Fortnite usernames change through your Epic Games account, not through Nintendo Switch settings

Your Fortnite name is tied to your Epic Games account, the service that runs Fortnite across all platforms. Changing it on Nintendo Switch means logging into Epic Games online, not adjusting anything in your Switch's system settings. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you play on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or PC.

You will need to know the email address and password for the Epic Games account linked to your Switch. If you created your Fortnite account through Nintendo Switch without setting up a separate Epic Games password, you will need to create one first — that step adds a few minutes but only happens once.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite usernames are managed through Epic Games accounts online, not through your Nintendo Switch console.
  • You need the email and password for your Epic Games account to change your username.
  • If you signed up through Nintendo without a separate Epic Games password, you must create one before changing your username.
  • The name change takes effect when ready across all platforms where you play Fortnite.
  • Epic Games allows you to change your username once every 30 days.

Check your current Epic Games account setup

Before you change your username, confirm which email address is connected to your Epic Games account. Open a web browser on any device and go to www.epicgames.com. Click the sign-in button in the top right corner and enter the email you use for Fortnite, then your password.

If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot password" and Epic Games will send a reset link to your email. If you signed up through Nintendo Switch and never created a separate Epic Games password, you will see a message saying your account uses Nintendo sign-in only. In that case, follow the "Create a password" option before moving forward — this takes about two minutes and lets you log in directly to Epic Games without going through Nintendo each time.

Change your username in Epic Games account settings

Once you are signed into your Epic Games account on the website, look for your account name in the top right corner and click it. Select "Account" from the menu that appears. On the left side of the page, click "General" if it is not already selected.

Find the field labeled "Display Name" — this is your Fortnite username that other players see. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new username, which can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Epic Games will tell you when ready if the name is already taken. Once you enter a name that is available, click "Save" and the change takes effect right away.

Understand the 30-day waiting period between changes

After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule applies whether you change it once or multiple times — the clock resets each time you save a new name. If you change your mind about a name you just picked, you will have to wait the full 30 days before trying again.

Plan your username carefully before you save it. If you are unsure about a name, write it down and use it in a few matches before making it official, since you cannot undo the change quickly.

Launch Fortnite on your Switch to see the new name

The username change is live on Epic Games' servers when ready, but your Nintendo Switch may take a few minutes to sync the change. Close Fortnite completely if it is running, then launch it again. Your new username should appear in the lobby and in-game.

If you still see your old name after relaunching, restart your Nintendo Switch entirely — hold the power button for a few seconds and select "Power Options," then "Restart." This forces the console to refresh its connection to Epic Games servers. After the restart, open Fortnite again and your new username should be visible.

What to do if you cannot sign into Epic Games

If you forgot your password and the reset email does not arrive, check your spam folder first — sometimes password reset emails get filtered. If it is not there, go to www.epicgames.com, click "Forgot password," and try again with a different email address if you have one linked to the account.

If you signed up through Nintendo Switch and cannot remember which email you used, go to your Nintendo Switch settings, select "Users," choose your user, then "Linked Accounts." You will see which email is connected to your Nintendo account. Use that same email to sign into Epic Games. If you still cannot access your account, visit www.epicgames.com/help and select "Account & Login" to contact Epic Games support — they can verify your identity and help you regain access.

Change your in-game display name separately if you want a different look

Fortnite has two separate name settings: your Epic Games Display Name (what you just changed) and your in-game nickname. Most players use the same name for both, but you can set them differently if you want. The in-game nickname is what appears above your character's head during matches.

To change your in-game nickname, launch Fortnite on your Switch, go to the main menu, select "Settings," then "Account." Look for "Nickname" and enter a new one. This change is separate from your Epic Games username and can be changed more frequently — there is no 30-day waiting period for the in-game nickname alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my level, skins, or battle pass progress?

No. Your username is just a display name. All your cosmetics, level, battle pass progress, and V-Bucks stay with your account regardless of what name you choose. The change is purely cosmetic and does not affect your game data.

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

Fortnite usernames allow letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but not spaces or most special characters. The name must be between 3 and 16 characters long. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, Epic Games will show an error message and suggest valid alternatives.

What happens if someone else takes the username I want?

Usernames are first-come, first-served on Epic Games. If the name you want is taken, you will see "This display name is not available" when you try to save it. You will need to choose a different name. You can add numbers or underscores to a name you like — for example, if "Shadow" is taken, you might try "Shadow_1" or "Shadow99."

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to change my username?

No. Changing your username happens on the Epic Games website, not through Nintendo's servers, so you do not need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. You only need internet access on any device to visit epicgames.com and make the change.

If I change my username, will my friends still see me in their friends list?

Yes. Your friends list is tied to your Epic Games account, not your username. When you change your display name, your friends will see the new name in their list and in-game, but you will still be the same person on their friends list — they do not need to re-add you.