Where to change your username
You change your Fortnite username through the Epic Games website, not inside the game itself. Log in to your Epic Games account at www.epicgames.com, go to your Account settings, and look for 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 process takes about two minutes once you are logged in. You do not need to restart Fortnite or wait for anything to sync — the change shows up when ready in your next match.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Epic Games account at epicgames.com and find Account settings to locate your Display Name field.
- Your new username takes effect right away and shows to other players in your next game session.
- Fortnite allows you to change your display name once every 30 days, so plan ahead if you want a specific name.
- Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters and cannot contain spaces, though underscores and numbers are allowed.
- If your desired name is taken, you will see that message when ready and can try a different variation.
Step-by-step: logging in and finding the setting
Start by opening a web browser and going to www.epicgames.com. Click the Sign In button in the top right corner. Enter the email address or username associated with your Epic Games account, then your password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will need to complete that step as well.
Once you are logged in, look for your account icon or name in the top right corner and click it. A dropdown menu will appear. Select Account from this menu. You will land on your account overview page. On the left side, you should see a menu with options like Personal, Password, and Connections. Click on Personal to see your profile details.
Scroll down on the Personal page until you see Display Name. This is the field you need to change. Your current username will already be filled in.
Entering your new username and what names are not allowed
Click in the Display Name field and clear out your current name. Type in the new username you want. Keep these rules in mind: your name must be between 3 and 16 characters long, and it cannot contain spaces. You can use letters, numbers, and underscores. Names that include profanity, slurs, or impersonation of real people or celebrities are not allowed and will be rejected when you try to save.
As you type, Fortnite will check whether the name is available. If the name you want is already taken by another player, you will see a message saying so. Try a different variation — adding a number at the end or using an underscore in a different spot usually works. Once you see a green checkmark or confirmation that the name is available, you can proceed.
Saving your change and the 30-day waiting period
After you have entered a name that is available, look for a Save or Confirm button near the Display Name field and click it. The page will refresh, and your new username is now active. You do not need to restart Fortnite or log out and back in — the change takes effect when ready.
Keep in mind that Fortnite limits you to one username change every 30 days. If you change your name today, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule prevents people from constantly switching names to avoid being recognized or reported. If you try to change your name before 30 days have passed, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next.
What happens to your old username
When you change your display name, your old username becomes available for other players to use. If you had a name that was unique or meaningful to you, someone else could claim it after you change yours. There is no way to reserve or reclaim an old username, so think carefully before making a change if your current name is one you might want back later.
Your friends list and match history stay connected to your account, not to your username. So even though your name changes, your friends will still see you as the same person, and your stats and cosmetics follow you to your new name.
Troubleshooting if the change does not work
If you click Save and nothing happens, or if you get an error message, first check that you are still logged into your Epic Games account. Sometimes your session expires, especially if you have been on the page for a while. Log out and log back in, then try again.
If the name you chose is rejected as unavailable but you are certain it should be allowed, wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes the system needs a moment to update. If a name keeps being rejected and you believe it violates no rules, contact Epic Games Support through their website — they can review the name and explain why it was blocked.
If your new username shows on the Epic Games website but does not appear in Fortnite itself, close the game completely and reopen it. The game client sometimes needs to refresh to pull the latest account information. This usually fixes the issue within one restart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username if I have not played in a while?
Yes. As long as your account is active and you can log in, you can change your display name. You do not need to have played recently or have a certain level or rank. The only requirement is that you wait 30 days between changes.
What if someone is using a name that looks like mine but with a number added?
Usernames are case-insensitive and must be unique, so two players cannot have the exact same name even with different capitalization. If you see a similar name with a number, it is a different person. You cannot claim or report a name just because it is similar to yours.
Does changing my username affect my V-Bucks or cosmetics?
No. Your V-Bucks, skins, emotes, and all other cosmetics stay with your account regardless of what your display name is. Everything is tied to your Epic Games account, not to your username.
Can I change my username on console or mobile without going to the website?
No. You must change your display name through the Epic Games website on a computer or phone browser. The option is not available in the Fortnite game client on any platform.
What if I forgot my Epic Games password?
Go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In. Click Forgot Password and enter the email address tied to your account. Epic Games will send you a password reset link. Follow the link, create a new password, and then log in to change your username.