Your Fortnite username changes through Epic Games, not through Nintendo Switch settings

Your Fortnite name is tied to your Epic Games account, not your Nintendo Switch profile. This means you cannot change it from the Switch itself — you have to log into Epic Games online, either on a computer or phone, and change it there. Once you change it on Epic Games, the new name shows up in Fortnite on your Switch within a few minutes.

The process takes about five minutes and requires you to know the password to your Epic Games account. If you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset it first before you can change your username.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite usernames are managed through your Epic Games account online, not through Nintendo Switch settings.
  • You need to visit www.epicgames.com and sign in with the account linked to your Switch to change your name.
  • Epic Games allows one free username change every 30 days, and additional changes cost 1,000 V-Bucks each.
  • After you change your username on Epic Games, it appears in Fortnite on your Switch within minutes without any action needed on the console.

Sign into your Epic Games account on a computer or phone

Go to www.epicgames.com in a web browser on your computer or phone. Click the Sign In button in the top right corner. Enter the email address and password for the Epic Games account that is linked to your Nintendo Switch.

If you do not remember which email you used, check your Switch: go to System Settings, then Users, select your profile, and look for the linked Nintendo Account. That Nintendo Account is what you used to create or link your Epic Games account.

Navigate to your account settings and find the username option

After you sign in, click your account icon in the top right corner of the Epic Games website. A dropdown menu will appear. Select Account from this menu.

On the Account page, look for the left sidebar menu. Click on General (it should be the first option). On this page, you will see a section labeled Display Name — this is your Fortnite username.

Check the cooldown and cost before changing

Before you click to edit your username, look at the Display Name section. It will tell you whether you have a free change available or whether you need to pay. Epic Games gives you one free username change every 30 days. If you have already changed your name in the last 30 days, the next change will cost 1,000 V-Bucks (the in-game currency).

If you do not have V-Bucks and do not want to buy them, you will have to wait until 30 days have passed since your last change. The page will show you the exact date when your next free change becomes available.

Enter your new username and confirm the change

Click the Edit button next to your current Display Name. A text box will appear where you can type your new username. Fortnite usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed.

Type your new name and click Save. If the name is already taken by another player, Epic Games will tell you when ready and ask you to choose a different one. Keep trying new names until you find one that is available. Once you save a name that is available, the change is complete.

Wait for the change to appear on your Switch

Your new username will show up in Fortnite on your Nintendo Switch within a few minutes. You do not need to restart the game or your console — just check your profile in Fortnite after a few minutes and you will see the new name.

If you are already in a match when you change your username, you may need to back out to the main menu and return to see the new name displayed. Other players will see your new username the next time they encounter you in a match or in their friends list.

What to do if you cannot sign into Epic Games

If you have forgotten your Epic Games password, go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In. Then click Forgot your password? Enter the email address for your account, and Epic Games will send you a password reset link. Check your email (including spam folders) and click the link to create a new password.

If you do not remember the email address you used for Epic Games, you can find it by checking your Nintendo Switch. Go to System Settings, then Users, select your profile, and look at the linked Nintendo Account. You can then go to your Nintendo Account settings online and see which email is associated with it — that is the email you likely used for Epic Games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Fortnite username on my Switch without going online?

No. Fortnite usernames are managed only through Epic Games online. You must visit www.epicgames.com on a computer or phone to change your name. The Switch itself has no option to change your Fortnite username.

How often can I change my username for free?

Epic Games allows one free username change every 30 days. After you use your free change, any additional changes within that 30-day period cost 1,000 V-Bucks each. The website will show you the date when your next free change becomes available.

What characters can I use in my Fortnite username?

Usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), hyphens (-), and underscores (_). Spaces and special characters like @, #, or ! are not allowed. Epic Games will tell you if your chosen name breaks these rules.

Will my friends still see me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list does not break when you change your username. They will see your new name the next time they log in or encounter you in a match. Your account history and progress stay the same — only the display name changes.

What if someone else already has the username I want?

Epic Games will not let you save a username that is already taken. When you try to save it, the system will tell you the name is unavailable and ask you to choose a different one. You can keep trying new variations until you find one that is free.