Your Fortnite username is separate from your Nintendo Switch username

When you change your Nintendo Switch username, your Fortnite name does not change automatically. Fortnite pulls your display name from your Epic Games account, not from your console. This means you need to log into Epic Games directly and change it there — the Switch itself is just the device you play on.

The process takes about five minutes and works the same whether you play Fortnite on Switch, PlayStation, PC, or mobile. Your new name appears in Fortnite across all platforms where you use that Epic Games account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Fortnite username lives in your Epic Games account, not on your Nintendo Switch, so you must change it on the Epic Games website.
  • You can change your display name once every 30 days, and the name you choose must be between 3 and 16 characters.
  • The change takes effect when ready in Fortnite, but you may need to restart the game on your Switch to see it.
  • If your desired name is taken, Epic Games will suggest similar alternatives you can choose from instead.

Log into your Epic Games account from any web browser

Go to www.epicgames.com and 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 account linked to your Nintendo Switch Fortnite profile.

If you are not sure whether your Switch is linked to an Epic Games account, or if you do not remember the password, you can check by opening Fortnite on your Switch, going to Settings, and selecting Account. The account name shown there is your Epic Games email. You can reset your password on the Epic Games website by clicking Forgot Password on the sign-in page.

Navigate to your account settings and find the display name field

Once you are signed in, click your account icon in the top right corner and select Account from the dropdown menu. On the left side of the page, click General. You will see a field labeled Display Name — this is your Fortnite username.

The display name is different from your Epic Games username (the one you use to log in). Your display name is what other players see when you are in a match or on their friends list. You can change the display name; your login email stays the same.

Type your new username and confirm the change

Click in the Display Name field and delete your current name. Type the new name you want. Fortnite usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed.

After you type the new name, click the Save button below the field. If the name is already taken, Epic Games will show you a message and suggest similar names that are available. Choose one of the suggestions or go back and try a different name. Once you save a new display name, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again.

Restart Fortnite on your Nintendo Switch to see the change

Close Fortnite completely on your Switch — do not just put the console to sleep. Press the X button on the Fortnite icon in your home screen and select Close. Wait a few seconds, then open Fortnite again.

When you launch the game, your new username will appear in the lobby and in matches. If you still see your old name after restarting, wait a few minutes and restart the game again. Sometimes the change takes a moment to sync across Epic Games servers.

What to do if your desired name is taken

If you type a name and Epic Games tells you it is already in use, you have two options. You can choose one of the suggested alternatives that appear on the screen, or you can go back and try a completely different name. There is no waiting list or way to reserve a name — if someone else has it, you cannot use it.

Many players add numbers or underscores to make their desired name unique. For example, if "ShadowHunter" is taken, you might try "ShadowHunter_1" or "ShadowHunter22". The system will tell you when ready whether your new choice is available.

Remember the 30-day waiting period between changes

Epic Games limits display name changes to once every 30 days. This rule exists to prevent confusion in matches and on friends lists. If you change your name and then want to change it again the next day, you will see a message telling you how many days you must wait.

The 30-day timer starts from the moment you save the change, not from when you first tried to change it. If you change your name on a Monday, you can change it again on the following Monday at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Fortnite username affect my Nintendo Switch username?

No. Your Fortnite display name and your Nintendo Switch username are completely separate. Changing one does not change the other. Your Switch username appears on your console profile and in other games; your Fortnite name appears only in Fortnite.

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

No. Epic Games enforces a 30-day waiting period between display name changes. If you try to change your name before 30 days have passed, the system will show you a countdown timer telling you when you can change it again.

What if I forgot the email address for my Epic Games account?

Open Fortnite on your Switch, go to Settings, and select Account. The email shown there is your Epic Games login. If you do not recognize it, that email address is still the one linked to your account. You can reset your password at www.epicgames.com by clicking Forgot Password.

Does my new Fortnite username show up when ready on my Switch?

The name changes when ready on the Epic Games website, but your Switch may take a few minutes to sync the change. Restart Fortnite on your console to see the new name right away. If it still does not appear after restarting, wait a few minutes and try again.

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

You can use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces and most special characters (like @, #, $) are not allowed. Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters long.