The Steps to Change Your Username on Switch

To change your Fortnite username on Nintendo Switch, you log into your Epic Games account through a web browser on any device — not through the Switch itself. The Switch app only lets you play; it does not have settings to change your name. You will need to visit the Epic Games website, sign in with the account linked to your Switch, and use the account settings there to change your display name.

The actual change takes about five minutes once you are logged in. After you update your name on the Epic Games website, it appears in Fortnite on your Switch within a few minutes. You do not need to restart the game or your console.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot change your Fortnite username directly on the Nintendo Switch — you must use the Epic Games website on a computer or phone.
  • Go to www.epicgames.com, sign in with your account, and look for Account Settings to find the display name field.
  • Your new username appears in Fortnite on Switch within a few minutes without restarting the game.
  • If you do not remember your Epic Games password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the Epic Games login page to reset it before you start.

Finding Your Epic Games Account Settings

Open a web browser on your computer, phone, or tablet and go to www.epicgames.com. 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 Nintendo Switch.

Once you are logged in, look for your account icon or profile picture in the top right corner of the page. Click it and select "Account" from the menu that appears. You should now see a list of settings options on the left side of the page.

Locating and Changing Your Display Name

In your account settings, find the section labeled "General" or "Profile." Look for a field that says "Display Name" or "Username" — this is the name that shows up in Fortnite and in the Epic Games launcher. Click into that field and type your new username.

Fortnite usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods. If the name you want is already taken, the website will tell you when ready and you will need to choose a different one.

After you type your new name, look for a "Save" or "explore" button near the bottom of the form. Click it to confirm the change. The website will show you a confirmation message if the change was successful.

When the Change Appears in Your Game

Your new username will show up in Fortnite on your Switch within a few minutes. You do not need to close the game, restart it, or restart your console. If you are already in a match when you make the change, you might need to finish that match or return to the lobby to see the new name appear.

Other players will see your new name when ready in their lobbies and in-game. If you are in the middle of a season battle pass or have cosmetics tied to your account, those stay with you — changing your name does not affect any of your progress, skins, or items.

What to Do If You Forgot Your Password

If you do not remember the password for your Epic Games account, go to www.epicgames.com and click the sign-in button. Below the password field, click "Forgot Password." Enter the email address associated with your account.

Epic Games will send you a password reset link to that email address. Check your inbox and click the link in the email. You will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. After you set a new password, return to the sign-in page and log in with your email and the new password. Then follow the steps above to change your display name.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your new username does not appear in Fortnite after 10 minutes, try closing the Fortnite app completely on your Switch and opening it again. This forces the app to refresh and pull your updated account information from Epic Games.

If the website tells you that your chosen username is unavailable, it means another player already has it. Try adding a number or underscore to the name you want, or choose a different name altogether. Once you find an available name and save it, the change is permanent — you cannot change it again for 14 days.

If you see an error message when you try to save, make sure you are using a supported character set (letters, numbers, and underscores only). Also check that your username is between 3 and 16 characters long. If you still get an error, try logging out and logging back in to your Epic Games account, then try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I change my Fortnite username?

You can change your display name once every 14 days. After you make a change, the next change will not be available until 14 days have passed. The website will tell you the exact date when you can change it again if you try to change it too soon.

Will changing my username affect my battle pass or cosmetics?

No. Your battle pass progress, skins, emotes, pickaxes, and all other items stay with your account. Changing your name is purely cosmetic and does not touch any of your in-game progress or purchases.

What if my Switch is not linked to an Epic Games account?

You need to link your Switch to an Epic Games account before you can change your username. Go to www.epicgames.com, sign in or create an account, and look for "Connections" in your account settings. Select Nintendo and follow the steps to link your Switch to that Epic Games account.

Can I change my username on the Switch app itself?

No. The Fortnite app on Nintendo Switch does not have username settings. You must use the Epic Games website on a computer, phone, or tablet to make any changes to your account, including your display name.