You can change your Fortnite username through the Epic Games website, 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 the web, go to your Account settings, find the Display Name field, and save the new name. The change shows up in Fortnite the next time you launch the game. You get one free name change every 30 days; after that, each additional change costs 1,000 V-Bucks (the in-game currency, roughly $10 USD).

The name you choose has to follow Epic Games' rules: it can be 3 to 16 characters long, can include letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot contain spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods. Epic Games blocks names that are offensive, impersonate real people, or match trademarked brands.

Key Takeaways

  • Change your username by logging into your Epic Games account on the web, navigating to Account settings, and editing the Display Name field.
  • Your first name change each month is free; subsequent changes in the same 30-day period cost 1,000 V-Bucks each.
  • Usernames must be 3 to 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but cannot have spaces or special characters.
  • The new name appears in Fortnite after you restart the game, not when ready.

Step-by-step: changing your display name on the Epic Games website

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 use two-factor authentication, you will need to enter the code from your authenticator app or email.

Once you are logged in, click your account name or avatar in the top right, then select Account. On the left side of the page, click Personal. Under Display Name, you will see your current username. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new name, then click Save. Epic Games will tell you whether the name is available or if it violates their naming rules.

Close the browser or log out, then launch Fortnite on your device. The new username will appear in your profile and in-game. Friends will see the updated name the next time they load the game.

What happens if your chosen name is already taken

If the name you want is already in use, Epic Games will show an error message saying the Display Name is unavailable. You will need to choose a different name. Try adding numbers to the end, using an underscore in the middle, or picking a variation that is not yet taken.

There is no waiting list or reservation system for usernames. If you see a name you want and it is taken, your only option is to pick something else or try again later if the account holding that name becomes inactive (though Epic Games does not publish how long an account must be dormant before a name is released).

Understanding the 30-day free change window

Epic Games gives you one free name change every 30 days. The 30-day timer starts from the date you last changed your name, not from the calendar month. If you change your name on March 15, your next free change is available on April 15.

If you want to change your name again before 30 days have passed, you will need to spend 1,000 V-Bucks. You can buy V-Bucks through the Epic Games store on the web or through Fortnite itself. The cost is the same whether you change your name once or multiple times in a row—each additional change within the 30-day window costs 1,000 V-Bucks.

Naming rules and what Epic Games will reject

Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers 0–9, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or other punctuation marks. Epic Games automatically rejects names that contain profanity, slurs, or hateful language.

Names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or public figures are not allowed. Names that match trademarked brands or copyrighted properties are also blocked. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, the system will refuse to save it and tell you why.

Changing your name on console, mobile, or PC

You cannot change your username directly in the Fortnite game client on any platform—console, PC, or mobile. You must use the Epic Games website. Log in on a computer or phone browser, make the change in your account settings, and the new name will sync to your game the next time you launch it.

If you are playing on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or a mobile device, your Fortnite account is still connected to your Epic Games account. The username change applies across all platforms where you play. You do not need to change it separately on each device.

What to do if you forgot your Epic Games password

If you cannot log into your Epic Games account to change your username, go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In. Click Forgot Password. Enter the email address associated with your account. Epic Games will send you a password reset link. Click the link in the email, create a new password, and log in.

If you do not have access to the email address on your account, you will need to contact Epic Games Support through their website. They can help you regain access to your account, though the process may take a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, you can reuse an old username as long as no one else has claimed it. However, if someone else took that name after you changed it, you will not be able to use it again unless they change their name first.

Does changing my Fortnite username affect my friends list or stats?

No. Your friends will still see you in their friends list, and your account history, V-Bucks balance, and cosmetics remain unchanged. Only the name displayed changes.

What if I see a message saying I cannot change my name yet?

This usually means you have already used your free monthly change and have not waited 30 days since your last change. Check the date of your last name change and wait until 30 days have passed, or spend 1,000 V-Bucks to change it sooner.

Can I change my username if my account is banned or suspended?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot make any changes to it, including your username. You would need to contact Epic Games Support to address the suspension first.

Is there a way to reserve a username before I use it?

No. Epic Games does not have a username reservation system. If you want a name, you have to change to it when ready. If it is taken, you will need to choose a different name.