will still appear on their friends list.
Can I change my username if I have not played in a long time?
Yes, as long as your Epic Games account is still active and you can sign in. Fortnite does not delete inactive accounts or lock them from making changes. You can change your username whenever you want, as long as you follow the 30-day waiting period and pay the V-Bucks cost if it is not your first change.