Your Fortnite username is separate from your Nintendo Switch username

When you change your Nintendo Switch username, your Fortnite account does not change automatically. Fortnite uses its own username system tied to your Epic Games account, not your console. This means you can have one name on your Switch and a completely different name in Fortnite — and changing one does not affect the other.

If you want a new Fortnite username, you change it through Epic Games, not through Nintendo Switch settings. The process takes a few minutes and does not require you to own a new console or create a new account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Fortnite username lives in your Epic Games account, separate from your Nintendo Switch username.
  • You change your Fortnite name by logging into your Epic Games account on a web browser or the Epic Games app, not on your Switch.
  • Epic Games allows you to change your username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready across all platforms where you play Fortnite.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, so choose your new name before you make the switch.

How to change your Fortnite username through Epic Games

Start by going to www.epicgames.com on any web browser — phone, tablet, or computer. Click the sign-in button in the top right corner and enter the email and password for the Epic Games account linked to your Fortnite profile. If you are not sure which account is linked, check your Switch: go to your profile, select "User Settings," then "Linked Accounts," and look for Epic Games.

Once you are signed in to Epic Games, click your account name in the top right corner and select "Account." From there, click "General" on the left side. 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 and click "Save." Epic Games will tell you when ready if the name is already taken. If it is, try a variation. Once you save a new name, it takes effect right away in Fortnite, even if you are already playing on your Switch.

What happens to your old username

As soon as you change your Fortnite username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. This happens when ready. If you have friends who know you by your old name, tell them your new one before you change it — they will not be able to find you by searching for the old username.

Your account history, cosmetics, V-Bucks, and battle pass progress stay with you. Only the display name changes. Other players will see your new name in lobbies and on leaderboards, but your account ID (a long number behind the scenes) never changes.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Epic Games lets you change your username once every 30 days. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next. This rule applies whether you change your name through the website or through the Epic Games app on your phone.

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

Changing your name on the Epic Games app instead

If you prefer not to use a web browser, you can change your Fortnite username through the Epic Games app on your phone. read the app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android), sign in with your Epic Games email and password, and tap your profile icon at the bottom. Select "Account," then "General," then tap the pencil next to "Display Name."

The process is identical to the website version. Your new name will appear in Fortnite on your Switch within seconds, even if the game is still running.

Troubleshooting: username not changing in Fortnite

If you changed your Epic Games display name but it is not showing up in Fortnite on your Switch, try restarting the game. Close Fortnite completely, wait 10 seconds, and open it again. Your new username should appear when you load back in.

If it still does not show up after restarting, make sure you are signed into the correct Epic Games account on your Switch. Go to your Switch profile, select "User Settings," then "Linked Accounts," and confirm that the Epic Games account shown is the one you just changed the name on. If you have multiple Epic Games accounts, it is straightforward to mix them up.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Epic Games enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. You can change it as often as you want after each 30-day period ends, but not more frequently than that.

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

Yes, if they have you added as a friend. Your friend list connection stays the same. They will see your new username in their friends list and in-game, but they will not be able to search for your old username anymore.

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, both, or neither — they do not affect each other. Many players keep their Switch username and their Fortnite username different on purpose.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Try adding numbers, underscores, or slight variations to your preferred name. Epic Games allows most special characters except spaces. If a name is taken, it means another player is using it, and you cannot claim it until they change their username.

Does changing my username affect my V-Bucks or cosmetics?

No. Your account, cosmetics, V-Bucks, battle pass progress, and all other data stay exactly the same. Only your display name changes.