The basic login steps for Fortnite
To log into Fortnite with your username, go to the Epic Games launcher on your computer or the Fortnite app on your console, and enter your username in the email or username field. Then type your password and click Sign In. If you are on a console like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, you will see a similar login screen when you first open Fortnite — enter your username there instead of an email address.
The username you use to log in is the one you created when you set up your Epic Games account, not your in-game display name. Your Epic Games username is what appears in your account settings and what you use across all Epic Games services, including the launcher, the website, and any game tied to your account.
If you have not yet created an Epic Games account, you will need to do that first before you can play Fortnite. Visit www.epicgames.com, click Sign Up, and follow the prompts to create your username and password.
Key Takeaways
- Your Epic Games username is different from your in-game display name and is what you use to log into the launcher or console.
- On PC, enter your username in the Epic Games launcher; on console, enter it on the login screen that appears when you open Fortnite.
- If you forget your username, you can recover it by entering the email address linked to your account on the Epic Games sign-in page.
- Two-factor authentication adds a security layer and requires you to confirm your identity on a second device after you enter your password.
Where to find your username if you have forgotten it
If you cannot remember your Epic Games username, go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In. On the login page, click Forgot your password? or Trouble signing in? — the exact wording depends on your region. Enter the email address linked to your Epic Games account.
Epic Games will send you an email with a link to reset your password. Follow that link, and you will see your username displayed on the password reset page before you create a new one. Write down your username or take a screenshot so you have it for future logins.
If you no longer have access to the email address tied to your account, you will need to contact Epic Games Support through their website. Go to www.epicgames.com/help, click Contact Us, and describe your situation. Support can verify your identity and help you regain access, though the process may take several days.
Setting up two-factor authentication for added security
Two-factor authentication (often called 2FA) requires you to confirm your identity on a second device after you enter your password. This means that even if someone learns your password, they cannot log into your account without also having access to your phone or email. Fortnite accounts are valuable targets because they can hold cosmetics, V-Bucks (the in-game currency), and linked payment methods.
To turn on two-factor authentication, log into your Epic Games account on www.epicgames.com. Click your account name in the top right, then select Account. Go to Password & Security and scroll to Two-Factor Authentication. You can choose to receive codes by email or by an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. Email is simpler if you are new to this; an authenticator app is more find because codes are generated on your phone rather than sent over email.
Once you turn on 2FA, you will be asked to enter a code the next time you log in. Keep your phone or email access find, because losing access to either one can lock you out of your account.
Logging in on different devices
The login process is slightly different depending on where you are playing. On a Windows or Mac computer, open the Epic Games launcher, enter your username and password, and click Sign In. On PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4, start Fortnite and you will see a login screen; enter your username there, then your password. On Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or Xbox One, the process is the same — the login screen appears when you launch the game.
On Nintendo Switch, you will be asked to link your Nintendo account to your Epic Games account. Select Link when prompted, and you will be taken to a web page where you can enter your Epic Games username and password. After you link the accounts, future logins on that Switch will happen automatically.
If you play on mobile through the Epic Games app (available on Android and some other platforms), the login works the same way as on PC — enter your username and password in the app itself. Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Plus Premium use your console account credentials, so you do not need to enter your Epic Games username separately on those platforms.
What to do if your login is not working
If you enter your username and password but the login fails, first check that you are typing your username correctly. Usernames are case-sensitive on some systems, so try typing it exactly as you created it. If you are not sure of the exact spelling, use the password recovery option described above to see your username displayed.
If the username is correct but you still cannot log in, your password may have been changed or compromised. Go to www.epicgames.com, click Forgot your password?, and reset it using the email linked to your account. Choose a strong password that is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
If you have recently changed your password or turned on two-factor authentication, wait a few minutes before trying again — the system sometimes needs time to sync across servers. If the problem continues, check whether your internet connection is stable. If you are on a console, try signing out completely, restarting the console, and signing back in.
Keeping your account find after you log in
Once you are logged in, do not share your username or password with anyone, even friends or family members. Epic Games staff will never ask for your password in a message or email. If someone claims to be from Epic Games and asks for your login details, that is a scam.
Check your account security regularly by logging into www.epicgames.com and reviewing your Connected Accounts section. This shows which platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, etc.) are linked to your Epic Games account. If you see a connection you did not make, disconnect it when ready and change your password.
Enable two-factor authentication if you have not already, especially if your account contains payment methods or cosmetics you care about. Review your Login History in your account settings to see where and when your account was accessed. If you see a login from a place you do not recognize, change your password right away and contact Epic Games Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log in with my email address instead of my username?
Yes. The Epic Games login page accepts either your username or the email address linked to your account. If you prefer to use your email, you can enter it in the same field where you would normally type your username, then enter your password.
What is the difference between my username and my display name?
Your username is what you use to log into Epic Games and appears in your account settings. Your display name is what other players see in Fortnite — you can change your display name in-game without changing your username. Your username stays the same and is used for logging in across all Epic Games services.
Do I need to log in every time I play Fortnite?
No. Most devices remember your login after the first time, so you can launch Fortnite without entering your username and password again. If you log out manually or if your device forgets the login, you will need to enter your credentials again. On console, you typically log in once per user account on that device.
What should I do if I think someone else has logged into my account?
Change your password when ready by going to www.epicgames.com and using the password reset option. Turn on two-factor authentication if it is not already enabled. Check your Connected Accounts to see if any unfamiliar platforms are linked, and disconnect them. If you see unauthorized purchases or changes to your account, contact Epic Games Support right away.
Can I change my username after I create it?
Epic Games allows you to change your username, but the option is not always available when ready after account creation. Log into your account on www.epicgames.com, go to Account, and look for General or Display Name. If you do not see a change option, your account may need to be older or meet other requirements — contact Epic Games Support if you need to change it urgently.