Where to Download Fortnite on Your Device

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

Fortnite is available on Windows PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Android phones, and iPad. The fastest route depends on what device you own. On console — PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X|S — you read it through your console's built-in store. On PC and Mac, you can read from the Epic Games Launcher or, on Windows, from the Microsoft Store. On mobile devices, the path varies: Android users read from the Epic Games app or Samsung Galaxy Store, while iPad users read from the Apple App Store.

The Epic Games Launcher is the official desktop process that Epic Games created to distribute Fortnite and other games. It runs on both Windows and Mac. Using it gives you access to the full game without going through a third-party store, and it's where Epic Games pushes updates first. If you're on Windows and prefer not to install another launcher, the Microsoft Store version works identically — it just installs and updates through Windows instead.

Key Takeaways

Console players read Fortnite through their PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Nintendo eShop — the same place they buy other games.
Windows PC players can read from the Epic Games Launcher, the Microsoft Store, or GeForce Now if they own an Nvidia graphics card.
Mac players read from the Epic Games Launcher, though the game requires a Mac from 2017 or newer with at least 8 GB of RAM.
Android players read from the Epic Games app or Samsung Galaxy Store, not from Google Play, because of a dispute between Epic Games and Google.
iPad players read from the Apple App Store, but the game is not available on iPhones.

Windows PC: Epic Games Launcher vs. Microsoft Store

On Windows, you have two official routes. The Epic Games Launcher is the primary method: go to epicgames.com, click the read button, run the installer, create or sign into your Epic Games account, then search for Fortnite in the launcher and click Install. The game downloads to your PC and updates automatically when Epic releases new versions. This is the version most Windows players use.

The Microsoft Store version is identical in gameplay but installs and updates through Windows instead of a separate launcher. If you already use the Microsoft Store for other games or apps, this route keeps everything in one place. Search for Fortnite in the Microsoft Store app, click Install, and the game downloads automatically. Both versions let you play online with the same account — your progress carries over between them.

Mac: Epic Games Launcher and system requirements

Mac players read Fortnite only from the Epic Games Launcher. Go to epicgames.com on your Mac, read the launcher, install it, sign in, search for Fortnite, and click Install. The game requires macOS 10.14 or newer and a Mac from 2017 or later — this means a MacBook Air from mid-2017 onward, a MacBook Pro from 2017 onward, or an iMac from 2017 onward. Your Mac also needs at least 8 GB of RAM and 90 GB of free storage space.

If your Mac is older than 2017 or runs an older version of macOS, Fortnite will not run. Check your Mac's age by clicking the Apple menu, selecting About This Mac, and looking at the model and year. If you're below the requirement, you cannot play Fortnite on that machine — there is no workaround through the App Store or any other method.

PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

Console players read Fortnite through their console's built-in store. On PlayStation 4 or 5, open the PlayStation Store, search for Fortnite, and select read. On Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, open the Xbox Store, search for Fortnite, and select Install. On Nintendo Switch, open the Nintendo eShop, search for Fortnite, and select read. In all three cases, the game is free — you do not pay to read or play.

Your console must be connected to the internet, and you need an active account on that console. PlayStation and Xbox require a paid subscription (PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) to play online multiplayer, though the read itself is free. Nintendo Switch online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The game downloads in the background while you do other things, though it may take 30 minutes to several hours depending on your internet speed and the console's storage.

Android phones and tablets

Android users cannot read Fortnite from Google Play because of a licensing dispute between Epic Games and Google. Instead, read the Epic Games app from epicgames.com on your Android device, open it, sign in, search for Fortnite, and tap Install. The game then downloads and installs directly to your phone or tablet.

Some Android devices, particularly Samsung phones and tablets, can also read Fortnite from the Samsung Galaxy Store. Open the Galaxy Store app, search for Fortnite, and tap Install. Both methods work identically — choose whichever is easier for you. Your Android device needs Android 8.0 or newer and at least 4 GB of RAM. The game takes up roughly 30 GB of storage space, so you need that much free space available.

iPad and iPhone availability

Fortnite is available on iPad through the Apple App Store. Open the App Store, search for Fortnite, and tap Get. Your iPad must run iPadOS 14.4 or newer. The game requires an iPad from 2017 or later — this includes iPad Air 2, iPad Pro (all models), and iPad (5th generation) and newer. Older iPad models cannot run the game.

Fortnite is not available on iPhone. Apple removed it from the App Store in 2020 after a dispute with Epic Games over payment processing, and it has not returned. There is no official way to read Fortnite on an iPhone, and sideloading (installing apps outside the App Store) is not a practical option for most users.

Cloud gaming as an alternative

If your device does not meet the requirements for a direct read, cloud gaming lets you play Fortnite on a remote server and stream it to your device. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Cloud Gaming, which lets you play Fortnite on any device with a web browser and an internet connection — including older PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets. GeForce Now, made by Nvidia, also streams Fortnite to your device if you own an Nvidia graphics card or subscribe to their service.

Cloud gaming requires a fast, stable internet connection — ideally 35 Mbps or faster for smooth gameplay. Your device only needs to display the video stream, so even very old computers can work. The tradeoff is that you are playing on a remote server rather than your own hardware, which can add slight delay between your input and what appears on screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fortnite really free to read and play?

Yes. The game itself is free on every platform. Console players need a paid subscription (PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, or Nintendo Switch Online) to play online multiplayer, but the read costs nothing. PC and mobile players can play online for free without any subscription.

Do I need an Epic Games account to read Fortnite?

Yes. You create a free Epic Games account during the read process or before you start. This account stores your progress, cosmetics, and friends list across all devices. You can link it to your console account, Apple ID, or Google account so your progress carries over.

Why can't I find Fortnite on Google Play or the Apple App Store?

Google Play removed Fortnite in 2020 after Epic Games refused to use Google's payment system. Apple removed it the same year for the same reason. Both games are still available through other methods — Android through the Epic Games app, and iPad through the Apple App Store (though not iPhone).

How much storage space does Fortnite need?

Fortnite requires roughly 90 GB on PC and Mac, 30 GB on mobile devices, and 60–80 GB on console depending on the platform. Make sure you have that much free space before you start the read, or the installation will fail partway through.

Can I play Fortnite on my older computer or phone?

It depends on how old. Fortnite requires Windows 10 or newer on PC, macOS 10.14 or newer on Mac, Android 8.0 or newer on phones, and iPadOS 14.4 or newer on iPad. If your device is older than those requirements, you cannot read it directly. Cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass or GeForce Now may work on older devices if your internet is fast enough.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.