Change your Fortnite name through your Epic Games account, not through Nintendo Switch settings

Your Fortnite username lives in your Epic Games account, not on your Nintendo Switch console. This means you cannot change it from the Switch itself — you have to go through Epic Games' website or the Epic Games Launcher. The process takes about five minutes and does not require you to own a new console or restart the game.

You will need to know the email address and password for the Epic Games account linked to your Switch. If you do not remember your password, you can reset it before you start. Once you change the name in Epic Games, it updates everywhere — on your Switch, on PC, on mobile, and on any other platform where you play Fortnite with that account.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite usernames are managed through Epic Games' website, not through Nintendo Switch settings or the Fortnite game itself.
  • You need the email and password for your Epic Games account to make the change.
  • The name change takes effect when ready across all platforms linked to that account.
  • Epic Games allows you to change your display name once every 30 days, so plan ahead if you want to change it again later.
  • If your Switch account is not yet linked to an Epic Games account, you will need to link them first before you can change the name.

Step-by-step: changing your Fortnite username

Go to www.epicgames.com and sign in with the email and password for your Epic Games account. If you are already signed in on your browser, you can skip this step.

Click your account icon in the top right corner and select Account. Then click General in the left menu. You will see a field labeled Display Name — this is your Fortnite username that other players see.

Click the pencil icon next to your current display name to edit it. Type your new username in the box that appears. Epic Games will tell you right away if the name is already taken or if it breaks their naming rules (no offensive language, no impersonation of real people or brands). Once you see a green checkmark, the name is available.

Click Save and you are done. The change takes effect when ready. Launch Fortnite on your Switch and you will see your new name in the lobby and in-game.

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

If you created your Fortnite account directly on your Switch without linking it to Epic Games, you will need to link them first. Go to www.epicgames.com, sign in, and click your account icon. Select Connections and find Nintendo Network in the list. Click Connect and follow the prompts to sign in with your Nintendo account.

Once the accounts are linked, you can change your display name using the steps above. Linking does not delete your progress or cosmetics — everything stays with your account.

The 30-day waiting period between name changes

Epic Games limits you to one display name change every 30 days. This means if you change your username today, you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed. The timer starts the moment you save the new name, not when you click edit.

If you try to change your name before 30 days have passed, Epic Games will show you a message telling you when you can change it next. Plan your username carefully so you do not waste your monthly change on a name you do not want to keep.

Usernames that Epic Games will not allow

Epic Games rejects names that contain profanity, slurs, or hateful language. They also block names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or major brands. Names that are too similar to existing usernames may be rejected as well, though Epic Games does allow multiple people to have very similar names as long as they are not identical.

If your chosen name is rejected, try removing numbers, changing the spelling slightly, or adding an underscore or hyphen. Epic Games will show you the reason for rejection so you know what to fix.

Changing your nickname versus your display name

Epic Games has two separate name fields: your display name (your Fortnite username that other players see) and your nickname (what appears on your friends list). Most players only need to change the display name. The nickname is optional and rarely used.

If you want to change both, go to your account settings and edit each one separately. The display name is what matters for your in-game identity, so focus on that one first.

What to do if you forgot your Epic Games password

Go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In. Below the password field, 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.

Open the email, click the reset link, and create a new password. Once you have reset your password, you can sign in and change your display name using the steps above. The reset link expires after a few hours, so do it right away if you receive it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Fortnite username without linking my Switch to Epic Games?

No. Your Fortnite account must be linked to an Epic Games account to change the display name. If your Switch account is not linked yet, you will need to link it first through the Epic Games website.

Will changing my username delete my skins, V-Bucks, or battle pass progress?

No. Your username is just a label — changing it does not affect anything you own in the game. All your cosmetics, currency, and progress stay with your account.

How long does it take for my new username to show up on my Switch?

It takes effect when ready on the Epic Games website. On your Switch, you may need to restart Fortnite or sign out and back in to see the change in the lobby, but it usually appears within a few minutes.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my Fortnite username?

You can use underscores and hyphens, but not spaces or most other special characters. Epic Games keeps the allowed characters limited to letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens to avoid confusion and impersonation.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Usernames on Epic Games are first-come, first-served. If the name is taken, you will see a message saying it is unavailable. Try a variation with numbers, underscores, or hyphens instead.