Your Fortnite username changes through Epic Games, not through Xbox

When you change your Xbox username, your Fortnite name does not change automatically. Fortnite uses a separate account system run by Epic Games, so you need to log into your Epic Games account and change the name there. The process takes about five minutes and does not require you to own anything or pay a fee.

Your Fortnite username is what other players see in matches and on your profile. It is different from your Xbox gamertag, even though both accounts are linked. If you changed your Xbox name recently and your Fortnite name did not update, that is normal — you are looking at two separate systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite usernames are managed by Epic Games, not by Xbox, so you change it on the Epic Games website rather than in Xbox settings.
  • You need to know the email address or phone number linked to your Epic Games account before you start.
  • Fortnite usernames can be changed once every 30 days, so you cannot change it again when ready after the first change.
  • The name change takes effect right away in Fortnite, though it may take a few minutes to show up in all menus and to other players.

Steps to change your Fortnite username on a computer

Go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In in the top right corner. Enter the email address or phone number linked to your Epic Games account, then enter your password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will need to complete that step as well.

Once you are signed in, click your account name or avatar in the top right, then select Account. On the left side, click General. Find the field labeled Display Name — this is your Fortnite username. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new name, then click Save. The system will tell you if the name is already taken or breaks the naming rules.

Fortnite usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain certain symbols or offensive words. If your chosen name is rejected, try a different combination. Once you save successfully, the change is live.

What to do if you cannot remember your Epic Games password

On the Epic Games sign-in page, click Forgot Password. Enter the email address or phone number linked to your account. Epic Games will send a password reset link to that email or a code to that phone number. Follow the link or enter the code, then create a new password.

If you do not have access to the email or phone number on file, you will need to contact Epic Games support through their website. Go to www.epicgames.com/help and select Contact Us. Describe that you cannot access your account and provide any information you remember about it — the email you think you used, your current Fortnite username, or your Xbox gamertag. Support can verify your identity and help you regain access.

Changing your username through the Xbox One console itself

You cannot change your Fortnite username directly from your Xbox One. If you try to change it through Xbox settings, you will only change your Xbox gamertag, not your Fortnite name. You must use a computer or phone to visit the Epic Games website and make the change there.

However, you can check which Epic Games account is linked to your Xbox profile from the console. Go to Settings > Account > Connected Apps & Experiences and look for Epic Games. This shows you which account is connected, which is useful if you have multiple Epic Games accounts and need to know which one to log into on the website.

The 30-day waiting period between username changes

After you change your Fortnite username, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. This rule applies to everyone and cannot be bypassed. If you try to change your name before 30 days have passed, the system will show you a message with the exact date you can change it next.

If you made a typo or chose a name you regret, you have to wait the full 30 days. Plan your username carefully before you save it. Once you are certain about the name, save it and you will not be able to change it for a month.

Why your new Fortnite username might not show up right away

After you save your new username on the Epic Games website, it usually appears in Fortnite within a few minutes. However, it can take up to an hour for the name to show up in all menus, in your profile, and to other players in matches. If you jump into a game when ready after changing your name, other players might still see your old name for a short time.

If your new username does not appear after an hour, restart Fortnite completely. Close the game, wait 30 seconds, and launch it again. This forces the game to refresh your account information. If the name still does not show, log out of your Epic Games account within Fortnite and log back in. Go to Settings > Account > Sign Out, then sign back in with your credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Fortnite username affect my Xbox gamertag?

No. Your Fortnite username and Xbox gamertag are completely separate. Changing one does not change the other. You can have a different name in Fortnite than you do on Xbox, and many players do.

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

Yes, but only after 30 days have passed since your last change. If you want to go back to an old name, you will need to wait until the 30-day period is over, then change it again. The old name does not stay reserved for you.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Fortnite usernames are first-come, first-served. If the name you want is already taken, you cannot use it. Try adding a number, underscore, or different spelling. You can also check if the name is available before you commit to waiting 30 days to change again.

Do I need to change my password after changing my username?

No. Changing your username does not affect your password or security settings. Your password stays the same unless you choose to change it separately in your account settings.