The quickest way to change your username

To change your Fortnite username on PC, go to www.epicgames.com, sign into your Epic Games account, and click your account name in the top right corner. Select Account, then General, and look for the Display Name field. Click the pencil icon next to your current name, type your new username, and click Confirm. The change takes effect when ready in Fortnite.

You can change your display name once every 14 days. If you try to change it more often, the system will tell you when you can make your next change. The name must be between 3 and 16 characters, use only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, and cannot match another player's current display name.

Your display name is what other players see in matches and on your profile. It is separate from your Epic Games account name, which you use to log in and cannot be changed.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit epicgames.com, sign in, go to Account > General, and click the pencil icon next to Display Name to change your username.
  • Display name changes take effect right away in Fortnite, but you can only change it once every 14 days.
  • Your new username must be 3 to 16 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
  • The name you use to log in to Epic Games (your account name) cannot be changed and is different from your display name.

What happens if your desired name is already taken

If the username you want is already in use, the Epic Games website will show an error message when you try to confirm the change. You cannot reserve a name or join a waitlist for one — you have to choose a different name instead.

Try adding numbers, underscores, or hyphens to your preferred name. For example, if "ShadowKnight" is taken, you could use "ShadowKnight42" or "Shadow_Knight". The system checks availability in real time, so you will know when ready whether your choice works.

Changing your username from the Fortnite launcher

You can also change your display name directly from the Fortnite launcher on your PC. Open the launcher, click your account icon in the top right corner, and select Account. Click General, find Display Name, and click the pencil icon to edit it. The process is identical to the website method.

Using the launcher is faster if you are already playing Fortnite and do not want to open a web browser. Either method — the website or the launcher — changes your name across all Fortnite platforms you play on, including console and mobile if your account is linked to those devices.

Why your username might not change

If you click Confirm and your name does not update, the most common reason is that Epic Games is still processing the change. Wait a few minutes and refresh the page or restart Fortnite. Changes almost always appear within 5 to 10 minutes.

If your new name contains characters that are not allowed — such as spaces, special symbols, or accented letters — the system will reject it before you can confirm. Stick to letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), hyphens, and underscores only. If you see an error message, read it carefully; it will tell you which character is the problem.

Another reason a change might fail is if you have already changed your name within the last 14 days. The website will show you the exact date you can change it again. If you are locked out, you have to wait until that date passes.

Changing your username on other platforms

If you play Fortnite on console, mobile, or both, your display name change on PC applies to all of them automatically — as long as your accounts are linked to the same Epic Games account. You do not have to change your name separately on each platform.

To check whether your accounts are linked, go to www.epicgames.com, sign in, click your account name, and select Connections. You will see which platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile) are connected to your Epic Games account. If a platform is not listed, you can link it there.

Reverting to your old username

Once you change your display name, you cannot when ready change it back. You have to wait 14 days before making another change. If you change your name and regret it, you will have to wait two weeks before you can switch back to your old name — and only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

Because of this 14-day waiting period, think carefully about your new name before you confirm the change. If you are unsure, you can always wait a day or two before making the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Fortnite username more than once every 14 days?

No. Epic Games limits display name changes to once every 14 days. If you try to change it sooner, the website will show you the exact date you can make your next change. You have to wait until that date passes.

What characters can I use in my Fortnite username?

You can use letters (A–Z, both uppercase and lowercase), numbers (0–9), hyphens (-), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, periods, special symbols, or accented letters. Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters long.

If I change my display name, does it change on my friends' screens right away?

Yes. Your new display name appears to other players almost when ready — usually within a few minutes. They will see your new name in matches, on your profile, and in their friends list without having to restart Fortnite.

Is my display name the same as my Epic Games account name?

No. Your display name is what other players see in Fortnite. Your account name is what you use to log in to Epic Games and cannot be changed. You can change your display name, but your account name stays the same forever.

What if someone else takes the username I want while I am thinking about it?

There is no way to reserve a username in Fortnite. If the name you want is taken, you have to choose a different one. You can try variations like adding numbers or underscores to make your preferred name available.