The quickest path: change it through the Epic Games website

You cannot change your Fortnite username directly from your Switch. Instead, you log into your Epic Games account on a computer or phone browser, go to your account settings, and change it there. The change takes effect when ready across all platforms where you play Fortnite, including Switch.

This is the only way to change your username. The Switch itself has no option for it — you have to use the web.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to www.epicgames.com, sign in with the account linked to your Switch, and find the Display Name setting under Account.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the new name takes effect when ready in Fortnite.
  • Your Switch username and your Fortnite username are separate — changing one does not change the other.
  • If you cannot find the Display Name field, your account may not be fully set up, and you may need to add a real email address first.

Step-by-step: changing your name on the Epic Games website

Open a web browser on any device — computer, phone, or tablet. Go to www.epicgames.com and click the Sign In button in the top right corner. Enter the email address and password for the Epic Games account that is linked to your Switch.

Once you are signed in, click on your account name or avatar in the top right corner and select Account from the dropdown menu. On the left side, click Personal, then look for the field labeled Display Name. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new username — it can be 3 to 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Click Save.

The change is live when ready. The next time you open Fortnite on your Switch, you will see the new name in the lobby.

What happens if you do not see the Display Name field

If you log into your Epic Games account and the Display Name field is missing or grayed out, your account may not be fully activated. This sometimes happens if you created the account through a console sign-in rather than with a real email address.

To fix this, go back to the Personal section and look for an Email field. Add a real email address (not your console username) and verify it by clicking the link Epic Games sends you. Once that is done, the Display Name field should appear and be editable.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Epic Games allows you to change your display name once every 30 days. If you just changed it, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. This timer starts from the date of your last change, not from the calendar month.

If you need to change your name again before 30 days have passed, you will have to wait. There is no way to speed this up or reset the timer.

Why your Switch username and Fortnite username are different

Your Nintendo Switch has its own username that appears on your Switch profile and in Switch games. Your Fortnite username is separate and comes from your Epic Games account. Changing one does not affect the other.

When you play Fortnite on Switch, other players see your Fortnite username (the one from Epic Games), not your Switch username. This is why you have to change it through the Epic Games website rather than through Switch settings.

What to do if you forgot your Epic Games password

If you cannot remember the password for the Epic Games account linked to your Switch, go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In. Then click the "Need help signing in?" link. Enter the email address for your account, and Epic Games will send you a password reset link.

Check your email (including spam folders) for the message from Epic Games. Click the link, create a new password, and sign back in. Once you are in, you can change your display name as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Fortnite username on the website change it on my Switch?

Yes. The change happens on the Epic Games website but takes effect everywhere you play Fortnite, including Switch. You do not need to do anything on the Switch itself — it will show the new name the next time you open the game.

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No. Epic Games enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes. If you change your name today, you cannot change it again for 30 days from that date. There is no exception to this rule.

What characters can I use in my Fortnite username?

Your username can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), hyphens (-), and underscores (_). Spaces and special characters like @, #, or ! are not allowed.

Do I need to unlink and relink my Epic Games account to change my username?

No. straightforward log into your Epic Games account on the website, change the display name, and you are done. You do not need to touch your Switch settings or account links.

What if the Epic Games website says my username is taken?

Usernames must be unique across Fortnite. If the name you want is already in use, try adding a number or underscore to make it different. For example, if "Shadow" is taken, try "Shadow_1" or "Shadow01".