How to Change Your Epic Games Name: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your Epic Games display name is a straightforward process, whether you’re looking to refresh your online persona, align it with your other gaming accounts, or simply correct a typo. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free name change. Before we dive in, it’s important to note a few limitations and considerations.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your Name:
* **Frequency Limit:** Epic Games typically allows you to change your display name only once every two weeks. Be mindful of this limitation when choosing your new name.
* **Name Availability:** The name you select must be unique and not already in use by another Epic Games account.
* **Name Guidelines:** Your display name must adhere to Epic Games’ community guidelines. Avoid offensive, inappropriate, or misleading names.
* **Verification:** In some cases, you may need to verify your email address before you can change your display name. This is a security measure to protect your account.
* **Cross-Platform Considerations:** If you’ve linked your Epic Games account to other platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, your display name may be affected across those platforms. Ensure that your desired name is also appropriate and available on those platforms, as it might automatically update to reflect the change.
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step instructions.
## Method 1: Changing Your Epic Games Name Through the Epic Games Website
This is the most common and reliable method for changing your Epic Games display name.
**Step 1: Access the Epic Games Website**
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Epic Games website: [https://www.epicgames.com/](https://www.epicgames.com/)
**Step 2: Log In to Your Account**
In the top-right corner of the website, click on the “Sign In” button. You’ll be presented with various login options, including signing in with your Epic Games account credentials (email address and password), or through linked accounts such as Facebook, Google, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple or Nintendo.
Select the appropriate login method and enter your credentials.
**Step 3: Access Account Settings**
Once you’re logged in, hover your mouse over your display name in the top-right corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear. Click on “Account.” This will take you to your account settings page.
**Step 4: Navigate to General Settings**
On the Account Settings page, you’ll see a menu on the left-hand side. Ensure that the “General” tab is selected. If not, click on it.
**Step 5: Edit Your Display Name**
In the “General” settings, you’ll find a section labeled “Account Info” or similar. Look for the field labeled “Display Name.” To the right of your current display name, you should see an “Edit” button (it might be a pencil icon). Click on this button.
**Step 6: Enter Your New Display Name**
A text field will appear, allowing you to enter your desired new display name. Type in your new name carefully. Remember to adhere to Epic Games’ community guidelines and consider the frequency limit. Keep in mind that your display name needs to be available, and it should be memorable for other people to find you.
**Step 7: Confirm Your New Display Name**
After entering your new display name, click on the “Save Changes” button (or a similar button confirming the change). You might be prompted to confirm your choice and acknowledge the frequency limit for changing your name.
**Step 8: Verification (If Required)**
In some cases, Epic Games may require you to verify your email address before the name change takes effect. If prompted, check your email inbox for a verification email from Epic Games. Follow the instructions in the email to verify your account.
**Step 9: Enjoy Your New Display Name!**
Once the changes are saved and any necessary verification is complete, your new display name will be reflected across the Epic Games platform. It may take a few minutes for the changes to propagate fully.
## Method 2: Changing Your Epic Games Name Through the Epic Games Launcher
While the website method is more common, you can also change your name via the Epic Games Launcher. These steps are very similar but provide an alternative route.
**Step 1: Open the Epic Games Launcher**
Locate the Epic Games Launcher on your computer (usually on your desktop or in your Start menu/Applications folder) and open it.
**Step 2: Sign In to Your Account**
If you’re not already signed in, enter your Epic Games account credentials (email address and password) or use one of the linked account options (Facebook, Google, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple or Nintendo) to log in.
**Step 3: Access Account Settings**
In the top-right corner of the Epic Games Launcher, click on your profile icon (usually a circle with your initials or a default avatar). A drop-down menu will appear. Click on “Manage Account.”
This will open your account settings in your default web browser, essentially taking you to the same Account Settings page as described in Method 1, step 3. So you can proceed from Step 4 onwards in Method 1.
**Step 4: Navigate to General Settings**
On the Account Settings page, you’ll see a menu on the left-hand side. Ensure that the “General” tab is selected. If not, click on it.
**Step 5: Edit Your Display Name**
In the “General” settings, you’ll find a section labeled “Account Info” or similar. Look for the field labeled “Display Name.” To the right of your current display name, you should see an “Edit” button (it might be a pencil icon). Click on this button.
**Step 6: Enter Your New Display Name**
A text field will appear, allowing you to enter your desired new display name. Type in your new name carefully. Remember to adhere to Epic Games’ community guidelines and consider the frequency limit.
**Step 7: Confirm Your New Display Name**
After entering your new display name, click on the “Save Changes” button (or a similar button confirming the change). You might be prompted to confirm your choice and acknowledge the frequency limit for changing your name.
**Step 8: Verification (If Required)**
In some cases, Epic Games may require you to verify your email address before the name change takes effect. If prompted, check your email inbox for a verification email from Epic Games. Follow the instructions in the email to verify your account.
**Step 9: Enjoy Your New Display Name!**
Once the changes are saved and any necessary verification is complete, your new display name will be reflected across the Epic Games platform. It may take a few minutes for the changes to propagate fully.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the name change process is usually seamless, you might encounter a few common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
* **”Name Already Taken” Error:** If you receive this error, it means that the display name you’ve chosen is already in use by another Epic Games account. Try a different name or add numbers or special characters to make it unique. Check variations with upper and lower case characters, or perhaps abbreviate certain words.
* **”Invalid Display Name” Error:** This error indicates that your chosen display name violates Epic Games’ community guidelines. Ensure that your name is not offensive, inappropriate, or misleading. Remove any special characters or profanities. Review the Epic Games community guidelines to ensure your name complies with their requirements.
* **Verification Email Not Received:** If you’re prompted to verify your email address but haven’t received the verification email, check your spam or junk folder. If it’s not there, try requesting the verification email again from your account settings. Ensure that your email address is correct in your Epic Games account settings. If you still don’t receive the email, contact Epic Games support.
* **Name Change Not Reflecting:** It may take a few minutes for the display name change to propagate across all Epic Games services. If your name hasn’t changed after a reasonable amount of time (e.g., an hour), try logging out of your Epic Games account and logging back in. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies if you changed it through the website. If the problem persists, contact Epic Games support.
* **Locked out of Account:** If you are locked out of your account for any reason, the best course of action is to go through Epic Games’ account recovery procedure. Ensure you have access to the email address associated with your account. You may be asked to provide information to prove your identity.
## Linking to Other Platforms and Name Synchronization
One of the most appealing features of Epic Games is its cross-platform compatibility. You can link your Epic Games account to other gaming platforms, such as PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. When you link these accounts, your Epic Games display name *may* be synchronized across those platforms. This synchronization is not always consistent, and the exact behavior may vary depending on the platform and the specific games you play.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
* **PlayStation Network:** When you link your PlayStation Network account, your Epic Games display name might be used as your PlayStation Network Online ID. This is not always the case, and you can typically change your Online ID separately through your PlayStation Network account settings. Be aware that Sony charges a fee for changing your PSN Online ID after the first time, so choosing wisely is important.
* **Xbox Live:** Similarly, when you link your Xbox Live account, your Epic Games display name might influence your Xbox Gamertag. However, you can usually change your Xbox Gamertag independently through your Xbox Live account settings. Microsoft also provides tools to change your Gamertag, but changes after the first one may incur a fee.
* **Nintendo Switch:** Linking your Nintendo Switch account can also affect your display name in some games. Nintendo has its own system for managing user profiles and display names, so the synchronization might not be direct. Check the specific game settings to see how your display name is displayed.
* **Steam:** Steam has its own independent account system, and your Epic Games display name typically does *not* directly affect your Steam username or display name. You’ll manage your Steam profile and name separately within the Steam client.
**Best Practices for Cross-Platform Display Names:**
* **Consistency:** If you want a consistent online identity across all platforms, aim to use the same or similar display names on all of your linked accounts. This can help your friends and followers easily recognize you, but each platform has its own uniqueness. Understand that having the exact same name everywhere isn’t always feasible.
* **Platform-Specific Rules:** Be aware of the display name rules and limitations of each platform. Some platforms might have character limits, restrictions on special characters, or content guidelines that differ from Epic Games’.
* **Consider the Implications:** Changing your Epic Games display name might trigger changes on linked platforms, but not always immediately. Allow some time for the changes to propagate. Also be mindful of any fees associated with changing your name on platforms like PlayStation Network or Xbox Live.
## Why Change Your Epic Games Name?
There are several reasons why you might want to change your Epic Games display name:
* **Personal Preference:** Perhaps you simply don’t like your current name anymore and want something that better reflects your personality or interests.
* **Branding:** If you’re a streamer, content creator, or eSports player, you might want to change your name to align it with your brand.
* **Privacy:** You might want to change your name to protect your privacy or prevent people from easily finding you online.
* **Correct a Typo:** If you made a mistake when creating your account, you can correct it by changing your display name.
* **New Beginnings:** A fresh start with a new name can be a fun way to revitalize your gaming experience.
* **Joining a Clan/Team:** Many clans or teams require you to change your name to include a clan tag or specific naming convention.
## Choosing the Perfect Display Name
Choosing the right display name can be a fun and creative process. Here are some tips to help you come up with the perfect name:
* **Reflect Your Personality:** Choose a name that reflects your personality, interests, or gaming style.
* **Keep It Simple:** A simple and easy-to-remember name is more likely to be recognized and remembered.
* **Be Unique:** Try to choose a name that is unique and not already in use by someone else. Use a variation of an existing name you like, or add your own personal touch with numbers or special characters.
* **Consider Your Audience:** If you’re a streamer or content creator, choose a name that is professional and appealing to your audience.
* **Avoid Inappropriate Names:** Make sure your name complies with Epic Games’ community guidelines and is not offensive or inappropriate.
* **Check Availability:** Before settling on a name, check its availability on other platforms and social media channels to maintain a consistent online presence.
* **Use a Name Generator:** If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, try using an online name generator for inspiration.
* **Get Feedback:** Ask your friends or community for feedback on your potential display names.
## What if You Can’t Change Your Name?
Epic Games’ policy states that you can change your display name once every two weeks. If you’ve recently changed your name and are trying to change it again before the two-week period is up, you’ll be unable to do so. You’ll need to wait until the cooldown period has expired.
If you haven’t changed your name recently and are still unable to change it, there might be an issue with your account. In this case, you should contact Epic Games support for assistance. Provide them with as much information as possible about the issue, including your account details and any error messages you’re receiving. They will be able to investigate the problem and help you resolve it.
## Additional Tips and Tricks
* **Use Special Characters:** While Epic Games allows the use of some special characters in display names, it’s important to use them sparingly and appropriately. Overuse of special characters can make your name difficult to read and remember.
* **Consider Your Font:** The font used to display your name can also affect its readability. Choose a name that looks good in the default font used by Epic Games.
* **Use Color Codes:** Some games and platforms allow you to use color codes in your display name. This can be a fun way to make your name stand out, but be sure to use colors that are easy to read and don’t clash with the game’s interface.
* **Stay Updated:** Epic Games may occasionally update its display name policy or introduce new features related to display names. Stay updated by following Epic Games’ official announcements and community forums.
## Conclusion
Changing your Epic Games display name is a simple process that can be done through the Epic Games website or the Epic Games Launcher. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily update your name and refresh your online identity. Remember to adhere to Epic Games’ community guidelines, choose a name that reflects your personality, and be mindful of the frequency limit for changing your name. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can find the perfect display name that represents you in the Epic Games universe.
If you encounter any issues during the name change process, don’t hesitate to contact Epic Games support for assistance. They are available to help you resolve any problems and ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.