Change your Epic Games display name in three steps

Your Epic Games display name is what other players see when you play Fortnite, Rocket League, or any other game on the platform. You can change it once every 30 days through your account settings. The process takes about two minutes and requires no verification or approval — the change goes live when ready.

Log into your Epic Games account on the website or through the launcher, go to Account Settings, select "General," and click the pencil icon next to your display name. Type your new name (between 3 and 16 characters, letters and numbers only), then click "Save." If the name is already taken, the system will tell you and you can try another.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your display name once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready across all Epic Games titles.
  • Display names must be between 3 and 16 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores — no spaces or special characters.
  • If your chosen name is already taken, Epic Games will reject it and you can try a different one right away.
  • Changing your display name does not affect your account email, password, or any of your game progress or purchases.
  • If you have not changed your name in the past 30 days, the option will be available when ready; if you changed it recently, you will see a countdown timer showing when you can change it again.

Where to find the display name setting

Open the Epic Games launcher or go to www.epicgames.com and sign in. Click your account icon in the top right corner and select "Account." On the left side menu, click "General." Your display name appears near the top of the page with a pencil icon next to it.

If you are using the mobile app, the process is the same: tap your profile icon, go to Account Settings, then General, and tap the pencil next to your display name. The mobile version works identically to the website version.

What characters and lengths are allowed

Your display name must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or any other special characters. Epic Games will reject the name when ready if it contains forbidden characters.

The system also blocks names that contain profanity or violate Epic Games' Code of Conduct. If you try to save a name that breaks these rules, you will see an error message explaining why it was rejected. You can then try a different name without waiting.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your display name, you must wait 30 days before changing it again. This timer starts the moment you save the new name. If you try to change your name before 30 days have passed, the pencil icon will show a countdown timer instead of being clickable, telling you exactly how many days remain.

The 30-day rule applies to each change separately. If you change your name on January 15, you can change it again on February 14. If you change it again on February 14, the next change window opens on March 16. There is no way to reset or speed up this timer.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old display name becomes available for other players to use when ready after you change it. If someone else takes your old name within seconds, you cannot reclaim it. If you want to keep a name reserved, do not change away from it unless you are certain you will not want it back.

Your account history, friends list, and game progress all stay the same. Other players will see your new name going forward, but your old name does not appear anywhere in your account or game records. Leaderboards and past match histories will show your new name retroactively.

Changing your name does not affect your email or password

Your display name is separate from your account email and password. Changing your display name does not log you out, change your login credentials, or affect your two-factor authentication settings. You will still log in using the same email address and password you have always used.

Your display name also does not affect your account security. Changing it does not reset your password, disable two-factor authentication, or require you to verify your identity. The change is purely cosmetic and applies only to how your name appears to other players.

Troubleshooting a rejected name

If Epic Games rejects your chosen name, the system will show you why. The most common reasons are: the name is already taken by another player, it contains forbidden characters (spaces, hyphens, or special symbols), it is fewer than 3 or more than 16 characters, or it violates the Code of Conduct (profanity or hateful language).

If you believe your name was rejected unfairly, try removing any words that might be flagged as profanity or offensive, even if you did not intend them that way. If the name is taken, add numbers or an underscore to make it unique. Once you submit a new name, you will know when ready whether it is accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my display name more than once every 30 days?

No. Epic Games enforces a strict 30-day waiting period between name changes. You can see exactly when your next change becomes available by looking at the countdown timer next to your display name in Account Settings.

Will changing my name affect my friends list or party invites?

No. Your friends will see your new name, but the change does not affect your ability to play together, send messages, or receive invites. Your account ID stays the same — only the name that displays changes.

What if someone else takes my old name right after I change mine?

Once you change your name, your old name is when ready available to other players. If someone claims it, you cannot get it back. You would have to wait 30 days, change to a different name, wait another 30 days, and then change back — but even then, someone else might take it again.

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

No. Epic Games only allows letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters will cause the system to reject your name.

Does changing my display name reset my account or delete my progress?

No. Changing your display name is purely cosmetic. Your account, game progress, purchases, friends list, and everything else stays exactly the same. You will not be logged out and nothing will be deleted.