How to Change Your Fortnite Name: A Complete Guide for 2024

Fortnite, the battle royale behemoth, has captivated millions with its dynamic gameplay and ever-evolving world. But what if you’ve grown tired of your current in-game handle? Whether it’s a name you chose in haste, a relic of your early gaming days, or simply a desire for a fresh start, changing your Fortnite name is a common request. Fortunately, Epic Games allows you to alter your display name, though there are some key factors to understand before you proceed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing your Fortnite name, including step-by-step instructions and crucial information to avoid potential pitfalls.

Understanding the Basics: Display Name vs. Account Name

Before we delve into the ‘how,’ let’s clarify the distinction between your display name and your account name in the Epic Games ecosystem. They are not the same, and understanding this difference is crucial for a smooth name change.

• Display Name: This is the name that’s visible to other players in Fortnite and other Epic Games titles. It’s the name they see when you’re in a match, on your friends list, or when you interact in the game. This is the name you’ll be changing in this guide.
• Account Name (Epic Games ID/Email Address): This is the username or email address you use to log into your Epic Games account. This name is private and not displayed in-game. You cannot change your account name; however, if you want to change your linked email address, that process is different, and we will briefly touch upon it later in the guide.

The crucial point is: you will be altering your display name, which is the one everyone sees in Fortnite. Your core Epic Games account name remains untouched.

Why Would You Want to Change Your Fortnite Name?

There are a multitude of reasons why players might choose to change their Fortnite name. Here are a few common motivations:

• Embarrassing Past Name: Many players select a name without much forethought when they start playing. Years later, they might find their old name childish, cringe-worthy, or simply not representative of their current gaming persona.
• Privacy Concerns: Some players use a name that reveals too much personal information or that they no longer feel comfortable using. A name change offers an opportunity for better online anonymity.
• Branding and Identity: If you’re a streamer, content creator, or aspiring professional player, having a memorable and professional-sounding name is essential for building your brand.
• Fresh Start: Sometimes, a simple name change can feel like a new beginning within the game, allowing you to shed old associations and embrace a new chapter.
• Simply Because You Want To: You don’t need a profound reason to change your name. If you’re tired of it, you have the option to switch it up!

Key Considerations Before Changing Your Fortnite Name

Before jumping into the process, it’s essential to be aware of the following crucial details:

• Name Change Limitations: Epic Games does not allow unlimited name changes. The current policy allows you to change your display name once every two weeks. Therefore, think carefully before selecting your new name; you won’t be able to immediately change it again if you regret your choice.
• Name Availability: The display name you choose must not already be in use by another player within the Epic Games ecosystem. If your desired name is unavailable, you’ll need to choose an alternative.
• Character Limits and Restrictions: Your display name must adhere to certain character limits and content guidelines. It cannot include offensive or inappropriate language, symbols, or characters. Epic Games has the final say on what is acceptable. Generally, the name should be between 3 and 16 characters, with some restrictions on special characters. Stick to letters and numbers to be safe.
• All Epic Games Platforms: Remember that changing your display name affects all Epic Games titles you play, not just Fortnite. If you play other Epic games, the new name will be visible across all of them.
• Potential Impact on Friends: Your friends’ list will automatically update with your new display name, but it might take some time for all players to see the change in-game. Inform your friends if you’re planning on a name change to avoid any confusion.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Fortnite Name

Now that you understand the important considerations, let’s get to the actual process of changing your Fortnite display name. The process is relatively straightforward and can be completed through the Epic Games website or the Epic Games launcher.

Method 1: Changing Your Name Through the Epic Games Website

This method is accessible through any web browser on any device (computer, phone, or tablet). Here’s how it works:

1. Navigate to the Epic Games Website: Open your preferred web browser and go to the official Epic Games website: https://www.epicgames.com
2. Log in to Your Account: Click on the “Sign In” button located at the top right of the page. Enter the email address (or username) and password associated with your Epic Games account. If you signed up with a linked account (like Facebook, Google, PlayStation Network, or Xbox Live), click the corresponding icon.
3. Access Your Account Settings: After successfully logging in, hover your mouse over your profile name (located at the top-right corner of the screen). A drop-down menu will appear. Select the “Account” option from the menu. This will redirect you to your account settings page.
4. Navigate to “Account Settings”: You should be on the “General” settings page by default. If you’re on a different tab, make sure you select the “Account Settings” tab (or “General” depending on the layout).
5. Find the Display Name Field: Within the Account Settings page, you will find a section that contains your personal information. Look for the field labeled “Display Name.” It’s typically located at the top of this section.
6. Edit Your Display Name: To the right of your current display name, you will see a pencil icon or an “Edit” button. Click on this icon/button.
7. Enter Your New Name: A text box will appear, where you can enter your desired new display name.
8. Check Availability: After typing your new name, the system will automatically check if the name is available or not. If the name is available, it will usually display a green checkmark or a message that confirms the availability. If the name is unavailable, you will see an error message and will need to choose a different one.
9. Confirm Your New Name: Once you have a valid and available name, click the “Save Changes” or “Confirm” button (the specific wording might differ depending on UI updates). You might be prompted to confirm your name change one more time.
10. Verification: If you’re using the Epic Games website for the name change, a verification email might be sent to your registered email address. You’ll need to verify that email to confirm the change. Follow the instructions provided in the email to finalize the process.
11. Wait for the Change to Take Effect: The display name change will typically take effect within a few minutes. However, it’s possible that your new name might take up to 24 hours to fully update across all systems.

Method 2: Changing Your Name Through the Epic Games Launcher

If you have the Epic Games Launcher installed on your computer, you can also change your Fortnite name through this application. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch the Epic Games Launcher: Open the Epic Games Launcher application on your computer.
2. Log in to Your Account: If you’re not already logged in, enter your email address (or username) and password associated with your Epic Games account.
3. Access Your Account Settings: Once logged in, click on your profile name located in the bottom-left corner of the launcher. Then, from the drop-down menu, select the “Manage Account” option. This will open your Epic Games Account settings in your default web browser.
4. Follow Steps 4-10 from Method 1: From this point, the rest of the process is the same as the website method. Refer to steps 4-10 of “Method 1: Changing Your Name Through the Epic Games Website” to proceed with changing your display name.
5. Wait for the Change to Take Effect: Just like the website method, the name change will generally take a few minutes, but it could take up to 24 hours to fully update across all systems.

Tips for Choosing a Great Fortnite Name

Choosing the right Fortnite name is crucial. It’s not just a label; it’s a reflection of you and your gaming identity. Here are some tips to help you select a great name:

• Keep it Simple: A simple, memorable name is often better than a complex, difficult-to-spell one. It will be easier for others to remember and pronounce.
• Be Unique: Try to choose a name that hasn’t already been taken. Use unique spellings, numbers, or combinations of words to stand out.
• Reflect Your Personality: Let your name reflect your personality or playstyle. Are you a skilled builder? A stealthy sniper? Choose a name that matches your in-game character.
• Avoid Offensive Names: Steer clear of names that are offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate. They will violate Epic Games’ guidelines, and you risk having your name changed or your account suspended.
• Check for Availability: Before settling on a name, double-check its availability on the Epic Games website. You don’t want to fall in love with a name only to discover it’s taken.
• Get Inspired by your Favorites: Take inspiration from your favorite games, characters, books, movies, or any hobby that reflects who you are.
• Consider Aliases: If your name is already taken, try using similar aliases. A slight variation in the spelling or addition of a number could do the trick.
• Use a Name Generator: If you’re really struggling to come up with something, try using a name generator tool. There are many free websites that can provide creative suggestions based on keywords or themes.
• Test It Out: Say your potential names out loud to see if they flow well and are easy to remember.

Troubleshooting Common Name Change Issues

While the name change process is usually seamless, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• Name Already Taken: This is the most common issue. If your desired name is already in use, you’ll need to choose a different one. Try variations, numbers, or different combinations of words.
• Name Doesn’t Meet Requirements: If the name you entered doesn’t meet the character limits or includes invalid characters, you’ll receive an error message. Make sure your name is within the allowed length and uses only valid characters.
• Changes Not Showing in-Game: In some cases, the name change might not immediately reflect in the game. Try restarting your game client and relaunching Fortnite. If that does not work, give the system 24 hours to fully update.
• Error Saving Changes: If you’re having trouble saving your name change, try logging out of your Epic Games account and logging back in. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies or try a different browser if using the website.
• Verification Email not Received: If you’re using the Epic Games website for the name change, a verification email is generally sent to confirm the change. If you don’t receive it, check your spam folder and mark Epic Games as a trusted sender. If you still don’t receive it, try changing it again, or contact Epic Games support.
• Too Frequent Name Changes: Remember that you can only change your display name once every two weeks. If you try to change your name before the two-week cooldown period has expired, the system will not allow it.
• Login Issues: In rare cases, name change issues are linked with general login issues with Epic Games. In this case, go through the general Epic Games troubleshooting guide for login problems, before focusing on name change problems.

If you continue to encounter problems, Epic Games support is always available to provide assistance. You can access their support page on the Epic Games website or through the launcher.

Changing Your Linked Email Address (A Brief Mention)

While this guide focuses on changing your display name, some users might also be interested in changing the email address linked to their Epic Games account. This is a separate process and does not change your display name.

To change your linked email address, you’ll need to go through the Epic Games account settings (as described in Method 1 and 2) and find the “Email Address” section. Click on the “Edit” or “Change” button, and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll typically need to confirm the change through a verification process. Please note that you may be temporarily locked out of your account, and need to go through a password recovery process, so proceed with caution, and ensure you have an active secondary email for password reset purposes.

Conclusion

Changing your Fortnite name is a relatively simple process that can help you refresh your in-game persona. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adhering to the guidelines, you can successfully change your display name. Remember to choose a name that you like and that reflects your personality, and keep in mind the limitations on name changes. With a little planning and these helpful tips, you’ll be ready to jump back into Fortnite with your fresh identity! Now, go forth and conquer with your new moniker!