Change your username through the Epic Games website, not through Switch settings

Your Fortnite username lives on Epic Games' servers, not on your Switch console. This means you cannot change it from the Switch itself — you have to go to the Epic Games website, sign into your account, and make the change there. The Switch will then show your new username the next time you launch Fortnite.

The process takes about five minutes and requires only a web browser on any device. You do not need to own a computer; a phone or tablet works just as well. Your Switch does not need to be turned on while you make the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite usernames are managed by Epic Games, so you must change yours on the Epic Games website, not in Switch settings.
  • You will need to know the email address and password for the Epic Games account linked to your Switch.
  • Epic Games allows one free username change every 30 days; additional changes within that window cost 1,000 V-Bucks each.
  • After you change your username on the website, restart Fortnite on your Switch to see the new name in-game.

Step 1: Go to the Epic Games website and sign in

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

If you do not remember your password, click Forgot Password on the sign-in page. Epic Games will send a reset link to your email. Check your inbox and spam folder, then follow the link to create a new password.

Step 2: Open your account settings

After you sign in, click the account icon in the top right corner — it looks like a small circle with your profile picture or initials. A menu will drop down. Click Account.

You will land on your account overview page. On the left side, you will see a menu with several options. Click General to find your username settings.

Step 3: Find and click the username field

On the General page, scroll down until you see the Display Name field. This is your Fortnite username. Next to it, you will see a pencil icon or an Edit button. Click it.

A text box will appear with your current username highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one. Fortnite usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces and special characters like hyphens or periods are not allowed.

Step 4: Check the cost and confirm the change

Before you click the button to save, Epic Games will tell you whether the change is free or costs V-Bucks. Your first username change every 30 days is free. If you have already changed your username once in the last 30 days, the next change will cost 1,000 V-Bucks — the in-game currency you buy with real money.

If the cost is acceptable, click Confirm or Save. Epic Games will process the change when ready. You will see a message saying your display name has been updated.

Step 5: Restart Fortnite on your Switch to see the new name

Close Fortnite completely on your Switch if it is running. Press the X button on the game card or use the home menu to quit. Then launch Fortnite again. When the game loads, your new username will appear in the lobby and in-game.

If you still see your old name after restarting, wait a few minutes and restart again. Sometimes the Switch takes a moment to sync with Epic Games' servers. If the old name persists after two restarts, sign out of your Epic Games account on the Switch and sign back in.

What to do if your desired username is already taken

If you try to save a username and Epic Games says it is already in use, you will need to choose a different one. Try adding numbers or an underscore to make it unique — for example, YourName_1 or YourName42. You can also use a name generator online to get ideas, then check if it is available before you commit to the change.

Remember that you have one free change every 30 days. If you change your mind about the new name within that window, you will have to pay 1,000 V-Bucks to change it again. Choose carefully before you confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the Switch itself without going to the website?

No. Fortnite usernames are stored on Epic Games' servers, not on your Switch. You must change it on the Epic Games website. Changing your Switch profile name will not change your Fortnite username.

How long does it take for the new username to show up in-game?

The change takes effect when ready on the Epic Games website. On your Switch, restart Fortnite and the new name will appear within a few seconds. If it does not, wait a few minutes and restart the game again.

What if I forgot the email address linked to my Epic Games account?

Go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In. Try the email addresses you commonly use. If none work, click Forgot Password and enter an email address — Epic Games will tell you if an account exists. You can also check your Switch's user profile settings to see which email was used to link the account.

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

No. You get one free username change every 30 days. After you use it, any additional changes within that 30-day window cost 1,000 V-Bucks. Once 30 days have passed since your last change, your next change is free again.

Will changing my username affect my progress or cosmetics in Fortnite?

No. Your username is just a display name. All your skins, emotes, battle pass progress, and in-game stats stay exactly the same. Only the name other players see will change.