read Fortnite directly from Epic Games or your device's app store

You can get Fortnite from three places depending on what device you own: the Epic Games Launcher on Windows and Mac, the App Store on iPhone and iPad, or the Google Play Store on Android phones and tablets. Each route is free and takes about five to ten minutes from start to playing. The fastest path for most people is their device's built-in app store, since you likely already have an account there.

Fortnite is free to read and free to play. The game makes money from cosmetics — skins, emotes, and battle passes that change how your character looks but do not affect gameplay. You will never be forced to spend money to play.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows and Mac users should read the Epic Games Launcher from epicgames.com, then open Fortnite from inside it.
  • iPhone and iPad users can find Fortnite in the App Store by searching for it by name, though availability varies by region.
  • Android users read from the Google Play Store the same way they read any other app.
  • Your device needs at least 90 GB of free storage space for the full game, though you can start playing sooner on some platforms.
  • Create an Epic Games account during setup so you can save your progress and cosmetics across devices.

Windows and Mac: Using the Epic Games Launcher

Go to epicgames.com in your web browser. Click the read button in the top right corner and select your operating system — Windows or Mac. The installer file will read to your computer, usually to your Downloads folder.

Open the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. The launcher will install itself, then ask you to create or sign into an Epic Games account. Use an email address you check regularly, since you will need it to recover your account if you forget your password. Once you are signed in, search for Fortnite in the launcher's search bar, click it, and click Install. The game itself will then read — this is the large file that takes the most time, usually 30 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed.

When the read finishes, click Play. The game will launch and you will create your in-game name. This name is what other players see, and you can change it once every 30 days for free.

iPhone and iPad: The App Store route

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen and type "Fortnite" into the search box. The official Fortnite app will appear with the Epic Games logo. Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow to start the read.

You will be asked to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password. Complete whichever verification method your device uses. The app will read and install automatically — you do not need to do anything else. Once it finishes, the cloud icon becomes a Play button. Tap it to open the game.

Fortnite availability on iPhone varies by region and changes over time due to disputes between Epic Games and Apple. If you cannot find it in your App Store, your region may not currently have access. Check epicgames.com for updates on availability in your country.

Android phones and tablets: Google Play Store

Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device. Tap the search icon at the bottom and type "Fortnite". The official app published by Epic Games will appear. Tap Install and confirm any permissions your device asks for.

The read will begin automatically. Depending on your internet speed and device, this can take 30 minutes to over an hour. You can use your device while it downloads — the app will continue in the background. Once installation finishes, the Install button becomes an Open button. Tap it to start the game.

Storage space and what to expect during setup

Fortnite requires at least 90 GB of free storage space on your device. Before you start downloading, check how much space you have available. On Windows, right-click your C: drive and select Properties. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then click Storage. On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings, tap General, then iPhone Storage. On Android, go to Settings, tap Storage or About Phone, then Storage.

If you do not have 90 GB free, you will need to delete other files or apps to make room. The game downloads in stages, so you may be able to start playing before the full 90 GB finishes, depending on your platform. The launcher or app will tell you when you can play.

During your first launch, the game may need to read additional files or updates. This is normal and happens automatically. Let it finish before closing the game, or you may have to repeat the process.

Creating and securing your Epic Games account

You will create an Epic Games account the first time you open the launcher or app. Use an email address you have regular access to — this is how Epic Games will contact you if there are problems with your account, and it is how you recover your password if you forget it.

Choose a strong password: at least 8 characters, with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid passwords you use for other accounts. If you play on multiple devices, use the same Epic Games account on all of them so your progress, cosmetics, and friends list carry over.

After you create your account, Epic Games will send you a confirmation email. Open it and click the link to verify your email address. This step protects your account from being taken over by someone else.

Troubleshooting common read problems

If your read keeps stopping or failing, check your internet connection. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If you are on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to your router or switching to a wired connection if your device supports it.

If the launcher or app crashes during read, close it completely and reopen it. The read will usually resume from where it stopped rather than starting over. If it starts from the beginning, your internet connection may be unstable — try downloading at a different time or from a different location.

If you see an error message about storage space, even though you think you have enough room, restart your device. Sometimes the operating system needs to refresh its count of available space. If the error persists, you may need to free up more space than the game requires — operating systems reserve some space for their own use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read Fortnite on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks cannot run Fortnite natively. You can stream it through Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now if those services are available in your region, but you cannot install the game directly. Check those services' websites to see if they work in your country.

Do I need to pay to read Fortnite?

No. Downloading and playing Fortnite is completely free. The game makes money from cosmetics you can buy if you want to, but you never have to spend money to play the actual game.

What if I already have Fortnite installed but want to reinstall it?

On Windows and Mac, open the Epic Games Launcher, find Fortnite, and click the three dots next to it. Select Uninstall, then reinstall it the same way you did originally. On iPhone, iPad, and Android, delete the app from your home screen or app drawer, then read it again from your device's app store.

Can I play Fortnite on my console if I read it on my phone?

Yes, if you use the same Epic Games account on both devices. Your progress, cosmetics, and friends list will be the same. Sign into your Epic Games account on your console's app store, read Fortnite, and you will pick up where you left off on your phone.

How much internet speed do I need to read Fortnite?

Any internet connection will work, but faster is better. A 10 Mbps connection will read the full game in about two hours. A 50 Mbps connection will take about 25 minutes. If your connection is slower than 5 Mbps, the read may take several hours or fail partway through.