Yes, you can change your Fortnite username on Switch, but the process depends on whether you play through a Nintendo account or an Epic Games account
If you linked your Nintendo Switch to an Epic Games account when you first played Fortnite, you change your username through Epic Games, not through Nintendo. The Switch itself is just the device you play on — your Fortnite identity lives in your Epic Games account. If you linked your Switch to a Nintendo account instead and never created an Epic Games account, you will need to set one up first before you can change your name.
The actual name change takes a few minutes and costs nothing, but Epic Games limits how often you can do it. You can change your username once every 30 days, and the name you pick must be between 3 and 16 characters, use only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, and not be taken by another player already.
Key Takeaways
- You change your Fortnite username through your Epic Games account, not through your Nintendo Switch settings, even though you play on the Switch.
- If you have never created an Epic Games account, you must do that first by visiting www.epicgames.com and linking your existing Nintendo account to it.
- Once you are logged into your Epic Games account, go to Account Settings, select "Display Name", and enter your new username — the change takes effect when ready.
- Epic Games allows one username change every 30 days, and your new name must be 3 to 16 characters using only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
Check what account type you are using right now
Before you change anything, you need to know whether your Switch is connected to an Epic Games account or just to your Nintendo account. The easiest way to find out is to start Fortnite on your Switch, go to the main menu, and look at the top right corner — you will see either your Epic Games username or a message saying you are not signed into an Epic Games account.
If you see a username, you already have an Epic Games account linked and you can skip straight to changing your name. If you see a message that says you are not signed in, or if the corner is blank, you will need to create an Epic Games account first. This takes about five minutes and does not cost anything.
Create an Epic Games account if you do not have one yet
Go to www.epicgames.com on any computer or phone and click "Sign Up" in the top right. Enter an email address, create a password, and fill in your date of birth. Epic Games will send you a confirmation email — click the link in that email to verify your address.
Once your Epic Games account exists, go back to Fortnite on your Switch. From the main menu, select the account icon in the top right corner and choose "Connect" or "Link Account". Select "Nintendo Switch" as your platform, then sign in with the Nintendo account you use on your Switch. Epic Games will ask you to confirm the link — approve it, and your Switch will now be connected to your Epic Games account.
Change your username through Epic Games Account Settings
Go to www.epicgames.com and sign in with the email and password you created. Click your account name in the top right corner and select "Account". On the left side of the page, click "General", then find the section labeled "Display Name".
Click the pencil icon next to your current username. Type in your new name — remember it must be 3 to 16 characters and can only use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. No spaces or special characters are allowed. Click "Save" and the change takes effect right away. The next time you start Fortnite on your Switch, you will see your new username.
What happens if your chosen name is already taken
If you try to save a username and Epic Games tells you it is already taken, you will need to pick a different name. The system will not suggest alternatives — you have to come up with another option yourself. Try adding a number at the end, using an underscore or hyphen in the middle, or shortening the name you wanted.
Keep in mind that usernames are case-insensitive, so "FortnitePlayer" and "fortnitePlayer" are treated as the same name. If you are trying to use a name that is very close to an existing one, it may still be blocked.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
After you change your username, Epic Games will not let you change it again for 30 days. This rule applies whether you change it through the website, through the Fortnite launcher, or through any other method. If you try to change it before 30 days have passed, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next.
If you made a typo or chose a name you dislike when ready after changing it, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can fix it. There is no way to speed this up or get an exception, so take your time choosing a name you will be happy with.
Your username versus your Nintendo Switch profile name
Your Fortnite username and your Nintendo Switch profile name are separate things. Changing your Fortnite username does not change the name that appears on your Switch home screen, and changing your Switch profile name does not change your Fortnite username. Other players in Fortnite will see your Epic Games username, not your Switch profile name, so make sure you change the right one.
If you want to change your Switch profile name as well, you can do that through your Switch settings — go to System Settings, select your profile, and choose "Profile Settings". But that change will not affect how you appear in Fortnite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username affect my V-Bucks, skins, or battle pass progress?
No. Your V-Bucks, cosmetics, and battle pass are tied to your Epic Games account, not to your username. Changing your name does not touch any of your items or progress — everything stays exactly as it was.
Can I change my username back to one I used before?
Not when ready. If you used a username in the past and then changed it, you cannot use that name again until 30 days after you stopped using it. Even then, if someone else has claimed that name in the meantime, you will not be able to use it.
What if I forgot my Epic Games password?
Go to www.epicgames.com and click "Sign In" in the top right. Click "Forgot your password?" and enter the email address linked to your account. Epic Games will send you a reset link — click it, create a new password, and you can sign in again.
Do I need to change my username on my Switch if I want a different name in Fortnite?
No. Your Fortnite username comes from your Epic Games account only. Changing your Switch profile name will not change how you appear in Fortnite, so you only need to change your Epic Games username.
Can I use special characters like @ or ! in my Fortnite username?
No. Fortnite usernames can only contain letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), hyphens (-), and underscores (_). Spaces and special characters like @, !, #, or $ are not allowed.