How do I get Fortnite on my Android phone?

By Visual Media Factory Blog, Fortnite, Info Epic Games, Fortnite, Fortnite on Android, Install Fortnite on Android 0 Comments

Epic Games’ battle royale hit Fortnite was released on Android devices in 2018 with a big catch: for a few days, it was only available on Samsung-made phones as a way to promote the then-new Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

At the time, would-be players had to deal with a waiting list and/or a limited list of Android phones that qualified. It’s a lot easier these days, but you still have to download it directly from Epic. (This, according to Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, is primarily to avoid paying Google’s 30% cut on in-app purchases.) Epic is distributing the game more widely on all compatible Android devices through its own website and a Fortnite Installer program.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making sure you’re ready and know how to get started playing Fortnite on Android. But, before we get into the details, a word of caution:

AVOID THE PLAY STORE AT ALL COSTS.
To begin, do not download anything from the Google Play Store or any other third-party website. Epic has made it clear that Fortnite will only be available on Android via its own website and Samsung’s Galaxy Store. You’ll get a simple “No results” message if you search for the game on the Play Store. (Previously, Google would display a special warning that read, “Fortnite Battle Royale by Epic Games, Inc is not available on Google Play” due to concerns about malware-infected fake versions.)

THE GAME MUST BE DOWNLOADED FIRST, THEN THE INSTALLER.
You’ll need to download two separate applications due to the unique distribution model used here. The Fortnite Installer, which is an official APK file that installs the game, will be the first.

Depending on which version of Android you have and what security settings you have in place, you may need to disable special permissions in your Android settings that allow you to download third-party apps. Then you’ll have to go through a series of download sequences that are a little more involved than your typical app installation.

How to install Fortnite on Android?

If you have a Samsung phone, you can go to the Galaxy Store to download the installer for Epic Games. You can then skip to step 6.
Otherwise, go directly to Epic’s site. You will find a page suggesting that you either visit fortnite.com/android on your phone or scan a QR code.
Whichever method you choose, you’ll be sent to a page that gives you some instruction on what to expect. You’ll also get a pop-up for the installer; tap “Open.”
You will probably get a security notice saying that your phone isn’t allowed to install unknown apps from that source. Tap on “Settings.” A page labeled “Install unknown apps” will let you toggle on “Allow from this source.”
You will then be asked if you want to install the app. Tap on “Install.” When you get the “App install” pop-up, tap on “Done.”
The installer will appear on your homepage and in your phone’s app list as Epic Games. You may also get a download notification for the APK. Tap on the icon or on the APK notification.
You’ll land on a page with the Fortnite graphic. Tap on that, and then on “Install.”
You’ll probably get that message again about installing unknown apps. Once again, tap on Settings and toggle on “Allow from this source.”
The app will then install, load any updates, and open.

You should be able to launch Fortnite, log into your account, and begin playing once it’s finished. Epic has previously advised users to keep the Fortnite Installer program because it is responsible for keeping the game up to date with new patches.