You can change your Fortnite username through your Epic Games account settings, and the process takes about five minutes

Your Fortnite username is tied to your Epic Games account, not to the game itself. To change it, you log into your Epic Games account on a web browser, find the Account settings page, and update the display name field. Epic Games allows you to change your username once every 14 days, and the change takes effect when ready across all Epic Games services — Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys, and any other games linked to that account.

The username you choose must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot contain spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods. Epic Games reserves certain usernames and will not let you use profanity or impersonation attempts. If you try to claim a name that is already taken, the system will tell you when ready and suggest alternatives.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Epic Games account at www.epicgames.com, not through the Fortnite launcher, to change your username.
  • Your new username takes effect right away in Fortnite and all other games on your Epic Games account.
  • You can change your username once every 14 days, so plan ahead if you want to try a different name.
  • Your username must be 3 to 16 characters and can only use letters, numbers, and underscores — no spaces or special characters.

Step 1: Log into your Epic Games account on the web

Go to www.epicgames.com in your web browser and click the Sign In button in the top right corner. Enter the email address and password you use for your Fortnite account. If you have two-factor authentication turned on (which Epic Games recommends), you will need to enter a code from your phone or authentication app before you can proceed.

Do not try to change your username through the Fortnite launcher or the game itself — the option is not there. You must use the Epic Games website. If you have forgotten your password, click "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in page and follow the email recovery steps.

Step 2: Navigate to Account settings and find Display Name

Once you are logged in, click your account icon in the top right corner and select Account from the dropdown menu. On the left side of the page, you will see a menu with options like General, Password, and Connections. Click General. On the General page, you will see a field labeled Display Name — this is your Fortnite username.

The Display Name field shows your current username. Click in the field to edit it. Type your new username, making sure it follows the rules: 3 to 16 characters, letters and numbers only, underscores allowed, no spaces.

Step 3: Save your new username and wait for confirmation

After you type your new username, click the Save button below the field. Epic Games will check whether the name is available and whether it meets their content policy. If the name is taken or violates their rules, you will see an error message and can try a different one. If the name is available, you will see a confirmation message that says your display name has been updated.

Your new username appears in Fortnite within seconds. Your friends will see the new name in their friend lists, and your profile will show the updated name. You cannot change your username again for 14 days from the date you made this change.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim after a short delay. Your account history, V-Bucks balance, cosmetics, and battle pass progress all stay with your account — changing your username does not affect any of your in-game items or progress.

If you have a custom URL for your Epic Games profile (something like epicgames.com/id/yourname), that URL will update to match your new username automatically. Any links to your old profile URL will redirect to your new one.

If your desired username is already taken

When you try to save a username that someone else already has, Epic Games will show you an error and suggest similar alternatives. You can either choose one of the suggestions or try a completely different name. Adding numbers to the end of your preferred name is a common workaround — for example, if "Shadow" is taken, you might try "Shadow47" or "Shadow2024".

You can also use underscores to make a name unique: "Shadow_Pro" or "Pro_Shadow" might be available when "Shadow" is not. Keep in mind that underscores count toward your 16-character limit, so longer names with underscores leave less room for other characters.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see a message that says "You can only change your display name once every 14 days," you have already changed your username recently and must wait until the 14-day window has passed. Epic Games enforces this limit to prevent spam and account takeovers. Check the date you last changed your username and try again after 14 days have passed.

If you cannot find the Display Name field on your Account page, make sure you are on the General tab and that you are logged in to the correct account. Some accounts have restricted settings if they are linked to a child account or parental controls — in that case, a parent or guardian may need to make the change. If you still cannot see the option, try logging out, clearing your browser cache, and logging back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 14 days?

No. Epic Games limits username changes to once every 14 days per account. This rule applies even if you change it back to your old name — the 14-day timer starts from your last change, regardless of what name you chose. Plan your username carefully if you think you might want to change it again soon.

Will my friends still see me in their friend list after I change my username?

Yes. Your account stays the same; only the display name changes. Your friends will see your new username in their friend list, in party chat, and in match history. They do not need to re-add you or do anything on their end.

Can I use spaces or special characters like hyphens in my username?

No. Fortnite usernames can only contain letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters are not allowed. If you want to separate words, use an underscore instead — for example, "Dark_Knight" instead of "Dark-Knight".

What if I see an error message that says my username violates the content policy?

Epic Games blocks usernames that contain profanity, hate speech, or attempts to impersonate real people or celebrities. If your chosen name is rejected, try a different one. If you believe your username was rejected by mistake, you can contact Epic Games support through their website, though they may not reverse the decision.

Does changing my username affect my V-Bucks or cosmetics?

No. Your V-Bucks, skins, emotes, pickaxes, and all other cosmetics stay with your account. Changing your username is purely cosmetic and does not touch your inventory or progress. Everything you own in Fortnite remains yours after the change.