Fortnite for Android: How to download and install the viral mobile game

Epic Games has introduced a beta version for Fortnite for Android. Before you start looking for the game on Google Play store, here’s what you need to know about the game.

Fortnite arrives on Android: But it’s not an easy download (Epic Games/Screenshot)

Fortnite, the most popular mobile game of the year, arrived on Android last week. After debuting with Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Fortnite for Android (beta) version is now being rolled out to more Android phones. But before you start looking for the game on Google Play Store, here's what you need to know about Fortnite for Android.

The most important thing you need to know that Fortnite is not available on Google Play Store. Instead, you've to visit Fortnite.com/Android to sign up for the game. You will be asked to enter a few details like if you have played Fortnite in the past or on other platform and which Android phone you are using currently. Enter your registered email ID and wait for the email with the link to download the APK.

Epic Games, the studio behind the massively popular games, has already given a list of phones that are compatible with Fortnite for Android. Samsung devices that are compatible with Fortnite for Android are: Samsung Galaxy: S7 / S7 Edge , S8 / S8+, S9 / S9+, Note 8, Note 9, Tab S3, Tab S4.

Other devices Fortnite for Android supports:
Google: Pixel / Pixel XL, Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL
Asus: ROG Phone, Zenfone 4 Pro, 5Z, V
Essential: PH-1
Huawei: Honor 10, Honor Play, Mate 10 / Pro, Mate RS, Nova 3, P20 / Pro, V10
LG: G5, G6, G7 ThinQ, V20, V30 / V30+
Nokia: 8
OnePlus: 5 / 5T, 6
Razer: Phone
Xiaomi: Blackshark, Mi 5 / 5S / 5S Plus, 6 / 6 Plus, Mi 8 / 8 Explorer / 8SE, Mi Mix, Mi Mix 2, Mi Mix 2S, Mi Note 2
ZTE: Axon 7 / 7s, Axon M, Nubia / Z17 / Z17s, Nubia Z11

If your phone isn't in the list, you may still be able to play the game. Just choose "other phone" from the options. Looking at the list of compatible phones, it appears Fortnite will be compatible with phones that come with slightly superior processors like Snapdragon 845 and RAM size more than 2GB. For instance, we could install the game on Vivo Nex, a top-end smartphone with Snapdragon 845 processor and 4,000mAh battery.

How to install Fortnite for Android
After you've submitted your email ID, Epic Games sends you the link to download the APK on your email.

Since it's an APK-based installation, you will have to override the phone's default settings permissions to install the game. It's an over 1GB of download, therefore, we recommend you to install the game over the Wi-Fi.

You need to give extra permissions to play Fortnite on Android (Epic Games/Screenshot)

You need to give extra permissions to play Fortnite on Android (Epic Games/Screenshot)

Allow the game access to game storage. "You are about to be prompted to allow access to device storage. This is required to store your game data and must be accepted to continue," reads a notification. Hit Continue.

Instead of launching the game on Google Play Store, Fortnite is available via an APK download (Epic Games/Screenshot)

Instead of launching the game on Google Play Store, Fortnite is available via an APK download (Epic Games/Screenshot)

Allow Fortnite Installer to access photos, media, content and files on your device. Go to Settings and allow download from unknown sources.

Wait for the installation to complete. The installation may take a bit of time considering it's almost 2GB of download. Once done, you can get started with Fortnite for Android.