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 need to log into Epic Games directly to change the name other players see in Fortnite — changing it on the Switch itself will not affect how you appear in the game.
The process takes about five minutes and requires access to the email address linked to your Epic Games account. You do not need to own a PC or be away from your Switch; you can make the change on any device with a web browser, then see it reflected in Fortnite the next time you launch the game.
Key Takeaways
- Your Fortnite username lives in your Epic Games account, not on Nintendo Switch, so you must change it through the Epic Games website.
- You can change your Fortnite username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready after you save it.
- You need access to the email address tied to your Epic Games account to make the change.
- If you have linked your Switch account to Epic Games, logging into Fortnite on the Switch will show your new username within a few minutes.
Steps to change your Fortnite username through Epic Games
Go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In 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 need to enter a code from your authenticator app or email.
Once you are logged in, click your account name or profile icon in the top right, then select Account. On the left side of the page, click General. Look for the field labeled Display Name — this is your Fortnite username. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new username, then click Save. The change is live when ready.
If you see a message that your username is unavailable, that name is already taken by another player. Try a variation — adding numbers, underscores, or a different spelling. Fortnite usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
When you can change your username again
Epic Games allows you to change your display name once every 30 days. If you try to change it before 30 days have passed since your last change, the website will show you the exact date you can change it again. This limit applies whether you changed it through the Epic Games website or through another connected platform like PlayStation or Xbox.
If you changed your username recently and cannot remember when, log into your Epic Games account and go to the Display Name field. The page will tell you when you are may be able to access to change it next.
How to see your new username in Fortnite on Switch
After you save your new display name on the Epic Games website, launch Fortnite on your Nintendo Switch. The game may take a few minutes to sync with your Epic Games account. Your new username will appear in the lobby, in-game, and on your profile.
If you still see your old username after closing and reopening the game, try signing out of your Epic Games account on the Switch and signing back in. Go to Settings on the Switch home screen, select Users, then Manage User Accounts. Find your account, select it, and choose Link with Nintendo Account to refresh the connection. This forces the Switch to pull the latest information from Epic Games.
What happens if you forgot your Epic Games password
Go to www.epicgames.com and click Sign In. Below the password field, click Forgot your password? Enter the email address linked to your Epic Games account. Epic Games will send you a password reset link. Check your email (including spam folders) and click the link. Create a new password, then log back in to change your display name.
If you do not have access to the email address linked to your account, you will need to contact Epic Games support. Go to www.epicgames.com/help and click Contact Us. Explain that you cannot access your email and provide any information you remember about the account — the username, any payment methods you used, or the approximate date you created it. Epic Games support can verify your identity and help you regain access.
Usernames versus account names: what other players see
Your display name (the one you change on the Epic Games website) is what other players see in Fortnite. Your account name is the email address you use to log in — other players cannot see this. If you want to change the email address itself, that is a separate process and requires verifying a new email address through Epic Games.
For most players, changing the display name is all you need. Other players will see your new username in the lobby, in chat, and on the scoreboard. Your friends list will update automatically.
Restrictions and things to know before you change
Fortnite usernames cannot contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people without permission. If your chosen username violates these rules, Epic Games will not let you save it. The system usually catches this when ready and suggests you try a different name.
You cannot reserve a username or hold multiple usernames on one account. If you change your mind about a new username, you have to wait 30 days before changing it again. Plan your new username carefully, or choose something neutral that you will be happy with for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Fortnite username on the Nintendo Switch itself?
No. Changing your Switch username does not change your Fortnite username. You must go to the Epic Games website, log into your account, and change the display name there. The change will show up in Fortnite on your Switch within a few minutes.
What if someone else is using the username I want?
Usernames are unique — only one player can have each name. If the name you want is taken, try adding numbers, underscores, or a different spelling. You can also check if the name is available before you commit to changing by typing it into the display name field on the Epic Games website.
Do I lose my progress or V-Bucks if I change my username?
No. Changing your display name does not affect your progress, cosmetics, V-Bucks, or anything else in your account. Only the name other players see changes.
How long does it take for my new username to show up in Fortnite?
Usually within a few minutes of saving the change on the Epic Games website. If it takes longer than 10 minutes, try closing Fortnite completely and launching it again. The game syncs with Epic Games when it starts up.
Can I change my username more than once a month?
No. Epic Games limits display name changes to once every 30 days. If you change it and want to change it again, you must wait 30 days from the date of your last change.