The fastest way: change it in the Epic Games app, not in Switch settings

Your Fortnite username lives in your Epic Games account, not on your Nintendo Switch console itself. This means you change it through the Epic Games website or mobile app, and the change shows up in Fortnite on any device where you play — Switch, PC, PlayStation, or mobile. You cannot change your Fortnite name through the Switch settings menu, even though you can change your Switch profile name there.

The process takes about five minutes and requires you to sign into your Epic Games account from a web browser or phone. You do not need to own a PC or be away from your Switch to do this — you can use your phone while sitting next to your console.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Fortnite username is stored in your Epic Games account, so you change it on the Epic Games website or app, not through Nintendo Switch settings.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready across all devices where you play Fortnite.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days, so choose a new one you plan to keep.
  • If your Switch is linked to a child account, you may need parental permission to change the username depending on your account restrictions.

Step-by-step: changing your name on the Epic Games website

Go to www.epicgames.com and sign in with the email and password for the Epic Games account linked to your Switch. If you are not sure whether your Switch is linked to an Epic Games account, you can check by opening Fortnite on your Switch, going to the main menu, and looking for an account or settings option — it will show you which account is active.

Once you are signed in on the website, click your account name in the top right corner and select Account. Then click General in the left menu. You will see a field labeled Display Name — this is your Fortnite username. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit.

Type your new username. Epic Games allows usernames between 3 and 16 characters, using letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. The system will tell you when ready if the name is already taken. Once you find one that is available, click Save. The change takes effect right away — your new name will appear in Fortnite the next time you load the game on your Switch.

Using the Epic Games mobile app instead

If you prefer to use your phone, read the Epic Games app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Sign in with your Epic Games account email and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then tap your account name at the top.

Select Account, then General. Tap the pencil icon next to Display Name and enter your new username. The same 3 to 16 character rules explore, and you will see whether the name is available before you save. Tap Save when you are done.

What happens to your old username

When you change your Fortnite username, your old name does not disappear when ready. For 30 days, no one else can claim it — it is reserved under your account. After 30 days, the old name becomes available for any other player to use. This means if you change your mind within the first month, you can change back to your old username without losing it to someone else.

You can only change your username once every 30 days. If you change it today, you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed. This limit applies whether you are changing to a completely new name or switching back to an old one.

If your Switch account is a child account

If your Switch profile is set up as a child account with parental controls, your ability to change your Fortnite username depends on the restrictions your parent or guardian has set. Some parental control settings allow you to manage your Epic Games account freely, while others require approval for account changes.

If you try to change your username and the Epic Games website asks for parental permission, your parent or guardian will receive a notification on their linked email or through the Nintendo Switch parental controls app. They can approve or deny the change from there. This process usually takes a few minutes, but can take longer if they do not check their email right away.

Troubleshooting: your username change did not work

If you changed your display name on the Epic Games website but your old name still shows in Fortnite, try closing the game completely and reopening it. Sometimes the game needs to refresh to pull the new name from your account. On Nintendo Switch, hold the X button on the Fortnite game tile to close it fully, then reopen it.

If the name still does not update after closing and reopening, sign out of your Epic Games account on your Switch and sign back in. Go to your Switch settings, select Users, then your profile, then Linked Accounts. Disconnect your Epic Games account, then reconnect it. This forces your Switch to sync with your Epic Games account again.

If you see an error message saying the username is unavailable or invalid, the name may have been claimed by someone else between the time you checked and the time you tried to save. Go back and choose a different name.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Epic Games limits username changes to once every 30 days. This applies whether you are changing to a brand new name or switching back to a previous one. The 30-day timer starts from the moment you save your new username.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list does not break when you change your username — they will see your new name the next time they open Fortnite. You will still appear in their friends list under your new name, and they can still invite you to matches.

What if someone else already has the username I want?

You cannot use a username that is already taken. The Epic Games website will show you when ready whether a name is available when you type it in. If it is taken, try adding numbers, underscores, or hyphens to create a variation that is available.

Does changing my Fortnite username affect my Switch profile name?

No. Your Fortnite username and your Nintendo Switch profile name are separate. Changing one does not change the other. You can have a different name in Fortnite than you do on your Switch console if you want.

Can I change my username if I have not played Fortnite in a long time?

Yes, as long as your Epic Games account still exists and is linked to your Switch. You do not need to have played recently. Just sign into your Epic Games account on the website and follow the same steps to change your display name.