Here's how to install Fortnite for Android and iOS

Fortnite for Android has been out for a while now, as well as the iOS version. However, in August 2020, Fortnite’s developer and publisher, Epic, launched a direct payment system from inside the iOS and Android apps. That’s a serious violation of Apple’s and Google’s policies, which require app developers to give up a large percentage of any revenue from apps or games that use their respective app stores.

In retaliation, Apple removed Fortnite from its iOS App Store, and Google also took the game out of its Play Store. While you can still download and install Fortnite via the Epic Games app without the Google Play Store, the same cannot be said for new installs for iPhones or iPads (outside of the EU). Some people have even resold some iPhones with Fortnite pre-installed for thousands of dollars. There’s a workaround to install Fortnite for Android and iOS, though. Let’s go over the process.

How to Install Fortnite on Android devices

1. Go to Fortnite’s Android download page.
2. Under Play Fortnite on Android, select Download now!.
3. Hit Download Anyway.
4. Open the downloaded file and select Install. Allow installing from external sources if prompted.
5. Hit Open.
6. Go to the Fortnite page.
7. Hit Install.
8. Select Launch.

Note: This method doesn’t work on all devices. We devised these instructions using a Google Pixel 7 running Android 14. Steps and compatibility might vary depending on your hardware and software.

How to Install Fortnite on Samsung devices

Alternatively, Samsung users can also get the Fortnite app by downloading Epic Games from the Samsung Galaxy Store.

1. Open the Galaxy Store.
2. Search for Fortnite.
3. Open the Epic Games page.
4. Tap on Install.
5. Tap on Open.
6. Go to the Fortnite page.
7. Tap on Install.
8. Pick Launch to start playing.

Note: This method doesn’t work on all devices. We devised these instructions using a Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus running Android 12. Steps and compatibility might vary depending on your hardware and software.

Install the Fortnite app on your iPhone or iPad

Install the Epic Games Store and download (EU only)

Now that Apple is forced to allow third-party stores on its platform, you can install the newly launched Epic Games Store for iOS, which has Fortnite. It’s important to note that Apple is only required to allow other marketplaces on its platform in the EU. As such, this method for installing Fortnite only applies to players in EU countries.

If you’re in a country that’s part of the EU, then follow these steps:

1. Head to https://epicgames.com/ on your iOS device.
2. Tap on the Epic Games Store banner, which will download the app.
3. Press OK when greeted by the marketplace installation message.
4. Go to Settings.
5. Select Allow Marketplace from Epic Games.
6. Tap Allow.
7. Return to the browser to proceed with the installation.
8. Tap on Install.
9. Tap on Install App Marketplace.
10. Press Confirm to finish the installation.
11. Go to your home screen and tap on the Epic Games Store app.
12. Search for Fornite and select Install.
13. Tap Get to download and install the game.

Re-download Fortnite on iOS

This method will only work if you’ve previously downloaded Fortnite on your device.

1. Open the Apple App Store and tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
2. Tap the Purchased section.
3. Tap the My Purchases option. You should see a long list of all app purchases under your account.
4. Search for Fortnite on your My Purchases page. When you find it, tap the cloud icon next to it.
5. That’s it. You should then be able to install the Fortnite iOS app on your iPhone or iPad.

Note: These steps were assembled using an Apple iPhone 12 Mini running iOS 17.2.1. Some steps might differ depending on your device and its software version.

The future for Fortnite on iOS — Play via Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming

At the time of this article, there’s no way for iOS devices to install Fortnite on a new iOS account that has not installed the game before, unless you live in the EU. People who have previously installed Fortnite on their iOS devices won’t get new updates for the game, either.

However, in May 2022, Microsoft and Epic Games announced that Fortnite is available to play via Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service. iPhone and iPad users can go to Xbox.com/play on their web browser and play Fortnite, thanks to streaming cloud gaming. There’s no need to pay for an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, either. All you need to have is a free Microsoft account to access Fortnite via cloud servers.

1. Go to Xbox.com/play using Safari.
2. Find Fortnite and go to its page by tapping on it.
3. Hit Play.
4. The game will launch.

FAQs

Unfortunately, Fortnite for Android does not support mouse or keyboard controllers. Indeed, if you decide to connect a mouse or keyboard to your phone to play Fortnite for Android, Epic says it will remove you from your match.

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