Your Fortnite name changes separately from your Nintendo Switch username

Changing your Fortnite username on Nintendo Switch requires you to log into Epic Games, not your Switch settings. Your Nintendo Switch username and your Fortnite username are two different things — one is your console account, the other is your gaming profile within Fortnite. This guide walks you through changing only your Fortnite name.

The process takes about five minutes and can be done from your Switch, a phone, or a computer. You will need to know the email address or username associated with your Epic Games account, and you can change your Fortnite name once every 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Fortnite username is managed through Epic Games, not through Nintendo Switch settings, so you must log into your Epic Games account to change it.
  • You can change your Fortnite name once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready across all platforms where you play.
  • The easiest method is to visit the Epic Games website on any device, sign in, and update your display name in account settings.
  • If you have never linked your Nintendo Switch to an Epic Games account, you will need to do that first before you can change your name.

Check whether your Switch is linked to an Epic Games account

Before you can change your Fortnite name, you need to confirm that your Nintendo Switch is connected to an Epic Games account. If you created your Fortnite account directly on the Switch without linking it, you will need to link it first.

On your Switch, open Fortnite and look at the main menu. If you see your Epic Games username displayed, your accounts are already linked. If you see a generic name or a prompt to link your account, you will need to create or connect an Epic Games account before proceeding.

Change your name through the Epic Games website

The fastest way to change your Fortnite username is through a web browser on any device — your Switch, phone, or computer. Go to www.epicgames.com and click the sign-in button in the top right corner. Enter the email address or username for your Epic Games account and your password.

Once you are signed in, click your account icon in the top right and select Account. On the left side menu, click General. You will see a field labeled Display Name — this is your Fortnite username. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new name, which can be 3 to 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Click Save when you are done.

The change takes effect when ready. The next time you open Fortnite on your Switch, you will see your new name in the lobby and in-game.

Change your name directly from your Nintendo Switch

You can also change your Fortnite name without leaving your Switch, though the process requires a few extra steps. Open Fortnite and go to the main menu. Press the X button to open the settings menu, then navigate to Account. Select Connections and look for Epic Games in the list of linked accounts.

Click on the Epic Games connection and select Manage Epic Account. This will open a browser window on your Switch that takes you to the Epic Games website. Sign in if prompted, then follow the same steps as above: click your account icon, select Account, click General, and edit your Display Name. Save your changes and close the browser.

Link your Switch to an Epic Games account if you have not already

If your Switch is not yet linked to an Epic Games account, you will need to do that before you can change your Fortnite name. Open Fortnite on your Switch and go to the main menu. Press X to open settings, then select Account. You will see an option to Connect or Link your Epic Games account.

Select this option and you will be given a code. Go to www.epicgames.com/set up on any web browser and enter the code. You will be asked to sign in to or create an Epic Games account. Once you complete this, your Switch will be linked, and you can then change your display name using the steps above.

Understand the 30-day waiting period between name changes

Epic Games limits you to one Fortnite name change every 30 days. If you have changed your name recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. This rule applies across all platforms — if you play Fortnite on your Switch, PlayStation, or PC with the same Epic Games account, changing your name on one platform changes it everywhere.

If you try to change your name before the 30 days are up, the save button will be grayed out and you will see the date when your next change becomes available. Mark that date on a calendar if you plan to change your name again.

Troubleshoot if your name change does not save

If you click save and the name does not change, the most common reason is that the name you chose is already taken or violates Fortnite's naming rules. Fortnite does not allow names that include profanity, impersonate real people, or contain certain symbols. Try a different name with only letters, numbers, hyphens, or underscores.

If the page will not load or you get an error message, try signing out of Epic Games and signing back in. If you are using your Switch browser, try the change on a phone or computer instead — the Switch browser sometimes has trouble with the Epic Games website. Clear your browser cache and try again, or wait a few minutes and attempt the change once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Fortnite name change my Nintendo Switch username?

No. Your Fortnite display name and your Nintendo Switch username are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. Your Switch username stays the same unless you change it in your Switch account settings.

Can I change my Fortnite name more than once every 30 days?

No. Epic Games enforces a 30-day waiting period between name changes. If you have recently changed your name, you must wait until the 30 days have passed before you can change it again.

What happens to my Fortnite account if I unlink my Switch from Epic Games?

Your Fortnite account remains tied to your Epic Games account, not your Switch. If you unlink your Switch and link a different Epic Games account, you will see that account's Fortnite progress instead. Your original account and progress stay with the original Epic Games account.

Can I see my Fortnite username before I change it?

Yes. Open Fortnite on your Switch and look at the main lobby screen — your current display name appears there. You can also see it on the Epic Games website under Account > General > Display Name.

Does my Fortnite name change on other platforms if I play on multiple devices?

Yes. Your Fortnite display name is tied to your Epic Games account, so changing it affects your name everywhere you play Fortnite — Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or mobile — as long as you are using the same Epic Games account.