Yes, you can change your Fortnite username, but only once every 30 days

Fortnite lets you change the display name that appears above your character in matches and on your profile. The change takes effect when ready across all platforms where you play — PC, console, or mobile. However, Epic Games limits you to one username change per 30 days, so choose carefully before you confirm.

The username you see in Fortnite is separate from your Epic Games account name. Your account name is what you log in with and cannot be changed. Your display name is what other players see, and that is what you can modify.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Fortnite display name once every 30 days through the Epic Games website, not through the game itself.
  • Your new username appears when ready in all matches and on your profile across every platform you play on.
  • Usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters, contain only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, and cannot include spaces or special characters.
  • If your desired name is taken, you will see that message when you try to save it, and you must choose a different one.
  • After you change your name, you must wait 30 days before changing it again, even if you made a typo.

Where to change your username

Go to www.epicgames.com and sign in with the email and password for your Epic Games account. Click your account name in the top right corner, then select Account from the dropdown menu.

On the Account page, click General in the left sidebar. You will see a field labeled Display Name with your current username next to it. Click the pencil icon or the Edit button to open the change screen.

Type your new username into the text field. As you type, the system will tell you whether the name is available. If it shows a green checkmark, the name is yours to use. If it shows a red X or a message saying the name is taken, you must choose something different.

Rules for your new username

Fortnite usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, periods, commas, or special characters like @, #, $, or &.

Epic Games also blocks usernames that contain slurs, hate speech, or references to illegal activity. If you try to save a name that violates these rules, you will see an error message and the name will not be accepted. The system does not explain which rule was broken, so if you are unsure, try a different variation.

Your username is public and visible to every player you encounter. Choose something you are comfortable with other people seeing in chat and on your profile.

What happens after you change your name

The new username appears on your profile and above your character in matches within seconds. Friends will see the new name in their friends list. Any clips or screenshots you recorded before the change will still show your old username, because those files do not update retroactively.

Your account level, V-Bucks balance, cosmetics, and battle pass progress remain exactly the same. Changing your name does not reset your account or affect anything you own.

Once you confirm the change, a 30-day timer starts. You cannot change your name again until that timer runs out. If you made a typo or regret your choice, you have to wait the full 30 days before you can fix it.

If your desired name is already taken

When you type a name that someone else is already using, the system shows a message saying the name is unavailable. You cannot reserve a name or join a waitlist for it. You must choose a different name to proceed.

Try adding numbers to the end of your preferred name, or use underscores or hyphens between words. For example, if "ShadowKnight" is taken, you might try "ShadowKnight42" or "Shadow_Knight". The system will tell you when ready whether each variation is available.

Troubleshooting name change problems

If you see a message saying you cannot change your name yet, you are still within the 30-day waiting period from your last change. The system will not let you proceed until that time has passed. Check the date of your last change and count forward 30 days.

If the website shows an error when you try to save your new name, try signing out completely and signing back in. Clear your browser cache or try a different browser. If the problem persists, the Epic Games servers may be temporarily unavailable, and you can try again in a few minutes.

If you changed your name but it is not showing up in the game, restart Fortnite completely. Close the game entirely, wait 10 seconds, and launch it again. The new name should appear when you log back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username through the Fortnite game itself?

No. You must go to the Epic Games website, sign in to your account, and change it through the Account settings page. The game itself does not have a username change option.

What if I want to change my name back to my old one?

You can reuse an old username, but you still have to wait 30 days from your most recent change. Once the 30 days are up, you can set your display name to anything that is currently available, including a previous username.

Do I lose my cosmetics or progress if I change my name?

No. Your skins, emotes, V-Bucks, battle pass progress, and account level stay exactly the same. Only your display name changes.

Can I have different usernames on different platforms?

No. Your display name is tied to your Epic Games account, so it is the same across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile. If you play on multiple platforms, everyone sees the same username everywhere.

What if someone is using my old username after I changed mine?

Usernames are not reserved after you stop using them. Once you change your name, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you want to keep it, do not change your name in the first place.