Your Fortnite username is separate from your Nintendo Switch username
Changing your Nintendo Switch username does not change your Fortnite username. They are two different accounts that happen to be linked. Your Fortnite username is controlled by Epic Games, the company that makes Fortnite, while your Switch username is controlled by Nintendo. If you want a different name to appear when you play Fortnite, you need to change it through Epic Games, not through your Switch settings.
The process takes about five minutes and requires you to sign into your Epic Games account on a computer or phone. You cannot change your Fortnite username directly from your Switch.
Key Takeaways
- Your Fortnite username comes from your Epic Games account, not your Nintendo Switch account, so you must change it on the Epic Games website.
- You can change your Fortnite username once every 30 days, and the new name takes effect when ready in all games and on all platforms where you play.
- Your Epic Games account must be linked to your Nintendo Switch before you can play Fortnite on that Switch, but changing the username does not affect the link.
- If your desired username is already taken, Epic Games will tell you when ready and you can try a different one before confirming the change.
Sign into your Epic Games account on a web browser
Go to www.epicgames.com on a computer, tablet, or phone. Click the sign-in button in the top right corner. Enter the email address and password you use for your Epic Games account — this is the same account linked to your Nintendo Switch.
If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot password" and Epic Games will send you a reset link by email. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.
Navigate to your account settings
Once you are signed in, click your account name or profile icon in the top right corner. A menu will appear. Select "Account" from that menu.
You will land on your account overview page. Look for a section labeled "General" or scroll down until you see "Display Name" or "Username" listed. This is where you change the name that appears in Fortnite.
Change your display name
Click the pencil icon or "Edit" button next to your current username. A text box will appear where you can type your new name. Epic Games allows usernames between 3 and 16 characters, using letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
Type your desired username and click "Check Availability" or a similar button. Epic Games will tell you when ready whether that name is already taken. If it is, try a different name. Once you find one that is available, click "Confirm" or "Save" to make the change official.
Understand the 30-day waiting period
After you change your Fortnite username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule applies whether you change it once or multiple times — the 30-day timer starts from your most recent change. Epic Games enforces this to prevent players from constantly switching names and confusing their friends or teammates.
The new username appears in Fortnite on all platforms when ready, including your Nintendo Switch. Your friends will see the new name the next time they log in or refresh their friends list.
What happens to your progress and cosmetics
Changing your Fortnite username does not affect your Battle Pass progress, V-Bucks, skins, emotes, or any other items in your account. Everything stays exactly as it was. Your account level, match history, and statistics remain unchanged.
Your Nintendo Switch account remains linked to your Epic Games account. You can still play Fortnite on your Switch using the same login, and your progress syncs across all platforms where you play Fortnite (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, mobile, or cloud gaming).
Troubleshooting common problems
If you see a message that says "You cannot change your display name at this time," you may have changed it within the last 30 days. Check when you last made a change — you must wait the full 30 days before trying again. The timer does not reset if you attempt to change it early.
If the username you want is marked as unavailable, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique. For example, if "Shadow" is taken, try "Shadow_1" or "Shadow42". You can also use a name generator online to brainstorm alternatives, then check each one on the Epic Games website before committing to a change.
If you cannot sign into your Epic Games account, make sure you are using the correct email address. Some people create multiple accounts by accident. Check your email inbox for any confirmation messages from Epic Games to see which email address is linked to your Fortnite progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Fortnite username more than once?
Yes, but you must wait 30 days between changes. The 30-day timer starts from your most recent change, not from when you created your account. If you change your username today, you cannot change it again until 30 days from now.
Will my friends still see my old username after I change it?
No. Your friends will see your new username the next time they log into Fortnite or refresh their friends list. The change is when ready on Epic Games' servers, though it may take a few minutes to appear on all devices.
What if I change my Nintendo Switch username — does that change my Fortnite name too?
No. Your Nintendo Switch username and your Fortnite username are completely separate. Changing one does not affect the other. You must change your Fortnite username through the Epic Games website if you want a different name in Fortnite.
Can I use special characters or spaces in my Fortnite username?
No. Fortnite usernames can only contain letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), hyphens (-), and underscores (_). Spaces and special characters like @, #, or ! are not allowed.
What if I forgot which email address is linked to my Epic Games account?
Go to www.epicgames.com and click "Forgot password". Enter any email address you think might be linked to your account. If that email is registered, Epic Games will send a password reset link. If it is not registered, you will see a message saying the email is not found.