Fortnite is one of the most popular battle royale games in the world, attracting millions of players daily. One common question among new and experienced players alike is whether you can change your display name or username in Fortnite.
The answer is a bit nuanced, depending on how you access the game and which platform you use.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of changing your name on Fortnite, explain any restrictions, and highlight important tips so you don’t run into issues. Whether you play on PC, console, or mobile, understanding the naming system is crucial for your gaming identity.
Fortnite Display Name vs. Epic Games Account Name
First, it’s important to distinguish between your Fortnite display name and your Epic Games account name. These two names are related but serve different purposes.
- Epic Games Account Name: This is the username you create when you register your Epic Games account. It is often used to log in and cannot be changed frequently.
- Fortnite Display Name: This is the name other players see in-game. It is tied to your Epic Games account but can sometimes be modified through your account settings.
Understanding this distinction helps clarify what you are actually changing when you update your name.
Can You Change Your Fortnite Display Name?
Yes, you can change your Fortnite display name, but the process depends on the platform and the Epic Games account system.
Key points about changing your Fortnite name:
- You change your display name by changing your Epic Games display name.
- Epic Games allows you to change your display name once every two weeks.
- The name change reflects across all Epic Games services, including Fortnite.
This means your Fortnite name is essentially your Epic Games display name, so changing it requires updating your account on the Epic Games website.
How to Change Your Fortnite Display Name (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the Epic Games website and log in with your account credentials.
- Once logged in, navigate to the Account Settings page.
- Under the General tab, locate the Display Name section.
- Click the Edit button next to your current display name.
- Enter your new desired display name and re-enter it to confirm.
- Save your changes. Your new display name will now appear in Fortnite.
Note: You can only change your display name once every 14 days, so choose carefully.
Restrictions and Guidelines for Fortnite Display Names
When choosing a new display name, you must follow Epic Games’ rules to avoid rejection or penalties. Here are some important restrictions:
| Restriction | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | Names must be between 3 and 16 characters long. |
| Allowed Characters | Letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), underscores (_), and hyphens (-) are allowed. |
| Prohibited Content | No profanity, hate speech, or offensive language. |
| Uniqueness | Your display name must be unique and cannot be identical to another active Epic Games user. |
| Spam Prevention | Names that look like spam or are repetitive strings will be rejected. |
Tip: If your desired name is taken, try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique.
Changing Your Fortnite Name on Consoles
If you play Fortnite on a console such as PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, your Fortnite display name is linked to your Epic Games account, not your console gamertag. This means:
- Changing your console gamertag does not change your Fortnite display name.
- You must change your Epic Games display name via the Epic Games website.
- However, your console gamertag will still be seen on console interfaces outside Fortnite.
For example, if you want to change your Fortnite name on an Xbox, update your Epic Games display name, not your Xbox gamertag.
Why Not Change Your Console Gamertag Instead?
While changing your console gamertag is possible, it will not update your Fortnite display name. Players in Fortnite see your Epic Games display name regardless of your console gamertag.
Also, changing gamertags on consoles may have costs or restrictions, whereas changing your Epic Games display name is free but limited to once every two weeks.
What Happens After You Change Your Fortnite Name?
Once you successfully change your display name, here is what to expect:
- Your new display name will immediately appear in Fortnite and all Epic Games-related services.
- Friends and other players will see your updated name in leaderboards, matches, and chats.
- Your previous display name will be released and may become available to other players.
Changing your Fortnite display name is a great way to refresh your gaming identity, but keep in mind that frequent changes are limited to prevent abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Fortnite Names
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my Fortnite name for free? | Yes, changing your Epic Games display name (which is your Fortnite name) is free but limited to once every 14 days. |
| Why can’t I change my Fortnite name? | Possible reasons include trying to change it too soon after the last change, using disallowed characters, or choosing a name that is already taken. |
| Does changing my Fortnite name affect my progress? | No. Your game progress, stats, and purchases remain intact despite changing your display name. |
| Can I use special characters or emojis in my Fortnite name? | No, Epic Games restricts names to letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens only. |
| What if my desired name is already taken? | You will need to select a different name or modify it by adding numbers or underscores until it becomes unique. |
Tips for Choosing a Great Fortnite Display Name
Your Fortnite name is your identity in the game world. Here are some tips to help you pick the best name:
- Keep it simple: Easy to remember and pronounce names are often the most effective.
- Be unique: Avoid generic names to stand out among millions of players.
- Avoid offensive language: This can lead to name rejection or account penalties.
- Consider longevity: Since you can only change your name every two weeks, pick a name you’ll be happy with long-term.
- Check availability: Try names with variations if your favorite is taken.
Your display name is more than just text; it represents you in the Fortnite community. Choose wisely and enjoy your time on the island!
Summary: How to Change Your Name on Fortnite
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Log into Epic Games account at EpicGames.com | Use the same account linked to Fortnite |
| 2 | Go to Account Settings > General > Display Name | Locate your current display name |
| 3 | Click Edit and enter new display name | Ensure it meets character and content guidelines |
| 4 | Confirm name change | You can only change once every 14 days |
| 5 | Launch Fortnite to see updated name | Changes apply to all Epic Games services |
Additional Considerations
Some players wonder if they can create multiple Fortnite accounts to bypass the name change cooldown. While possible, this is not recommended because:
- Managing multiple accounts can be cumbersome.
- Progress, items, and purchases do not transfer between accounts.
- Epic Games discourages account abuse and may impose restrictions.
It is better to select a good display name and stick with it.
Conclusion
Changing your Fortnite display name is definitely possible by updating your Epic Games display name. Just remember that you can only do this once every two weeks and must follow the platform’s naming rules.
Whether you are playing on PC, console, or mobile, your Fortnite name is tied to your Epic Games account, so all changes happen there.
Choosing a new name can be exciting and refreshing. Use this opportunity to create a unique identity that represents you well in the Fortnite community.
Always follow the guidelines to avoid issues, and enjoy the game!
