Yes, you can change your Fortnite username, but only once every 30 days
Epic Games lets you change the name that appears in-game, but the process has real limits. You get one free name change, and after that you can change again every 30 days. The change takes effect when ready in matches and on your profile, but your old name stays in your account history for a few days before it becomes available for someone else to claim.
The name you choose has to follow Epic's rules: no impersonation of real people or celebrities, no hate speech, no sexual content, and nothing that looks like you're pretending to be Epic staff or a streamer. If your new name breaks these rules, Epic will revert it without warning and you'll lose that 30-day window.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Fortnite username once every 30 days through the Epic Games website, not through the game itself.
- Your first name change is free; after that, each change costs 1,000 V-Bucks (about $10 USD, though prices vary by region).
- The new name takes effect right away in matches, but your old name stays reserved for a few days before others can use it.
- Names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or Epic staff will be reverted automatically, and you'll lose your change window.
How to change your username through Epic Games
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, click "General," and you'll see your current display name listed near the top of the page.
Click the pencil icon next to your display name to edit it. Type your new name (up to 16 characters), then click "Save." If the name is available and follows Epic's content rules, it will change when ready. You'll see a timer appear showing when you can change it again — 30 days from that moment.
If you're on console and don't want to use a computer, you can also change your name through your console's account settings (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Nintendo Switch), but that changes your system-wide username, not just your Fortnite display name. Most players use the Epic Games website instead because it only affects Fortnite.
What happens if your name is taken or rejected
If you try to use a name that's already taken, the website will tell you when ready and won't let you save it. You'll need to pick something different. If the name you chose violates Epic's content policy, the change will go through at first, but Epic's automated system will revert it within hours or days. When that happens, you lose your one change per 30 days — you can't try again until the timer resets.
There's no way to appeal a reverted name or get your change window back early. If you're unsure whether a name might break the rules, avoid anything that could be read as impersonating someone else, anything sexual or hateful, or anything that looks like an official Epic Games title.
The cost after your first free change
Your first name change is free. Every change after that costs 1,000 V-Bucks. V-Bucks are Fortnite's in-game currency, and 1,000 of them typically costs around $10 USD, though the exact price varies by region and your payment method. You can buy V-Bucks directly from the Fortnite item shop or from your console's digital store.
If you don't want to spend money, you can wait 30 days between each change and use your free change window. Some players change their name once a month just to stay within the free tier, though most stick with one name for longer.
How your old name becomes available again
When you change your username, your old name doesn't disappear right away. Epic reserves it for a few days (usually three to five) so that your friends' friend lists and recent match history still show your old name correctly. After that grace period, the name becomes available for anyone else to claim.
This means if you change from "PlayerOne" to "PlayerTwo," someone else can take "PlayerOne" a few days later. Your account history and stats stay the same — only the display name changes. Friends who had you added will see your new name the next time they log in.
What you can't change and what stays the same
Your Epic Games username (the one you use to log in) is different from your display name, and you can't change it. That login name is permanent. Your display name is what shows up in matches and on your profile — that's the one you can change every 30 days.
Your account ID, rank, V-Bucks balance, cosmetics, and battle pass progress all stay exactly the same when you change your name. Friends don't need to re-add you. Your stats and match history carry over. The only thing that changes is what other players see when they look at you in-game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?
No. Epic enforces a strict 30-day cooldown between changes. If you try to change before the timer runs out, the website will show you exactly how many days you have to wait. Paying V-Bucks doesn't speed this up — the cooldown applies regardless of whether you're using your free change or paying for one.
What if someone takes my old username after I change it?
Once the grace period ends (usually three to five days), your old name becomes available. If someone else claims it, you can't get it back unless they change their name later. Epic doesn't hold old usernames for returning players, so if you want to keep a name, don't change away from it.
Do I need to change my password when I change my username?
No. Your password stays the same. Your login credentials (your Epic Games username and password) are separate from your display name. Changing your display name doesn't affect security or login in any way.
Will my friends see my new name right away?
Yes. The change takes effect when ready on your profile and in matches. Friends will see your new name the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. There's no delay on their end.
Can I change my username if I'm banned or suspended?
If your account is suspended or banned, you won't be able to change your username until the suspension is lifted. Epic locks most account features during enforcement actions. Once your account is active again, the 30-day timer resets from that point.