Change your Fortnite username through the Epic Games website

You change your Fortnite username by logging into your Epic Games account on a web browser, not through the game itself. Go to www.epicgames.com, sign in with your email and password, then navigate to your Account settings. From there, select "General" and look for the display name field — this is what other players see in-game. Type your new name, save the change, and it takes effect when ready across all Epic Games titles you play.

The display name you choose must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but cannot contain spaces or special characters like @, #, or $. Epic Games checks the name against a list of prohibited words before you save it, so if your choice is rejected, you will see a message explaining why and can try a different one.

You can change your display name once every 30 days. If you changed it recently and want to change it again, the system will tell you how many days you have to wait. This limit exists to prevent players from constantly switching names to avoid consequences for bad behavior or to impersonate others.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Epic Games account at epicgames.com, go to Account settings, select General, and edit the display name field.
  • Your new username appears in-game when ready and applies to all Epic Games titles, not just Fortnite.
  • Usernames must be 3 to 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but not spaces or most special characters.
  • You can change your display name once every 30 days; if you changed it recently, the system will show you when you can change it again.
  • If your chosen name is rejected, Epic Games will tell you why — usually because it contains a prohibited word or violates community standards.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Your old Fortnite username becomes available for another player to use after you change yours. This means someone else can claim it, so if you think you might want to use that name again later, you should know it may not be there. Epic Games does not hold old usernames in reserve for the account that previously used them.

Your account history, cosmetics, V-Bucks, and battle pass progress all stay with your account regardless of what name you use. Friends who had you added will still see you on their friends list, though your name will update to the new one the next time they log in.

Changing your username on console or mobile

If you play Fortnite on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile, you still change your Epic Games display name through the website — there is no in-game option on any platform. Log in through a web browser on any device, make the change in your account settings, and it syncs to your console or phone the next time you launch Fortnite.

Some players confuse their Epic Games display name with their console username (your PlayStation Network ID, Xbox Gamertag, or Nintendo Network ID). Those are separate and do not change when you update your Fortnite name. Other players will see your Epic Games display name in Fortnite, not your console username.

Troubleshooting a rejected username

If Epic Games rejects your chosen name, the most common reasons are that it contains a word on their prohibited list, includes characters they do not allow, or is already taken by another player. The rejection message usually tells you which rule you broke. If it says the name is "unavailable," someone else has already claimed it — try a variation with a number or underscore at the end.

Names that reference hate speech, slurs, sexual content, or real-world violence are automatically blocked. Names that impersonate famous players or celebrities are also rejected, even if you add numbers or symbols. If you believe your name was rejected in error, you can contact Epic Games support through their website, though they rarely overturn these decisions.

Recovering a hacked account with a changed username

If someone hacked your account and changed your username, you can change it back once you regain access. First, find your account by changing your password and enabling two-factor authentication if you have not already. Then log in and change the display name back to what you want through the same Account settings page.

If you cannot log in because the hacker changed your email address or password, contact Epic Games support when ready. Bring proof that you own the account — your original email, purchase history, or payment method. Epic Games can reset your account credentials, and once you regain access, you can change the username yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Fortnite username without changing my Epic Games display name?

No. Your Fortnite username is your Epic Games display name — they are the same thing. When you change one, you change the other across all Epic Games titles you play, including Rocket League and Fall Guys if you have accounts linked to the same Epic Games profile.

How long does it take for my new username to show up in-game?

It takes effect when ready. Other players will see your new name the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. If you are already in a match when you change it, you may need to restart the game to see the change on your own screen.

What if someone else takes my old username after I change mine?

You cannot reclaim it. Epic Games does not reserve old usernames for previous users. If you want to use that name again in the future, you would have to ask the current owner to change theirs, which they have no reason to do.

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. The 30-day limit is firm. If you change your name and want to change it again, you must wait the full 30 days from your last change. The system will show you the exact date you can change it again.

Does changing my username affect my rank or progress in Fortnite?

No. Your rank, cosmetics, V-Bucks, battle pass level, and all other account data stay exactly the same. Only the name that appears above your character changes.