Where to find the display name setting

Your display name in Fortnite is the username other players see when you're in matches or on their friends list. You change it through the Epic Games website or the Epic Games Launcher, not inside the Fortnite game itself. This matters because the setting lives in your account, not in the game client.

Go to www.epicgames.com and sign in with your account. Click your account icon in the top right corner, then select Account. On the left side menu, click General. You'll see a field labeled Display Name — that's what you're changing.

If you're on console (PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch), you still need to use the website. The console itself won't let you change your Epic Games display name through its settings. Your console's own username is separate and won't affect what Fortnite players see.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is changed on the Epic Games website under Account > General, not inside the Fortnite game.
  • You can change your display name once every 30 days, and it takes effect when ready across all Epic Games titles you play.
  • Display names must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or special characters.
  • If your desired name is taken, you'll see that message when you try to save — you'll need to choose a different one.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Epic Games limits you to one display name change every 30 days. This rule applies whether you're changing it for the first time or the tenth time. If you've already changed your name recently, the website will show you the exact date you can change it again.

The 30-day timer starts from the moment you save the change, not from when you start typing. Once you click the save button and see the confirmation, the clock begins. If you change your mind when ready after saving, you'll still have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it again.

What characters and lengths are allowed

Your display name must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters (A–Z, a–z) and numbers (0–9). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, underscores, periods, or any special characters like @, #, $, or &.

Names are case-sensitive for display purposes — if you set your name as "SkyRunner", it will show that way to other players. However, the system doesn't care about case when checking if a name is already taken. If someone else has "skyrunner" (all lowercase), you cannot use "SkyRunner" (mixed case).

What happens if the name you want is already taken

When you type a name and click save, the system checks whether it's available. If someone else has already claimed it, you'll see a message saying the name is unavailable. You'll need to choose a different name and try again.

There's no waitlist or reservation system. If you see a name is taken, your only option is to pick something else. Some players add numbers to the end of a name they want (like "SkyRunner47" instead of "SkyRunner") to increase the chance it's available.

How the change affects your account across games

Your Epic Games display name is shared across every game you play through your Epic Games account — Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys, and any others. When you change it, the new name appears everywhere at once. There's no way to have different names in different games.

Your friends list updates when ready. Anyone who has you added will see your new name the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. In-game match history and leaderboards will show your new name going forward, though past matches may still display your old name in archived records.

Changing your name back or undoing a mistake

If you change your display name and regret it, you can change it again — but you'll have to wait 30 days from the date you made the first change. There's no "undo" button. Once the change is saved, it's permanent until the 30-day window opens again.

If you changed your name to something you no longer want, write down the date you made the change. You can return to the Epic Games website on day 31 and switch to a different name. If you want to go back to a name you used before, that's allowed — old names don't stay reserved to you.

Troubleshooting: Why the change won't save

If you're trying to save a new display name and it's not working, check these things first. Make sure you're signed into your Epic Games account on the website — if you're logged out, the save button won't work. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. Sometimes old data in your browser blocks the change from going through.

If the name contains a character you didn't notice (a space, hyphen, or special symbol), the system will reject it silently. Go back and remove anything that isn't a letter or number. If you've already changed your name within the last 30 days, the website will tell you the exact date you're may be able to access to change it again — you can't bypass this wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my display name on console without using the website?

No. Console settings let you change your console's username, but that doesn't change your Epic Games display name. You must use the Epic Games website on a computer or phone to change what Fortnite players see. The console username and Epic Games display name are completely separate.

Will my old display name become available for someone else to use?

Yes. Once you change your display name, your old name goes back into the pool of available names. Someone else can claim it when ready. If you want to keep a name reserved to you, don't change away from it.

Does changing my display name affect my V-Bucks or cosmetics?

No. Your V-Bucks, skins, emotes, and all other cosmetics stay with your account. Changing your display name only changes what other players see — it doesn't touch your inventory or purchases.

What if I see a display name that's offensive or breaks the rules?

You can report a player's display name in-game. Open the player's profile, select the three-dot menu, and choose Report Player. Select Offensive Name as the reason. Epic Games reviews reports and can force a player to change their name if it violates the code of conduct.

Can I use special characters like underscores or hyphens?

No. Display names can only contain letters (A–Z, a–z) and numbers (0–9). Underscores, hyphens, periods, spaces, and all other special characters are not allowed. If you try to save a name with these characters, the system will reject it.