Your Fortnite username is separate from your Nintendo Switch username

When you change your Nintendo Switch username, your Fortnite account does not change automatically. Fortnite uses its own username system, which is tied to your Epic Games account — the account you created or linked when you first played Fortnite. To change how your name appears in Fortnite matches and to other players, you need to log into Epic Games directly, not through your Switch settings.

This matters because you might want a different name in Fortnite than you use for your Switch profile. Your Switch username appears in your Switch friends list and on your console. Your Fortnite username appears in the game itself, in lobbies, on leaderboards, and to other players you encounter. They are two separate identities.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Fortnite username lives in your Epic Games account, not on your Nintendo Switch, so changing one does not change the other.
  • You can change your Fortnite username once every 30 days through the Epic Games website, and the change takes effect when ready in the game.
  • If you do not remember your Epic Games password, you can reset it using the email address linked to your account before you attempt the change.
  • Your old Fortnite username becomes available for other players to claim after you change it, so choose your new name before you make the switch.

How to change your Fortnite username through Epic Games

Go to www.epicgames.com and sign in with the email address and password for your Epic Games account. This is the account you use when you launch Fortnite on your Switch, even if you do not remember creating it. If you are not sure whether you have an Epic Games account or what email is attached to it, check your Switch: go to your user profile, select "Linked Services," and look for Epic Games. If it shows a linked account, that email is the one you need.

Once you are signed in to the Epic Games website, click your account name in the top right corner and select "Account." Then click "General" on the left side. 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 username and click "Save." The change takes effect when ready, and your new name will appear the next time you launch Fortnite.

Epic Games enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. If you changed your Fortnite username recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. You cannot bypass this limit.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your Fortnite username, your old name becomes available for any other player to claim. This happens right away — there is no grace period. If you are concerned about someone else taking your old name, choose your new username carefully before you make the change, because you cannot undo it or reclaim the old name later.

Your account history, V-Bucks balance, cosmetics, and battle pass progress all stay with your account. Only the display name changes. Other players will see your new name in matches, but your friends list and party invitations still work the same way.

If you forgot your Epic Games password

If you do not remember your Epic Games password, you cannot sign in to the website to change your username. Go to www.epicgames.com and click "Sign In" in the top right. Then click "Forgot your password?" Enter the email address linked to your Epic Games account. Epic Games will send you a password reset link to that email address.

Check your email inbox and spam folder for the message from Epic Games. Click the reset link, create a new password, and then sign in. Once you are signed in, follow the steps above to change your Fortnite username.

Usernames that Epic Games will not allow

Epic Games has rules about what usernames are permitted. You cannot use a username that contains profanity, slurs, or hateful language. You also cannot use a username that impersonates a real person, a public figure, or a brand — for example, you cannot claim to be a professional Fortnite streamer or use the name of a celebrity. Usernames with excessive numbers or special characters are often rejected as well.

If you try to save a username and it is rejected, the website will tell you why. The most common reason is that the name is already taken by another player. Try a variation — add a number, change the spelling slightly, or use a different word entirely.

Changing your username does not affect cross-platform play

Your Fortnite account is the same whether you play on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or mobile. If you change your username, it changes across all platforms. If you play Fortnite on multiple devices, you will see your new name everywhere you log in with that Epic Games account.

The same 30-day cooldown applies no matter which platform you use to change your name. If you change it on your Switch and then try to change it again on PC the next day, you will still see the message that you have to wait 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Fortnite username more than once?

Yes, but only once every 30 days. After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. Epic Games enforces this limit to prevent abuse and to give other players time to recognize your new name.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and your friends can still invite you to parties and matches. They will see your new username in the game, but the underlying account connection stays the same.

What if the username I want is already taken?

You cannot use a username that another player already has. Try a different variation — add numbers, use underscores, or pick a different name entirely. The website will tell you when ready if a name is taken so you can try another one.

Do I need to change my Nintendo Switch username too?

No. Your Switch username and your Fortnite username are separate. You can change one without changing the other. Many players keep different names on each platform, and that is perfectly fine.

What if I see an error message when I try to save my new username?

The most common errors are: the name is already taken, the name contains forbidden words or characters, or you are trying to change your name before the 30-day cooldown is over. Read the error message carefully — it will tell you which rule you hit. If the name is taken, try a different one. If the cooldown is active, you will have to wait.