Your Fortnite username and your Nintendo Switch username are separate

You cannot change your Fortnite username directly through your Nintendo Switch console. Your Fortnite account is tied to an Epic Games account, not your Switch profile. To change your Fortnite name, you log into Epic Games on a computer or phone, not through the Switch itself.

Your Switch username is what appears on your console and in local multiplayer. Your Fortnite username is what other players see in the game lobby and on leaderboards. Changing one does not change the other.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite usernames are managed through Epic Games accounts on a web browser or the Epic Games app, not through Nintendo Switch settings.
  • You can change your Fortnite display name once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready in-game.
  • Your Switch console username and your Fortnite username are completely separate and do not affect each other.
  • If your Switch is linked to an Epic Games account, make sure you know your Epic Games login before you try to change your name.

How to change your Fortnite username through Epic Games

Go to www.epicgames.com on a computer or phone and sign in with the Epic Games account linked to your Switch. Click your account name in the top right corner, then select Account. Look for the section labeled General and find the field that says Display Name. This is your Fortnite username.

Click Edit next to your display name. Type your new name in the box. 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. Once you type the new name, click Save. The change takes effect when ready in Fortnite.

If you see a message that says your name is unavailable, that name is already taken by another player. Try a different combination. You can change your display name once every 30 days, so choose carefully.

Finding your Epic Games account if you do not remember your login

If you do not remember the email address or password for your Epic Games account, go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In. Click Forgot your password? and enter the email address you think you used. Epic Games will send a password reset link to that email.

If you do not have access to that email address, click Can't log in? instead. Epic Games will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming your phone number, depending on what you set up when you created the account. This process can take a few minutes.

If you still cannot recover your account, you can contact Epic Games support through their website. Go to www.epicgames.com/help and click Contact Us. Explain that you cannot access your account, and they will walk you through additional verification steps.

What happens if your Switch is not linked to an Epic Games account

When you first launch Fortnite on a new Switch, the game asks you to sign in or create an Epic Games account. If you skipped this step or played offline, your Switch may not be linked to an Epic Games account yet.

To link your Switch to an Epic Games account now, go to www.epicgames.com and sign in. Click your account name, then select Connections. Find Nintendo Network in the list and click Connect. Epic Games will show you a code. On your Switch, go to Fortnite settings, find the account linking section, and enter that code. Your Switch is now linked, and you can change your Fortnite username through Epic Games.

Changing your Switch console username separately

If you also want to change the name that appears on your Switch console itself, that is a separate process. On your Switch, go to System Settings, then Users and Accounts, then select your user profile. Click Profile and then Nickname. Type your new console name and save it. This change does not affect your Fortnite username.

Your Switch console name is what friends see when you play local multiplayer or when they look at your profile on the console. Your Fortnite username is what appears in Fortnite lobbies and on the Fortnite leaderboards. You can have different names in both places.

Why you might want different names on Switch and Fortnite

Some players use their real name or a casual name on their Switch console but prefer a gaming username in Fortnite. Others keep the same name everywhere for consistency. There is no rule either way. The choice is yours.

Keep in mind that your Fortnite username is public — other players see it in the game. Your Switch console name is only visible to people on your friends list or people in your home. If you care about privacy, you might use a nickname in Fortnite and your real name on Switch, or vice versa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Fortnite username more than once a month?

No. Epic Games limits display name changes to once every 30 days. If you try to change your name before 30 days have passed since your last change, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. Plan your name change carefully.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Fortnite usernames are first-come, first-served. If the name you want is unavailable, you cannot use it. Try adding numbers or underscores to make a similar name. For example, if "Shadow" is taken, you could try "Shadow_1" or "Shadow42".

Does changing my Fortnite username affect my V-Bucks or cosmetics?

No. Your V-Bucks, skins, emotes, and all other cosmetics stay with your Epic Games account no matter what username you choose. Changing your display name does not delete or move anything.

Can I change my username if I have not played Fortnite in a long time?

Yes. As long as your Epic Games account still exists and your Switch is linked to it, you can change your display name. Inactive accounts are not deleted, so you can return to Fortnite and update your name whenever you want.

What if my Switch is linked to someone else's Epic Games account?

You will need to unlink it first. Go to www.epicgames.com, sign in to the account that is currently linked, click Connections, find Nintendo Network, and click Disconnect. Then sign in to your own Epic Games account and link your Switch to it instead.