You can change your Fortnite username to something anonymous through the Epic Games website, but the process depends on whether you've changed it before

Fortnite usernames can be changed in your Epic Games account settings. If this is your first username change, you can pick any available name that doesn't include your real name or identifying details. If you've already changed your username once, you'll need to wait 30 days from the date of that last change before you can change it again. There's no cost to change your username, and the change takes effect when ready across all Epic Games services.

The steps are the same whether you play on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile. You don't need to be in the game itself — everything happens on the Epic Games website.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to www.epicgames.com, sign in, and navigate to Account Settings to find the username change option.
  • Your first username change can be anything; subsequent changes require a 30-day wait between each one.
  • An anonymous username should avoid your real name, birth year, location, or any personally identifying information.
  • The change is when ready and applies to your Fortnite profile, friends list, and any other Epic Games services tied to your account.

Step-by-step process to change your username

Start by going to www.epicgames.com and signing in with your Epic Games account credentials. Once you're logged in, look for your account icon in the top right corner of the page and click it. From the dropdown menu, select "Account" to open your account dashboard.

In the left sidebar, click "General" under the Account section. Scroll down until you see the "Display Name" field — this is your Fortnite username. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type in your new anonymous username and click "Save." The system will check whether that name is available. If it's taken, you'll see a message asking you to try a different one. Once you find an available name and save it, the change goes live when ready.

What counts as an anonymous username

An anonymous username is one that doesn't reveal who you are. Avoid using your real first or last name, your birth year, your location, your school name, or any combination of these. Names like "JohnSmith2008" or "SarahFromBoston" are not anonymous — they're identifying.

Good anonymous usernames use random words, numbers, or made-up combinations that have no connection to your real identity. Examples include "SilentPhoenix," "NeonTiger42," "CrimsonVault," or "ThunderMask." The goal is a name that tells other players nothing about who you actually are. You can use numbers and underscores to make a name more unique if your first choice is taken.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Epic Games allows you to change your username once every 30 days. Your first change has no waiting period — you can do it right away. After that, you'll see a countdown timer on the Display Name field showing how many days remain before you can change it again. This timer resets from the date of your most recent change, not from when you first created your account.

If you try to change your username before the 30 days are up, the system will show you the exact date when you'll be able to change it next. There's no way to speed this up or bypass it, so plan your username changes accordingly if you think you might want to adjust it later.

Why your username matters for privacy

Your Fortnite username is visible to everyone you play with, everyone who visits your profile, and anyone who searches for you in the game. If your username contains identifying information, strangers in the game can piece together details about you — your age, where you're from, or your real name. This information can then be used to find you on other platforms or in real life.

Using an anonymous username creates a separation between your real identity and your gaming identity. It doesn't make you completely anonymous online, but it does prevent casual players from learning personal details about you just by looking at your profile or seeing your name in a match.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim. You cannot reserve it or get it back later. If you think you might want to use that name again in the future, you should wait before changing it. Once it's gone, it's gone — even if you change your username again 30 days later, you can't reclaim the old one.

Your account history, friends list, and game progress stay exactly the same. Everyone on your friends list will see your new username the next time they log in. Any messages or party invites sent to your old username won't reach you — they'll bounce back or go to whoever claims that name next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once?

Yes, but only once every 30 days. After you change your username, you'll need to wait 30 days from that date before you can change it again. There's no limit to how many times you can change it over time, as long as you respect the 30-day window between changes.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list doesn't change, and they'll see your new username automatically. You don't need to re-add anyone or send new friend requests. Your account ID stays the same behind the scenes, so the game knows it's still you.

What if the anonymous username I want is already taken?

Try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique. For example, if "SilentPhoenix" is taken, try "SilentPhoenix42" or "Silent_Phoenix." You can also use a completely different name. The system will tell you when ready whether a name is available when you try to save it.

Does changing my username cost anything?

No. Changing your Fortnite username is completely free. Epic Games doesn't charge for username changes, and there are no hidden fees or premium options. You can change it as many times as you want, as long as you wait 30 days between each change.

Can I see when I last changed my username?

The Epic Games website shows a countdown timer on the Display Name field if you're still within the 30-day waiting period. It displays the exact date when you'll be able to change it next, but it doesn't show a history of all your past usernames. You can only see when your next change becomes available.