Where to change your username

You change your Fortnite username through the Epic Games website, not inside the game itself. Log into your Epic Games account at www.epicgames.com, go to your Account settings, and find the Display Name option under your profile information. This is the name that appears to other players in matches and on your friends list.

The display name is separate from your Epic Games account name (the email address you use to log in). Changing your display name does not affect your login credentials, your progress, or anything you own in the game.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Fortnite username on the Epic Games website under Account settings, not in the game client.
  • Your display name can be changed once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready across all platforms where you play.
  • Usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters, cannot contain spaces or special characters, and cannot match another player's current name.
  • If your desired name is taken, you can add numbers or underscores to make it unique, or wait to see if the other player stops using it.

Step-by-step: changing your display name

Start by opening a web browser and going to www.epicgames.com. Click the Sign In button in the top right corner and enter your Epic Games email address and password. Once you are logged in, click your account name or profile icon in the top right, then select Account from the dropdown menu.

On the Account page, look for the General section on the left side. Click General, then scroll down until you see Display Name. Click the pencil icon or Edit button next to your current name. Type your new username into the text box, then click Save. The system will check whether the name is available. If it is, your new display name takes effect when ready. If it is not, you will see a message telling you the name is taken, and you can try a different one.

The change appears on all platforms — PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile — within a few minutes. Your friends will see your new name the next time they refresh their friends list or start a new match.

Rules for Fortnite usernames

Fortnite usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, periods, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, or $. The system will reject your entry if you try to use any of these.

Your username cannot be offensive or contain slurs. Epic Games reviews names when you submit them, and if your name violates their code of conduct, you will be asked to choose a different one. Names that impersonate real people or celebrities are also not allowed.

You cannot use a name that is already taken by another active player. If you see a message saying the name is unavailable, it means someone else is currently using it. You can try adding numbers to the end (like "YourName123") or using an underscore in the middle (like "Your_Name") to create a unique variation.

How often you can change your username

You can change your display name once every 30 days. After you make a change, a timer starts, and you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed. The system will show you when you are may be able to access to change it next if you try before the timer runs out.

This limit exists to prevent players from constantly switching names to avoid being recognized or to confuse other players. If you change your name and when ready regret it, you cannot undo the change — you have to wait the full 30 days before switching back.

What happens if your desired name is taken

If the username you want is already in use, you have a few options. The simplest is to modify it slightly: add your birth year, a favorite number, or an underscore. For example, if "Shadow" is taken, you could try "Shadow_2005" or "Shadow47". Most players find a working variation within a few tries.

Another option is to wait. If a player stops playing Fortnite and does not log in for an extended period, Epic Games may eventually release their username so someone else can claim it. There is no set timeline for this, and it is not may provide, but inactive accounts do eventually free up names. You can check back periodically to see if your desired name has become available.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see an error message saying "Display Name is not available" but you are certain no one else is using it, wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes the system needs time to update after another player changes their name. If the problem persists, try a slightly different spelling or variation.

If you cannot find the Display Name option in your Account settings, make sure you are logged into the correct Epic Games account. Some players have multiple accounts linked to different platforms. Check that you are in the right account by looking at the email address shown at the top of the Account page. If you are still stuck, you can contact Epic Games support through their website for help.

If your new username does not appear in the game when ready, try restarting Fortnite or logging out and back in. The change should sync within a few minutes on all platforms, but restarting the game speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have been banned or suspended?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot make any changes to it, including changing your display name. You must resolve the suspension or appeal the ban first. Contact Epic Games support to learn about your account status and what steps you need to take.

Will changing my username affect my V-Bucks, skins, or battle pass progress?

No. Your display name is purely cosmetic. All your V-Bucks, cosmetics, battle pass progress, and stats remain exactly the same. Only the name that appears to other players changes.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. Fortnite usernames can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, periods, hyphens, and special characters like @, #, or $ are not allowed. The system will reject your entry if you try to use any of these characters.

What if someone is using a name that looks like mine but with different capitalization?

Fortnite usernames are not case-sensitive, meaning "Shadow", "SHADOW", and "shadow" are all treated as the same name. You cannot have two accounts with the same letters in a different case. If you want a name that differs only in capitalization, you will need to modify it with numbers or underscores instead.

How long does it take for my new username to show up in the game?

Your new display name takes effect when ready on the Epic Games website, but it may take a few minutes to appear in the Fortnite game client and to other players. Restarting the game speeds up this process. Friends will see your new name the next time they refresh their friends list or start a new match.