Your Fortnite username changes through Epic Games, not through Nintendo Switch settings

Your Fortnite name is tied to your Epic Games account, not your Nintendo Switch profile. This means you cannot change it from the Switch itself — you have to go through Epic Games' website or the Fortnite launcher on another device. The process takes about five minutes and does not require you to buy anything or create a new account.

If you have never linked your Nintendo Switch to an Epic Games account, you will need to do that first. Once linked, you can change your display name (the name other players see) or your account name (the name you use to log in). Most players want to change the display name, since that is what shows up in matches.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite usernames are managed through Epic Games accounts, so you must visit the Epic Games website or use another device — the Switch settings menu does not have this option.
  • You can change your display name (what other players see) once every two weeks, but your account name (login name) can only be changed once per year.
  • If your Switch is not yet linked to an Epic Games account, you will need to link it before you can change your name.
  • The change takes effect when ready in Fortnite, though it may take a few minutes to show up in all menus and in-game.

Link your Nintendo Switch to Epic Games if you have not already

Open a web browser on any device and go to www.epicgames.com. Click the sign-in button in the top right corner. If you already have an Epic Games account, sign in with that email and password. If you do not, click "Create account" and fill in your email, password, and date of birth.

Once you are signed in, look for your account menu (usually your username or an icon in the top right). Click it and select "Connections" or "Connected Accounts". Find Nintendo Switch in the list and click "Connect". You will be asked to sign in with your Nintendo account. After you do, Epic Games will link to your Switch profile. This only needs to happen once.

Change your display name through the Epic Games website

Go to www.epicgames.com and sign in to your Epic Games account. Click your account menu and select "Account". On the left side, click "General". You will see a field labeled "Display Name" — this is the name other players see in Fortnite.

Click in the Display Name field and type your new name. Fortnite display names can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Click "Save" when you are done. You can change your display name once every two weeks, so if you changed it recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again.

The new name shows up in Fortnite within a few minutes. If you are already in a match, you may need to restart the game to see the change in all menus.

Change your account name if you want a new login email

Your account name is different from your display name — it is the name you type in when you log into Epic Games. Most players do not need to change this, but if you want a different login name, the process is similar.

Go to www.epicgames.com, sign in, and click your account menu. Select "Account" and then "General". Look for a field labeled "Account Name" or "Username". Type your new name and click "Save". Account names can only be changed once per year, so choose carefully. The change takes effect when ready.

What to do if your display name is already taken

Fortnite allows multiple players to have the same display name, so you should not see a message saying your chosen name is taken. However, if you do see an error, try adding a number or underscore to the end of the name — for example, "Player_123" instead of "Player".

If the name contains spaces or special characters that Fortnite does not allow, you will see an error message listing which characters are not permitted. Remove those characters and try again.

Change your name on the Fortnite launcher if you do not have a web browser

If you are on a PC or Mac, you can also change your display name through the Epic Games Launcher. Open the launcher and sign in. Click your account icon in the top right corner and select "Account". Click "General" on the left side. Find the Display Name field, type your new name, and click "Save".

This method works the same way as the website — you can change your display name once every two weeks, and the change shows up in Fortnite within a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Fortnite name on the Nintendo Switch itself?

No. Fortnite names are managed through Epic Games, not Nintendo Switch settings. You must use the Epic Games website or launcher on another device to make the change. Your Switch profile name and your Fortnite name are separate.

How often can I change my display name?

You can change your display name once every two weeks. If you changed it recently, the Epic Games website will show you the exact date you can change it again. Your account name (login name) can only be changed once per year.

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

Yes. Your friends list and party invites stay the same because they are tied to your Epic Games account, not your display name. Your new name shows up in their friends list when ready.

What if I forget my Epic Games password?

Go to www.epicgames.com and click "Sign In". Click "Forgot your password?" and enter the email address tied to your account. Epic Games will send you a password reset link. Click the link, create a new password, and sign in.

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

Yes, as long as you wait two weeks between changes. You can change your display name to anything you want, including a previous name, as long as you respect the two-week waiting period.