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 account. If you created a Nintendo account but never linked it to Epic Games, you will need to do that first before you can change anything.

The actual username change takes about five minutes and costs nothing. Epic Games lets you change it once every 30 days, so you cannot change it again when ready after. If you have not changed your username in the past, you get one free change; after that, each change costs 1,000 V-Bucks (the in-game currency, roughly $10 USD, though prices vary by region).

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Fortnite username through your Epic Games account online, not through the Switch console itself.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the first change is free; later changes cost 1,000 V-Bucks each.
  • If your Switch account is not yet linked to Epic Games, you must link it first by visiting www.epicgames.com and signing in.
  • Your new username appears in Fortnite within a few minutes, but you cannot use the same name twice or use certain words that Epic Games blocks.

How to link your Nintendo Switch to Epic Games if you have not already

Go to www.epicgames.com in a web browser on any device — not on the Switch itself. Click "Sign In" in the top right corner. If you already have an Epic Games account, sign in with that email and password. If you do not, click "Create Account" and fill in your email, a password, and your date of birth.

Once you are signed in, click your account name in the top right and select "Account." Then click "Connections" on the left side. Find "Nintendo Network" in the list and click "Connect." You will be asked to sign in with your Nintendo account (the one you use on your Switch). After you sign in, Epic Games will link the two accounts together. This happens when ready and you do not need to do anything else on your Switch.

The steps to change your username in Epic Games

Sign in to your Epic Games account at www.epicgames.com. Click your account name in the top right and choose "Account." On the left side, click "General." You will see a section labeled "Display Name" — this is your Fortnite username.

Click the pencil icon next to your current display name. Type in the new username you want. Epic Games will tell you when ready if the name is taken or blocked. If it is available, click "Save" and the change goes live within a few minutes. You do not need to restart Fortnite or your Switch for the change to show up.

What usernames Epic Games will not allow

You cannot use a name that is already taken by another player. You also cannot use certain words — Epic Games blocks names that contain slurs, hate speech, or references to real people (like celebrities or politicians). Names that look too similar to existing ones are also rejected, so if someone has "Shadow" you probably cannot use "Sh4dow" or "Shadw."

The username must be between 3 and 16 characters long. Numbers and underscores are allowed, but spaces and most special characters are not. If you get an error message, try removing numbers or underscores and using only letters, or pick a completely different name.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule applies whether you paid V-Bucks or used your free change. If you try to change it before 30 days have passed, the button will be grayed out and show you a countdown to when you can change it again.

If you made a mistake and want to change it back right away, you cannot — you have to wait the full 30 days. For this reason, it is worth double-checking your new name before you save it.

What happens to your old username and your progress

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for someone else to use after a short time. Your Battle Pass progress, V-Bucks balance, skins, and all other items stay with your account — changing your name does not erase anything or reset your progress.

Friends who had you added under your old name will still see you in their friends list, but your name will update to the new one. If you were in a clan or team, your name updates there too. There is no lag or delay — everyone sees the new name within a few minutes.

If you do not remember your Epic Games password

If you cannot sign in to www.epicgames.com because you forgot your password, click "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in page. Epic Games will send a reset link to the email address attached to your account. Click the link, create a new password, and sign in. Then follow the steps above to change your username.

If you do not remember the email address you used, or if you cannot access that email, you will need to contact Epic Games support through their website. They can help you recover your account, but it may take a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay V-Bucks to change my username?

Your first username change is free. After that, each change costs 1,000 V-Bucks. You can change your username once every 30 days, so you do not have to change it often unless you want to.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list updates automatically, and anyone who had you added will see your new name. You do not need to re-add them or send them a new friend request.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. If someone took your old username after you changed it, you cannot use it again unless that person changes theirs. You would have to pick a different name.

What if I see an error message when I try to save my new username?

The most common errors are: the name is taken, the name contains blocked words, or the name is too similar to an existing one. Try a completely different name with only letters, or add numbers to make it unique. If you still get an error, the name may be reserved by Epic Games.

Does changing my username affect my Nintendo Switch account?

No. Your Nintendo Switch account name stays the same. Only your Fortnite username changes. The two accounts are linked, but they are separate — changing one does not change the other.