How to Install Fortnite on Android

Epic Games has launched its hit battle royale Fortnite on Android devices in 2018 with a big problem:it was exclusive to Samsung-made phones for a few days to help market the new Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

At the time, future players had to deal with a waiting list and/or a restrictive list of qualified Android phones. These days it's much easier, but you still have to download it directly from Epic. (Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said it was basically to avoid paying Google's 30% discount on in-app purchases.) Epic uses its own website and a Fortnite Installer to distribute the game more widely on all compatible Android devices.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown to make sure you're prepared and understand the best way to start playing Fortnite on Android. But before we get to the nitty-gritty, a quick disclaimer:

Avoid the Play Store

First of all, don't download anything from the Google Play Store or any third party web source. Epic has made it clear that it only distributes Fortnite on Android through its own website and through Samsung's Galaxy Store. Game search on the Play Store, you will get a simple "No results" message. (Originally, searches returned a special warning from Google Play:"Fortnite Battle Royale by Epic Games, Inc is not available on Google Play" due to concerns about fake versions loaded with malware.)

Download the installer then the game

Due to the unique distribution model here, you will need to download two separate apps. The first will be the Fortnite Installer, which is the official APK file which then installs the game.

To do this, you may need to disable special permissions in your Android settings that allow you to download third-party apps, depending on the version of Android you have and your settings. existing security. After that, you'll have to go through a series of download sequences that are a little more complicated than installing your standard app.

Here is an overview of the steps to follow:

1. 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.
2. Otherwise, go directly to the Epic site. You'll find a page suggesting you visit fortnite.com/android on your phone or scan a QR code.
3. Whichever method you choose, you will be taken to a page that will give you instructions on what to expect. You will also get a pop-up window for the installer; tap "Open".
4. You will likely receive a security notice that your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source. Tap "Settings". A page titled "Install unknown apps" will allow you to toggle "Allow from this source".
5. You will then be asked if you want to install the application. Tap "Install". When you get the "App Installation" pop-up window, tap "Done".
6. The installer will appear on your homepage and in your phone's app list as Epic Games. You may also receive a download notification for the APK. Tap icon or APK notification.
7. You will arrive on a page with the Fortnite graphic. Tap on it, then on "Install".
8. You will probably get this message again about installing unknown apps. Again, tap Settings and enable "Allow from this source".
9. App will install, load updates and open.

Once finished, you should be able to start Fortnite , login to your account and start playing. In the past, Epic advised users to keep the Fortnite Installer, as it will be responsible for updating the game with new patches.

Update October 20, 2021 11:50 am ET: This article was originally published on August 13, 2018; the game installation process has been updated.