Change Your Username Through the Epic Games Website

The fastest way to change your Fortnite username on PC is through your Epic Games account settings on the web, not through the game itself. You log into your Epic Games account, find the Display Name field, type your new name, and save it. The change takes effect when ready in Fortnite and on your Epic Games profile.

You do not need to restart the game or your PC. If you are already playing Fortnite when you make the change, your new name appears the next time you load into a match or return to the lobby. Other players see your updated username right away.

Epic Games lets you change your display name once every 30 days. If you changed it recently and want to change it again, you will see a countdown timer telling you how many days remain before you can make another change.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to www.epicgames.com, sign into your account, and navigate to Account Settings to find your Display Name field.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 16 characters and cannot contain spaces or certain special characters.
  • You can change your display name once every 30 days, and the change shows up when ready across all Fortnite platforms linked to your account.
  • If your desired name is taken, Epic Games will tell you so when you try to save it, and you will need to choose a different one.
  • Changing your display name does not affect your account security, progress, or cosmetics — everything stays with your account.

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 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 after you type your password.

Once you are signed in, look for your account menu — usually a small icon or your current username in the top right corner. Click it and select Account. On the left side of the page, you will see a menu with options like "General," "Password," and "Connections." Click General.

Scroll down until you see the Display Name field. This is the name that appears in Fortnite and on your Epic Games profile. Click in the text box, delete your current name, and type your new one. The name must be 3 to 16 characters long. You cannot use spaces, and most special characters (like @, #, or !) are not allowed — stick to letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.

After you type your new name, click the Save button below the field. Epic Games checks whether the name is available. If it is, the page will confirm the change and you are done. If the name is already taken, you will see an error message and will need to try a different name.

What Names Are Not Allowed

Epic Games blocks certain usernames to keep the game safe and respectful. You cannot use a name that contains hate speech, slurs, or language that targets a person or group. Names that impersonate Epic Games staff, famous people, or other well-known players are also rejected.

The system also blocks names that are too similar to existing usernames — for example, if someone already has "ShadowNinja," you cannot create "ShadowNinja1" or "Shadow_Ninja" because they are too close. If you try to save a name and it is rejected, the error message will usually tell you why. Try a name that is more distinct from existing ones, or choose a completely different username.

Names with excessive numbers or repeated characters (like "AAAAAAA" or "12345678") are often flagged as well. Epic Games wants usernames to be readable and unique, so aim for something that mixes letters and numbers in a way that makes sense.

Changing Your Name on Console or Mobile

If you play Fortnite on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile, your display name is still controlled through your Epic Games account on the web. The steps are identical — you go to www.epicgames.com, sign in, and change your Display Name in Account Settings. The new name syncs across all platforms where you play Fortnite with that account.

You do not change your username through the console or mobile app itself. Some players confuse their Epic Games display name with their PlayStation Network ID or Xbox Gamertag, which are separate. Your Epic Games display name is what shows in Fortnite; your console username is what appears on your console's system.

If Your Desired Name Is Taken

When you try to save a name that someone else already has, Epic Games will show you a message saying the name is unavailable. You cannot reserve a name or join a waitlist — you have to choose a different one when ready.

Try adding numbers to the end of your preferred name, using an underscore or hyphen in the middle, or swapping letters for similar-looking numbers (like using "0" instead of "O"). Many players use their favorite name plus their birth year or a number that means something to them. If you are set on a specific name, check back occasionally — if the original owner stops playing and their account becomes inactive, Epic Games may eventually free up that name, though this is not may provide.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you change your display name but it does not show up in Fortnite, close the game completely and reopen it. Sometimes the client needs to refresh to pull the updated name from your account. If you are still seeing your old name after restarting, sign out of your Epic Games account within Fortnite (in Settings > Account) and sign back in.

If you see an error message that says you cannot change your name yet, you have likely changed it within the last 30 days. The system enforces a 30-day cooldown between changes to prevent abuse. Check the message for the exact date you will be able to change it again.

If the Epic Games website will not let you sign in, make sure you are using the correct email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, click "Forgot Password" on the sign-in page and follow the recovery steps. If you still cannot access your account, contact Epic Games Support through their website — they can help you regain access.

What Happens to Your Old Username

When you change your display name, your old name becomes available for someone else to use. Epic Games does not hold onto it or reserve it for you. If you change your mind later, you can change your name back to your original one, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

Your account history, rank, cosmetics, and V-Bucks all stay with your account regardless of what name you use. Changing your display name does not reset your progress or affect anything you own in the game. Other players who had you added as a friend will still see you on their friends list, though your name will update to the new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Fortnite username more than once a month?

No. Epic Games enforces a 30-day cooldown between display name changes. Once you change your name, you must wait 30 days before changing it again. The exact date you can change it next appears on the Display Name field in your account settings.

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

Yes. Your friends list does not change when you update your display name. Everyone on your friends list will still see you, and your name will straightforward update to the new one. You do not need to re-add anyone or send new friend requests.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. Fortnite usernames can only contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces and most special characters like @, #, $, or ! are not allowed. If you try to use them, the system will reject the name and ask you to try again.

What if I want to change my username but I am not sure what to pick?

Take your time — you can always change it again after 30 days. Think about something that represents you or a name you have used in other games. Avoid names with too many numbers or repeated characters, as they are more likely to be flagged or rejected by the system.

Does changing my display name affect my rank or cosmetics?

No. Your display name is purely cosmetic and visual. Changing it does not touch your account rank, battle pass progress, V-Bucks, skins, emotes, or anything else you own. Everything stays exactly as it was.