How to Change Your Fortnite Name on PS4: A Comprehensive Guide
Fortnite, the battle royale behemoth, has captivated millions with its engaging gameplay, constant updates, and vibrant community. One aspect that many players want to customize is their in-game name. Whether you’ve outgrown your old username, want something more representative of your skills, or simply desire a fresh start, changing your Fortnite name is a common desire. If you’re playing Fortnite on a PlayStation 4 (PS4), the process involves a few more steps than if you were on a PC or mobile device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can change your Fortnite name on your PS4 with ease.
## Understanding the Prerequisites
Before diving into the steps, it’s crucial to understand the prerequisites and limitations associated with changing your Fortnite name on PS4:
* **PlayStation Network (PSN) Online ID:** Your Fortnite display name on PS4 is directly tied to your PSN Online ID. Therefore, changing your Fortnite name requires changing your PSN Online ID. This is the name that all your PlayStation friends will see.
* **One Free Change:** PlayStation Network offers a one-time free change of your Online ID. Subsequent changes will incur a fee (usually around $9.99 USD, or $4.99 USD for PlayStation Plus members).
* **Impact on Other Games:** Changing your PSN Online ID *may* affect your progress, saves, trophies, and other data in some games. Sony provides a list of tested games and their compatibility level with Online ID changes. *Always* check this list before proceeding.
* **Potential Issues (Rare):** Although rare, some players have reported minor issues after changing their Online ID, such as loss of leaderboard rankings or in-game currency. Reviewing the potential impacts and backing up your game data is recommended.
* **Appropriate Name:** Ensure your new PSN Online ID adheres to PlayStation’s terms of service. Avoid offensive, hateful, or misleading names, as they could result in account suspension.
* **Account Linking:** Your Epic Games account must be linked to your PlayStation Network account for the name change to reflect in Fortnite. This is typically done when you first launch Fortnite on your PS4.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Fortnite Name on PS4
Now that you understand the prerequisites, let’s proceed with the detailed steps to change your Fortnite name (PSN Online ID) on your PS4:
**Method 1: Changing Your Online ID via the PS4 Console**
This is the most direct and common method for changing your PSN Online ID. Here’s how:
1. **Turn on Your PS4 and Sign In:** Power on your PlayStation 4 and sign in to the account associated with your Fortnite profile. This is the account whose Online ID you want to change.
2. **Navigate to Settings:** From the PS4’s home screen (XMB menu), scroll to the right until you find the “Settings” icon. It resembles a toolbox.
3. **Access Account Management:** In the Settings menu, scroll down and select “Account Management.” Press the X button to enter this section.
4. **Go to Account Information:** Within Account Management, select “Account Information.” You might be prompted to enter your password for security reasons. Enter your password and proceed.
5. **Select Profile:** In the Account Information menu, look for the “Profile” option and select it.
6. **Edit Online ID:** Within the Profile section, you will see various options related to your profile. Choose “Online ID.” This will initiate the process of changing your name.
7. **Accept the Terms of Service:** A warning message will appear, informing you about the potential impact of changing your Online ID on your games and services. Read the information carefully. This is where Sony advises you to check the compatibility list. If you understand and accept the terms, click “Continue.”
8. **Enter Your New Online ID:** You will now be presented with a screen where you can enter your new Online ID. You have two options:
* **Enter a New ID:** Type in your desired new Online ID using the on-screen keyboard. The system will check if the name is available. If the name is already taken, you’ll need to try a different one.
* **Choose from Suggestions:** If you’re struggling to come up with a new name, the system might offer suggestions based on your existing profile information. You can browse these suggestions and select one that you like.
9. **Confirm Your Choice:** Once you’ve entered a valid and available Online ID, you’ll be asked to confirm your choice. Double-check the spelling and capitalization to ensure it’s exactly as you want it. Remember, you only get one free change.
10. **Choose Display Options (Optional):** You can choose whether to display your old Online ID alongside your new one for 30 days. This helps your friends recognize you during the transition. This is optional and can be skipped.
11. **Complete the Process:** Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the name change process. You may need to re-enter your password one last time.
12. **Restart Your PS4 (Recommended):** Although not always required, restarting your PS4 after changing your Online ID is recommended. This ensures that the changes are fully implemented across the system.
13. **Launch Fortnite:** After restarting (if you chose to), launch Fortnite. Your new PSN Online ID should now be displayed as your Fortnite name.
**Method 2: Changing Your Online ID via the PlayStation Website**
You can also change your PSN Online ID through the PlayStation website. This method is helpful if you’re away from your PS4 or prefer using a computer.
1. **Visit the PlayStation Website:** Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device and go to the official PlayStation website: [https://www.playstation.com/](https://www.playstation.com/)
2. **Sign In to Your Account:** Click on the “Sign In” button in the top right corner of the website. Enter the email address and password associated with your PSN account. If you have two-step verification enabled, you’ll need to provide the verification code as well.
3. **Access Account Management:** After signing in, hover over your profile picture (or the default avatar) in the top right corner. A dropdown menu will appear. Select “Account Management” from the menu.
4. **Navigate to Profile:** In the Account Management dashboard, look for the “PSN Profile” option. It might be located in a sidebar menu or a section labeled “Online ID.”
5. **Edit Online ID:** Click on the “Edit” button next to your current Online ID. This will initiate the process of changing your name.
6. **Accept the Terms of Service:** A warning message will appear, similar to the one on the PS4 console, informing you about the potential impact of changing your Online ID. Read the information carefully and click “Continue” if you understand and accept the terms.
7. **Enter Your New Online ID:** You will be presented with a screen where you can enter your new Online ID. You have the same options as on the PS4:
* **Enter a New ID:** Type in your desired new Online ID using the on-screen keyboard. The system will check if the name is available.
* **Choose from Suggestions:** The system might offer suggestions based on your existing profile information.
8. **Confirm Your Choice:** Once you’ve entered a valid and available Online ID, confirm your choice. Double-check the spelling and capitalization.
9. **Choose Display Options (Optional):** You can choose whether to display your old Online ID alongside your new one for 30 days.
10. **Complete the Process:** Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the name change process. You may need to re-enter your password.
11. **Launch Fortnite on PS4:** After completing the process on the website, turn on your PS4 and launch Fortnite. Your new PSN Online ID should now be displayed as your Fortnite name.
## Important Considerations and Troubleshooting
While the name change process is generally straightforward, here are some important considerations and troubleshooting tips:
* **Compatibility List is Crucial:** Before changing your Online ID, *always* check the official PlayStation compatibility list. This list provides information about how different games are affected by Online ID changes. Look for Fortnite specifically to see if any known issues exist. The URL to check game compatibility is typically found on the initial warning screen presented by Playstation before you change your name.
* **Backup Your Game Data:** As a precaution, back up your game data to an external storage device or the PlayStation Cloud before changing your Online ID. This ensures that you have a copy of your progress in case anything goes wrong.
* **Potential Issues with Older Games:** Older PS4 games (especially those released before April 2018) are more likely to have compatibility issues with Online ID changes. Be extra cautious when changing your name if you play a lot of older titles.
* **Name Not Changing in Fortnite?** If your name doesn’t update in Fortnite immediately, try the following:
* **Restart Fortnite:** Close and relaunch Fortnite. This is the first and simplest troubleshooting step.
* **Restart Your PS4:** If restarting Fortnite doesn’t work, try restarting your entire PS4 console.
* **Check Account Linking:** Ensure that your Epic Games account is properly linked to your PlayStation Network account. You can check this in the Epic Games website settings under “Connected Accounts.”
* **Wait a While:** Sometimes, it can take a few hours for the changes to propagate across all PlayStation and Epic Games servers. Be patient and check again later.
* **Contact Support:** If none of the above steps work, contact PlayStation Support or Epic Games Support for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and identify any underlying problems.
* **Name Already Taken?** If the Online ID you want is already taken, you’ll need to choose a different one. Try variations of your desired name, adding numbers, or using underscores.
* **Avoid Special Characters:** While PlayStation supports some special characters in Online IDs, it’s generally best to avoid them. They can sometimes cause display issues in certain games or applications.
* **Think Carefully Before Changing:** Remember that you only get one free name change. Subsequent changes will cost money. So, take your time and choose a name that you’ll be happy with for the long term.
## Preventing Buyer’s Remorse: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Fortnite Name
Choosing the right Fortnite name can enhance your gaming experience and reflect your personality. Here are some tips to help you pick a name you won’t regret:
* **Reflect Your Personality or Playstyle:** Consider what kind of player you are. Are you aggressive and competitive? Are you more laid-back and focused on building? Your name can reflect these traits.
* **Keep it Short and Memorable:** Shorter names are easier to remember and type, making it easier for friends to find you and for other players to recognize you in-game.
* **Avoid Offensive or Inappropriate Names:** This is crucial. Offensive or inappropriate names can lead to account suspension. Keep your name respectful and in line with the game’s community guidelines.
* **Check for Availability:** Before settling on a name, check if it’s available on both PlayStation Network and Epic Games. This avoids disappointment later on.
* **Use a Name Generator (Optional):** If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, try using an online name generator. These tools can provide you with a list of random names based on your preferences.
* **Get Feedback from Friends:** Once you have a few potential names, ask your friends for their opinions. They can provide valuable insights and help you choose the best option.
* **Consider Future Implications:** Think about how the name will sound when you’re streaming or creating content. Choose a name that’s easy to pronounce and remember.
## In Conclusion
Changing your Fortnite name on PS4 is a relatively simple process that involves changing your PSN Online ID. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily update your name and enjoy a fresh start in the world of Fortnite. Remember to check the game compatibility list, back up your data, and choose a name that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Good luck, and have fun gaming!