The Complete Guide to Downloading Fortnite on Android

Since being removed from the Google Play Store in 2020, many Android users find themselves wondering – how can I get Fortnite on my device? The massively popular free game continues to be played by over 350 million players, but installing it on Android has become trickier after Epic Game‘s falling out with Google.

Not to worry however! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all your options for installing Fortnite, best gaming practices, performance optimization, and step-by-step troubleshooting. Let‘s dive in and get the ultimate battle royale game loaded onto your phone or tablet.

Overview – Fortnite Install Options for Android

While no longer available on the Play Store, there are three great ways to download Fortnite onto your Android device:

Epic Games App – Download directly from Epic via their official Android app. Simple and ensures you get the latest game version.

Samsung Galaxy Store – Exclusive access for Samsung device owners to install via the Galaxy Store ecosystem.

Cloud Gaming Services – Stream Fortnite instantly without installing. Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now fully support Android mobile play.

We will cover step-by-step installation guides for all three methods, followed by performance optimization advice, advanced troubleshooting, and tips from the experts to get you up and running. Time to drop onto the battle bus!

Downloading Fortnite via the Epic Games App

Epic Games provides an official app for Android that allows installing Fortnite from outside the Play Store ecosystem. Downloading directly from the creators gives you easy access to the most up-to-date version of the game.

Step 1) Open your preferred Android web browser and navigate to:

https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/mobile/android

Alternatively, search for “Epic Games Fortnite Android” and tap the first result.

Step 2) Tap the prominent yellow “Get it on Epic Games” button to begin downloading the Epic Games app file.

Note: Android may warn that installing unknown apps can be harmful. This warning appears for all apps downloaded outside the Play Store. Rest assured directly downloading Fortnite from Epic Games is perfectly safe.

Step 3) In your notification panel, tap the completed Epic Games app download. Then select “Install” when prompted.

If the install notification disappears, you can manually locate the EpicGamesApp.apk file in your device’s Downloads folder.

Allow installing from Unknown Sources if your device requests this to complete installation.

Step 4) Launch the Epic Games app from the installation confirmation screen or your device’s app menu.

You will see Fortnite prominently promoted alongside other Epic titles like Fall Guys. Tap install below Fortnite’s icon then select “Launch”.

After tapping “Launch”, Fortnite will begin downloading additional files needed to play (2 GB+). Make sure you have enough free storage space before starting the install!

And that’s all it takes to get Fortnite installed from the official Epic Games app. Now let’s look at accessing Fortnite from the Samsung Galaxy Store.

Install Fortnite via the Samsung Galaxy Store

Alongside the Epic Games app, Galaxy device owners can install Fortnite directly through Samsung’s own Galaxy Store. This provides easy access identical to installing any app from the Play Store.

Step 1) Open the Galaxy Store on your Samsung device. You can search apps or find it in your main menu.

On first launch, you may need to sign-in with your Samsung account or register for one. Follow any login prompts if required.

Step 2) From the bottom navigation bar, select the "Games" tab to browse apps.

Scroll through the games list until you locate “Epic Games”. Tap the entry to visit the publisher page.

Tip: Epic Games is usually featured among the top charts which makes it easy to find.

Step 3) On the Epic Games galaxy store page, tap the blue “Install” button to download.

A pop-up may ask if you want games to auto-update or auto-launch once installed. Make your choice, then proceed.

Step 4) Open the installed Epic Games app from your Galaxy device’s menu.

Immediately you will see Fortnite prominently promoted on the front page. Tap “Get” below Fortnite’s icon to begin installing!

The Galaxy Store provides Samsung users with a Google Play Store-like one-tap installing experience. No third-party downloads required.

Cloud Gaming Options for Android Mobile

Along with native Android installation, cloud gaming apps allow you to stream Fortnite in seconds without downloading or installing anything.

Cloud gaming runs the game itself on remote servers operated by the service. Video is streamed to your phone similar to Netflix or Spotify, and your controller inputs are sent back up to the server. This allows cloud gaming platforms to support a variety of devices from phones to browsers.

Let‘s discuss two popular options for accessing Fortnite cloud gaming on your Android phone or tablet:

Xbox Cloud Gaming

With an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you gain access to Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) which features Fortnite streaming. For $14.99/month Ultimate subscribers can stream Fortnite mobile gameplay in seconds.

Cloud sync keeps your progression and unlocks aligned across Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile. Cross-platform multiplayer support also unites you with all Fortnite gamers.

To get started:

1. Install the Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Cloud Gaming app
2. Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
3. Launch cloud gaming the app and select Fortnite!

No downloading necessary. Cloud gaming allows you to simply link your Microsoft and Epic Games accounts, then start playing Fortnite via stream.

Nvidia GeForce Now

After linking your Epic account, Nvidia GeForce Now enables premium cloud streaming of Fortnite to your Android phone or tablet.

GeForce Now offers different membership tiers:

• Free Tier – standard access, 1-hour session limit
• Priority Tier – extended 6-hour sessions, improved performance up to 1080p/60FPS
• RTX 3080 Tier – 1440p resolution up to 120 FPS and ray tracing

If you want to experience Fortnite mobile gameplay with all settings cranked up, RTX 3080 delivers a console/PC-quality experience right to your phone.

Follow these tips to access Fortnite via GeForce Now:

1. Install and open the GeForce Now Android app
2. Sign-up and link your Epic Games account
3. Search Fortnite and start streaming right away!

Between Xbox and GeForce Now, cloud gaming enables you to enjoy Fortnite streaming on practically any modern Android phone or tablet.

Now let‘s explore optimization and customization on Android…

Optimizing Performance for Fortnite Mobile

Epic has done an excellent job optimizing Fortnite for mobile devices. However, a few key steps can help boost performance and stability for buttery smooth battle royales.

Firstly, your device hardware impacts in-game results more noticeably than other titles. Here are the best specs to target:

Devices like the Galaxy S22 Ultra or high-end gaming phones better optimize via enhanced cooling and maxed out specs. Budget phones may struggle hitting 60 FPS.

Streaming Fortnite via Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now bypasses aging device hardware entirely for modern gaming performance.

Beyond device capabilities, these tweaks also boost mobile gameplay:

• Close all other apps when playing
• Disable battery optimizations for Fortnite
• Connect your phone to reliable high-speed WiFi
• Set graphics to High/Epic for increased FPS
• Enable Touch Sensitivity Boost under Fortnite settings

Controller support completes the premium Fortnite mobile experience:

For maximum competitive edge, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro directly plugs into compatible Android devices transforming them into dedicated handheld systems.

Between optimizing your Android build and connectivity, immersing via controllers accentuates Fortnite as a top-flight mobile showcase demonstrating the expanding range of Android cloud gaming capabilities closing the gap to console counterparts.

Troubleshooting Tips

Don‘t sweat it if you encounter issues installing or launching Fortnite on your Android. We gathered pro tips from Android experts for quickly resolving common problems:

Install getting stuck?

• Restart your phone and relaunch the installer
• Temporarily disable antivirus apps which may interfere
• Clear app cache and download folder to remove any corrupted files

App crashing on launch?

• Check you meet minimum Android OS and hardware requirements
• Close all other apps occupying RAM
• Temporarily lower graphical quality if GPU overwhelmed

Poor framerate or intermittent lag?

• Ensure reliable low-latency 5G or WiFi connection
• Disable battery optimization for Fortnite in Settings
• Close apps running in background
• Consult network stats during match to identify spike causes

Fortnitetaking up too much storage space?

• Uninstall + reinstall Fortnite to purge old update files
• Set Fortnite‘s auto-update preference to WiFi only
• Expand device storage via SD card if available

Can’t sign into Epic Games account?

• Double check account credentials are correct
• Reset password if forgotten
• Disable any VPN connections interfering

For any other questions getting Fortnite up and running optimally, don‘t hesitate to ask our Android support team!

Recap + Conclusion

Despite Google and Epic‘s ongoing corporate battle, Android users can absolutely still install the greatest battle royale around.

The Epic Games app offers one-tap installing while Galaxy owners gain simple Fortnite access via the Samsung ecosystem. Both keep your gameplay fully in sync with console and PC counterparts.

Prefer instant mobile play? Cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming provide unlimited on-demand Fortnite streaming to phones and tablets with no downloading or hardware constraints.

Optimizing software and connectivity takes mobile Fortnite to the next level. Further complement performance by equipping advanced controllers from SteelSeries, Razer or Xbox.

Fortnite‘s flexible mobile launch options make Android an exceptional showcase platform for expanding cloud gaming functionality. Thanks for following along the journey to get the world‘s biggest game on your phone! Let us know if you have any other questions.