You can change your Fortnite username through your Epic Games account settings

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 the web, go to your Account settings, find the Display Name field, and save the new name. The change takes effect when ready in Fortnite and across all Epic Games services. You can change your display name once every 30 days, so pick something you are comfortable with for at least a month.

The process takes about two minutes if you remember your password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on (which is recommended for security), you will need to verify your identity through your phone or email before the change goes through.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Epic Games account at www.epicgames.com, not through Fortnite itself, to change your display name.
  • Your display name can be between 3 and 16 characters and cannot contain spaces or special characters except underscores and hyphens.
  • You can change your display name once every 30 days, so you cannot switch back and forth between names frequently.
  • If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need to verify your identity before the change saves.

Step-by-step process to change your display name

Go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In in the top right corner. Enter the email address and password for your Epic Games account. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will be asked to enter a code from your authenticator app or email.

Once you are logged in, click your account name in the top right corner and select Account. On the left side menu, click Personal. You will see a field labeled Display Name with your current username. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new username (between 3 and 16 characters) and click Save. The change takes effect right away.

If you see a message that your desired name is already taken, try adding a number or underscore to the end. Fortnite usernames are unique across all accounts, so popular names fill up quickly. You cannot use spaces, but you can use underscores (_) and hyphens (-) to separate words.

What names are not allowed

Epic Games blocks usernames that contain profanity, hateful language, or references to real people without permission. Names that impersonate Epic Games staff or famous streamers are also rejected. The system checks your entry against a list of prohibited words and will tell you if your choice violates the rules.

You also cannot use a name that is already taken by another player. If you see "This display name is not available," someone else has claimed it. Try a variation with numbers or underscores instead. The system will let you know when ready whether your choice is available.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your display name, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. This rule applies whether you are changing to a completely new name or reverting to an old one. If you try to change your name before 30 days have passed, the system will show you a countdown timer telling you how many days remain.

The 30-day timer starts from the moment you save your new name, not from when you started editing it. If you change your name on March 15, you cannot change it again until April 14. Plan your username choice carefully, because you are stuck with it for a month.

If you cannot log into your Epic Games account

If you forgot your password, click Forgot Password on the Epic Games sign-in page. Enter your email address, and Epic Games will send you a link to reset it. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes. The reset link expires after 24 hours, so act quickly.

If you do not remember which email address is attached to your account, you can try entering different email addresses on the forgot password page. Epic Games will tell you whether each one is associated with an account. Once you find the right email, follow the password reset process.

Two-factor authentication and display name changes

If you have two-factor authentication turned on, Epic Games will ask you to verify your identity before saving a display name change. You will receive a code through your authenticator app, text message, or email (depending on which method you set up). Enter this code on the verification screen, and then your new display name will save.

Two-factor authentication adds a security layer that prevents someone else from changing your name if they somehow get your password. It takes an extra 30 seconds but protects your account from unauthorized changes. If you have not set it up yet, you can turn it on in your Account settings under Password and Security.

What happens to your old username

When you change your display name, your old username becomes available for other players to claim after a short delay. You cannot reserve it or get it back after 30 days. If you think you might want to use an old name again in the future, do not change away from it unless you are certain.

Your account history, friends list, and game progress stay exactly the same when you change your display name. Everyone on your friends list will see your new name the next time they log in. Your old match history and statistics are not affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Fortnite username more than once every 30 days?

No. Epic Games enforces a 30-day waiting period between display name changes. You will see a countdown timer showing how many days remain if you try to change your name before the period is up. This rule applies to all players, including those with paid accounts or high-level progression.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Fortnite usernames are first-come, first-served. If a name is taken, you cannot claim it. Try adding numbers, underscores, or hyphens to create a variation. For example, if "Shadow" is taken, you could try "Shadow_2024" or "Shadow-Pro". The system will tell you when ready whether your choice is available.

Do I need to change my username in the Fortnite game itself?

No. All username changes happen through your Epic Games account on the web at www.epicgames.com. You cannot change your display name from inside the Fortnite game. Once you change it on the Epic Games website, it updates in Fortnite automatically within a few seconds.

Will my friends still see me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list does not change when you update your display name. Everyone on your friends list will see your new username the next time they log in. Your account, progress, and all game data remain exactly the same.

What if I see an error message when trying to save my new username?

Common errors include the name being taken, containing forbidden words, or being too short or too long. Make sure your username is between 3 and 16 characters and does not include spaces or special characters other than underscores and hyphens. If the error persists, try a different name or contact Epic Games support through their website.