Your Fortnite username is separate from your Nintendo Switch username

Changing your Fortnite name on Nintendo Switch requires you to log into your Epic Games account, not your Switch system settings. Your Switch username and your Fortnite username are two different things — you can change one without affecting the other. The Fortnite name is what other players see in-game and in your profile.

The process takes about five minutes and you can do it from any device with a web browser, though you'll need to know your Epic Games account password. You can change your Fortnite username once every 30 days, and the new name takes effect when ready in-game.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Fortnite username lives in your Epic Games account, not in your Nintendo Switch settings, so you must change it through Epic's website.
  • You can change your Fortnite name once every 30 days, and the change shows up right away when you next log into the game.
  • You will need your Epic Games password to make the change, so have that ready before you start.
  • If your desired username is already taken, Epic will tell you when ready and you can try a different one without waiting.

Step-by-step: changing your name through Epic Games

Go to www.epicgames.com and sign in with the email and password for the Epic Games account linked to your Switch. Once you're logged in, look for your account icon in the top right corner and click it, then select "Account" from the dropdown menu.

Click on "General" in the left sidebar, then find the "Display Name" field. This is your Fortnite username. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new name — it can be 3 to 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Click "Save" when you're done. Epic will confirm the change when ready.

The next time you launch Fortnite on your Switch and connect to the internet, your new username will appear in-game. You don't need to restart the game or your Switch — it updates automatically when you load into a match or visit the lobby.

What names are not allowed

Epic Games blocks usernames that contain profanity, impersonate real people or celebrities, or include certain slurs. If you try to save a name that violates these rules, Epic will reject it and ask you to choose something else. The system checks this automatically, so you'll know right away if your choice won't work.

Names that are already taken by other players will also be rejected. If the name you want is unavailable, Epic tells you so you can try a different variation — for example, adding numbers or a different spelling.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your Fortnite username, you must wait 30 days before changing it again. This timer starts the moment you save the new name. If you try to change it before 30 days have passed, Epic will show you a message saying when you'll be able to change it next.

This limit applies to your entire Epic Games account, not just Fortnite. If you play other Epic games like Rocket League or Fall Guys through the same account, changing your name in any of them will trigger the 30-day cooldown for all of them.

If you forgot your Epic Games password

You can reset your password on the Epic Games login page without needing your Switch. Go to www.epicgames.com, click "Sign In," then click "Forgot your password?" Enter the email address for your account. Epic will send you a password reset link — check your email (including spam folders) and click the link to create a new password.

Once you've reset your password, you can log back into your Epic Games account and change your Fortnite username as described above. The password reset usually takes a few minutes to arrive, though it can take up to an hour during peak times.

Checking which account is linked to your Switch

If you're not sure which Epic Games account is connected to your Switch, you can check in your Switch system settings. Go to System Settings, then Users, then select your user profile. Scroll down to "Linked Accounts" and look for "Epic Games Account." If an account is linked, it will show the email address.

If no Epic Games account is linked, or if the linked account is not the one you want to use, you can unlink it and connect a different one. Go to the same Linked Accounts section, select Epic Games, and choose "Unlink." Then launch Fortnite and sign in with the Epic Games account you want to use instead. The game will prompt you to link it to your Switch profile.

Your username versus your display name

In your Epic Games account, you may see both a "username" and a "display name." The display name is what shows up in Fortnite and is what other players see. This is the one you change using the steps above. Your username is a separate identifier used for logging in and is harder to change — most players never need to touch it.

If you're looking at your account settings and see both fields, make sure you're editing the display name, not the username. The display name field is the one with the pencil icon next to it in the General section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Fortnite username affect my stats or cosmetics?

No. Your username is just a label. All your V-Bucks, skins, battle pass progress, and match history stay with your account no matter what name you choose. Other players will see your new name, but your account and everything in it remains exactly the same.

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. Epic enforces a 30-day cooldown between changes. If you try to change it before the cooldown expires, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it next. You cannot pay to skip this wait or change it any faster.

What if my new username doesn't show up in-game right away?

Close Fortnite completely and relaunch it. Make sure your Switch is connected to the internet. The new name should appear within a few minutes of restarting the game. If it still doesn't show after 10 minutes, restart your Switch entirely and try again.

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

You can use hyphens and underscores, but not spaces or most other special characters. Stick to letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. If you try to use a character that isn't allowed, Epic will reject it and tell you which characters are permitted.

Do I need to change my Nintendo Switch username too?

No. Your Switch username and your Fortnite username are completely separate. You can change one without changing the other. Other players in Fortnite will only see your Fortnite username, not your Switch username.