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 uses its own account system — your Epic Games account — which is linked to your Switch but stays independent. This means you need to log into Epic Games directly to change how your name appears in Fortnite matches, the lobby, and to other players.

The process takes about five minutes and requires access to the email address connected to your Epic Games account. You do not need to own a computer; you can do this on your Switch itself by opening a web browser.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Fortnite username lives in your Epic Games account, not your Nintendo Switch account, so changing one does not affect the other.
  • You can change your Fortnite name directly on your Switch by opening a browser and visiting the Epic Games website.
  • You will need to know the email address and password for the Epic Games account linked to your Switch.
  • Fortnite allows you to change your display name once every 30 days, so choose carefully before you confirm.

Find your Epic Games account email and password

Before you start, you need the login details for your Epic Games account. This is the account you used when you first linked Fortnite to your Switch. If you set up Fortnite through your Switch without remembering creating an Epic Games account, one was created for you automatically.

If you do not remember your password, you can reset it on the Epic Games website before you begin. Go to www.epicgames.com, click "Sign In" in the top right, then click "Forgot your password?" and follow the email recovery steps. This is faster than trying to recover it mid-process on your Switch.

Log into Epic Games on your Switch browser

Open your Nintendo Switch and go to the home screen. Press the X button to open the album, then press the Y button to open the web browser. In the address bar, type www.epicgames.com and press Enter.

Once the Epic Games website loads, click the "Sign In" button in the top right corner. Enter the email address and password for your Epic Games account. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will receive a code on your phone or email — enter that code when prompted.

Navigate to your account settings

After you log in, you will see your Epic Games profile. Look for your username or avatar in the top right corner of the page and click it. A dropdown menu will appear with several options. Click "Account" to open your account settings.

On the account page, look for a section labeled "General" or "Profile" on the left side menu. Click it to see your basic account information, including your display name.

Change your display name

Find the field that shows your current display name. It may be labeled "Display Name" or "Username." Click the edit button (usually a pencil icon) next to it. A text box will appear where you can type your new name.

Fortnite display names can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces and special characters like hyphens or periods are not allowed. Type your new name and check that it looks correct before you move forward.

Click the "Save" or "Confirm" button to lock in your change. Epic Games will show you a message confirming the change was successful. Your new name will appear in Fortnite the next time you launch the game.

Remember the 30-day waiting period

Once you change your display name, you cannot change it again for 30 days. Epic Games enforces this rule to prevent confusion in the community and to stop players from switching names too frequently during matches or tournaments. If you make a typo or change your mind when ready, you are stuck with the new name until the 30 days pass.

Take a moment to double-check your spelling and make sure you like how it looks before you confirm. If you realize after 30 days that you want something different, you can change it again at that time.

What to do if your name does not update in Fortnite

Sometimes your new display name takes a few minutes to show up in Fortnite after you change it. Close Fortnite completely and restart the game. This forces your Switch to reload your account information from Epic Games.

If your name still does not update after restarting, log out of your Epic Games account on your Switch and log back in. Go to System Settings, select Users, choose your user, then select "Link to Nintendo Account." This reconnects your Switch to your Epic Games account and pulls the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Fortnite name more than once every 30 days?

No. Epic Games locks your display name for 30 days after each change. You cannot pay to bypass this or change it sooner. After 30 days have passed, you can change it again.

Will changing my Fortnite name affect my V-Bucks or cosmetics?

No. Your V-Bucks, skins, emotes, and all other cosmetics stay with your Epic Games account. Changing your display name only changes how your name appears to other players — everything else remains the same.

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

Check your Switch's user profile settings. Go to System Settings, select Users, choose your user, and look for linked accounts. Your Epic Games account email should be listed there. If it is not, you may need to unlink and relink your accounts.

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

No. Fortnite display names accept only letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters will not work. If you try to use them, the system will reject your entry.

Does my new Fortnite name show up for other players right away?

Usually within a few minutes, but sometimes it takes up to an hour for the change to appear across all Fortnite servers. If friends still see your old name, ask them to restart Fortnite or wait a bit longer.