Change your Fortnite display name through the Epic Games website

Your Fortnite display name is the username other players see in-game. To change it, log into your Epic Games account on the web, go to Account Settings, and select "General." You'll see your current display name listed there. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new name — it can be 3 to 16 characters, letters and numbers only, no spaces or special characters. Epic Games will check if the name is already taken. If it's available, save the change. The new name appears in-game within a few minutes.

You can change your display name once every 14 days. If you try to change it again before that window closes, the system will tell you when you're may be able to access to change it next. This cooldown applies whether your previous change was successful or you simply attempted one.

If you're on console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), you still make the name change through the Epic Games website, not through your console's settings. Your console account is linked to your Epic Games account, but the display name lives in Epic's system.

Key Takeaways

  • Display name changes happen on the Epic Games website in Account Settings under General, not in the Fortnite game itself.
  • Your new name must be 3 to 16 characters with only letters and numbers — no spaces, symbols, or special characters allowed.
  • You can change your display name once every 14 days, and the cooldown starts whether the change succeeds or you simply attempt it.
  • The new name takes effect in-game within a few minutes of saving the change on the website.
  • If you play on console, the name change still goes through Epic Games online, not through your PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch settings.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Once you change your display name, your old name becomes available for other players to claim. You cannot reserve it or get it back without waiting for someone else to abandon it first. If you're known by a particular name in your friend group or community, tell them your new name before you change it so they can find you.

Your friends list doesn't disappear when you change your name. Everyone who had you added will still see you in their friends list under your new name. Parties and squad invites continue to work normally.

Troubleshooting a name change that won't go through

If you see an error message when trying to save a new name, the most common reason is that the name is already taken. Try a different combination. Names are case-insensitive, so "Player123" and "player123" are treated as the same name.

If you're getting a message that you can't change your name yet, you're still within the 14-day cooldown from your last change attempt. The website will show you the exact date and time you'll be may be able to access to change it again. You cannot bypass this wait.

If the website itself isn't loading or you're getting a server error, try clearing your browser cache and logging out completely, then logging back in. If the problem persists, Epic Games' support site has a contact form where you can report technical issues.

Changing your account email or password instead

If you want to change something other than your display name — like your email address or password — those settings are also in Account Settings on the Epic Games website. Email changes go under "Email and Password." Password changes require you to enter your current password first for security. Email changes require you to verify the new email address by clicking a link Epic sends to it.

Changing your email or password does not change your display name, and it does not affect your in-game progress, V-Bucks, or cosmetics. These are separate account details.

Display name versus account name: what's the difference

Your display name is what other players see when you're in a match or on their friends list. Your account name (also called your username or Epic ID) is what you use to log in, and it's usually an email address or the username you created when you first made your Epic Games account. You cannot change your account name — only your display name.

If you want a completely different login identity, you would need to create a new Epic Games account. That account would have its own progress, V-Bucks, and cosmetics separate from your current account. Merging accounts is not possible, so think carefully before creating a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaces or special characters in my Fortnite display name?

No. Display names can only contain letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9). Spaces, hyphens, underscores, and other symbols are not allowed. If a name you want includes a space, try removing it or replacing it with a number.

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

Usually a few minutes. If you've changed your name and it still shows your old name after 10 minutes, try restarting Fortnite or logging out and back into your Epic Games account. The change should sync after that.

Can I change my display name back to what it was before?

Only if no one else has claimed that name in the meantime. Since old names become available to other players immediately after you change yours, someone may have taken it. If they have, you'd need to wait for them to abandon it or choose a different name.

Do I need to change my display name on my console too?

No. Your console account (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Account) is separate from your display name. Change your Fortnite display name only through the Epic Games website. Your console's username doesn't affect how you appear in Fortnite.

What if my display name was reported or banned?

If Epic Games removes your display name for violating their code of conduct, you'll receive a notification. You can then choose a new name that complies with their rules. Offensive language, hate speech, and impersonation are common reasons names get removed. If you believe your name was removed in error, you can contact Epic Games support through their website.