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 a web browser, go to your account settings, find the display name field, and save the change. The new name shows up in Fortnite the next time you launch the game. You get one free username change every 30 days; additional changes within that window cost 1,000 V-Bucks (the in-game currency).
The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you play on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile. Your old username does not carry over to anyone else — it straightforward becomes available for another player to claim after a period of time.
Key Takeaways
- Go to www.epicgames.com, sign into your account, and navigate to Account Settings to change your display name.
- You get one free username change every 30 days; changes after that cost 1,000 V-Bucks each.
- Your new username appears in Fortnite after you restart the game, not when ready.
- Usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters and cannot contain certain symbols or offensive words.
- If your desired username is taken, you will see that message in the settings and must choose a different one.
Step-by-step: changing your display name
Open a web browser and go to www.epicgames.com. Click the sign-in button in the top right corner and enter your email address and password. If you use two-factor authentication, complete that step when prompted.
Once you are signed in, click your account name or profile icon in the top right, then select Account from the dropdown menu. On the left side of the page, click General. You will see a field labeled Display Name with your current username displayed. Click in that field, delete your old name, type your new one, and click Save. A green checkmark appears if the name is available and saved successfully.
Close your browser and launch Fortnite. Your new username will show in the lobby and in-game. If you are already in a match, you may need to restart the game for the change to take effect everywhere.
Username rules and what names are not allowed
Fortnite usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Spaces are not allowed. Epic Games blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names without permission.
If you try to save a name that breaks these rules, you will see an error message telling you why. Common reasons include the name being too short, too long, containing banned words, or already taken by another player. Try a variation — adding a number, using an underscore, or changing one letter — until you find one that works.
The 30-day cooldown and V-Bucks cost
Epic Games allows one free username change every 30 days. The timer starts from the date you last changed your name, not from a calendar month. If you change your name on March 15, you can change it again for free on April 14.
If you want to change your name before 30 days have passed, you can pay 1,000 V-Bucks to do so when ready. V-Bucks are purchased with real money; 1,000 V-Bucks typically costs around $10 USD, though prices vary by region and platform. The cost appears on the display name field if you are within the cooldown period, and you can choose to pay or wait.
What happens to your old username
When you change your username, your old one does not disappear when ready. Epic Games holds it for a period of time before making it available to other players. This prevents someone from snatching your old name right away. The exact length of this holding period is not publicly stated, but it typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months.
Your friends list, match history, and statistics all stay attached to your account and your new username. Changing your name does not reset your progress, cosmetics, or V-Bucks balance.
Troubleshooting: name changes that do not work
If you saved a new display name but it is not showing in Fortnite, restart the game completely. Close it entirely, wait a few seconds, and launch it again. Sometimes the client needs a full restart to sync the change from your Epic Games account.
If the name still does not appear after restarting, check that you are signed into the correct Epic Games account in Fortnite. Go to Settings in the game, select Account, and verify the email address matches the account where you made the change. If you play on console or mobile, make sure your console or phone is signed into the correct Epic Games account as well.
If you see the message "This display name is not available," the name has been taken by another player or contains a blocked word. You will need to choose a different username.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username more than once in 30 days?
Yes, but it costs 1,000 V-Bucks each time after your first free change. The 30-day timer resets from the date of each change, so if you pay to change your name on day 15, your next free change will not be available until day 45.
Will my friends still see me after I change my username?
Yes. Your friends list does not change, and your friends will see your new username in their friends list and in matches. You remain on their friends list under your new name.
What if someone else took the username I want?
Try adding a number, underscore, or letter to make it unique. If the exact name is taken, you cannot use it. Epic Games does not transfer usernames between players, so you will need to choose a different variation.
Do I need to change my password when I change my username?
No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your display name does not affect your login credentials or account security.
Can I change my username on console or mobile without a computer?
You need to use a web browser to change your display name through epicgames.com. You cannot do it directly in the Fortnite app on console or mobile, but once you change it on the website, it will show up in the game on any device where you are signed into that account.