Your Fortnite name changes separately from your Nintendo Switch username

Your Nintendo Switch username and your Fortnite username are two different things. Changing one does not change the other. If you want a different name in Fortnite specifically, you need to change it through Epic Games — the company that makes Fortnite — not through Nintendo.

The process takes about five minutes and works the same whether you play on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. You will need to know the email address or phone number tied to your Epic Games account, and you will need to be able to sign into that account.

Fortnite lets you change your display name once every 30 days. If you changed it recently, you will have to wait until the 30-day window closes before you can change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Fortnite username is controlled by Epic Games, not Nintendo, so you change it on the Epic Games website, not in Switch settings.
  • You can change your Fortnite name once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready across all platforms where you play.
  • You will need to sign into your Epic Games account on a computer or phone to make the change — you cannot do it from the Switch itself.
  • If you have never linked your Switch to an Epic Games account, you will need to do that first before you can change your Fortnite name.

Check whether your Switch is linked to an Epic Games account

Before you can change your Fortnite username, you need to know whether your Nintendo Switch is connected to an Epic Games account. If you created your Fortnite account on Switch without linking it to Epic Games, you will need to link it first.

The easiest way to check is to start Fortnite on your Switch and look at the main menu. If you see your Fortnite username displayed at the top or bottom of the screen, and you know you created the account through Epic Games (or linked it at some point), you are ready to change your name. If you are not sure, you can also go to www.epicgames.com, click Sign In, and try to log in using the email or phone number you think is connected to your account. If you can log in, the account exists and is ready.

Sign into Epic Games and navigate to your account settings

Go to www.epicgames.com on a computer or phone. Click the Sign In button in the top right corner. Enter the email address or phone number tied to your Epic Games account, then enter your password.

Once you are signed in, click your account icon in the top right corner — it usually shows your current Fortnite username or a profile picture. A dropdown menu will appear. Click Account from that menu.

You will be taken to your account page. Look for a section called General or Profile on the left side of the page. Click it.

Find and change your display name

On your account page, look for a field labeled Display Name or Username. This is the name that appears in Fortnite. Click the edit icon next to it — usually a pencil or a small button that says Edit.

A text box will open. Delete your current name and type the new one you want. Fortnite usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces and special characters like hyphens or periods are not allowed.

After you type your new name, click Save or Confirm. Epic Games will check whether the name is already taken. If it is, you will see a message saying the name is unavailable, and you will need to try a different one. If the name is available, the change will go through when ready.

What happens after you change your name

Your new Fortnite username will appear in the game within a few minutes on all platforms where you play — including your Nintendo Switch. Your friends will see your new name in their friends list. Any previous statistics or progress tied to your account stays the same; only the display name changes.

If you change your mind within 30 days, you cannot change it again until the 30-day window passes. Epic Games enforces this limit to prevent people from changing names constantly and confusing other players. After 30 days from the date you made the change, you will be able to change your name again.

If you cannot sign into your Epic Games account

If you try to sign in and get an error message, or if you do not remember your password, click Forgot Password on the Epic Games sign-in page. Epic Games will send a password reset link to the email address tied to your account. Check your email (including spam folders) and click the link to set a new password.

If you do not have access to the email address tied to your account, you will need to contact Epic Games support. Go to www.epicgames.com/help and click Contact Us. Describe the problem, and a support agent will help you regain access to your account.

If your Switch is not linked to Epic Games yet

If you created your Fortnite account directly on your Switch without linking it to Epic Games, you will need to link them before you can change your name through the Epic Games website. Start Fortnite on your Switch and look for a menu option that says Link Account or Connect to Epic Games. Follow the on-screen prompts to create or connect to an Epic Games account.

Once the accounts are linked, you can follow the steps above to change your display name. The linking process usually takes a few minutes, and you will need an email address to complete it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Fortnite name on Epic Games change my Nintendo Switch username?

No. Your Fortnite display name and your Nintendo Switch username are completely separate. Changing one does not affect the other. If you want to change your Switch username as well, you need to do that through Nintendo Switch settings.

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

No. Epic Games allows you to change your display name once every 30 days. If you have already changed it recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. The 30-day timer starts from the date you made the last change.

What characters can I use in my Fortnite username?

Fortnite usernames can include letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores. They must be between 3 and 16 characters long. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters are not allowed.

If I change my Fortnite name, will my friends still see my progress and stats?

Yes. Changing your display name does not affect your account, progress, cosmetics, or statistics. Your friends will straightforward see your new name in their friends list and in the game.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Epic Games will tell you the name is unavailable when you try to save it. You will need to choose a different name. Try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique — for example, if "Shadow" is taken, you could try "Shadow_2024" or "Shadow99".