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How to download and play Fortnite on Android without Google Play

By Matthew Liebl

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 26: A gamer plays the video game 'Fortnite Battle Royale' developed by Epic Games on a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 smartphone during the 'Paris Games Week' on October 26, 2018 in Paris, France. 'Paris Games Week' is an international trade fair for video games and runs from October 26 to 31, 2018. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 26: A gamer plays the video game 'Fortnite Battle Royale' developed by Epic Games on a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 smartphone during the 'Paris Games Week' on October 26, 2018 in Paris, France. 'Paris Games Week' is an international trade fair for video games and runs from October 26 to 31, 2018. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images) /
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Fortnite is no longer available on Google Play but you can still download it on Android devices.

As I’m sure you’re well aware right now, there’s an ongoing feud between Epic Games and two of the largest companies in the world, Apple and Google. Without rehashing the legal issues at hand, the key takeaway right now is that Fortnite is no longer available for download on either the App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android.

Unfortunately for iOS users, this means they can’t download and play Fortnite or, if they already have it installed, will not be able to download the next season update. It’s a little different on Android, however, as this is a more open platform. When Google removed Fortnite from the Google Play Store, the company explained:

"The open Android ecosystem lets developers distribute apps through multiple app stores. For game developers who choose to use the Play Store, we have consistent policies that are fair to developers and keep the store safe for users. While Fortnite remains available on Android, we can no longer make it available on Play because it violates our policies. However, we welcome the opportunity to continue our discussions with Epic and bring Fortnite back to Google Play."

So even though Fortnite is available on Google Play Store, you’re still able to download it on your Android mobile device. And it’s easy and safe too.

For Samsung owners, simply head here. It’s the Samsung Galaxy Store and so far there doesn’t appear to be any bad blood between the two companies so this should remain a viable option. Or just open the Samsung Galaxy Store on your phone, search for Fortnite and download it.

Even if you don’t own a Samsung device, you’re still able to download Fortnite for Android. If you recall, when Fortnite first released for Android it wasn’t initially available via the Google Play Store. Instead, Epic had set up its own portal where you could download the game via the Epic Games App. That option is still available.

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All you have to do is head to fortnite.com/android and scan the QR code on the Android device you want Fortnite installed on. You’ll be prompted to get it on the Epic Games App and although you’ll see a warning about installing apps from unofficial sources, you’ll still be able to download it with no issue.

Regardless of what Android device you’re playing on, Fortnite should remain playable despite no longer being on the Google Play Store. You’ll also be able to receive the latest updates via the Galaxy Store or Epic Games Store versions, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on the upcoming Chapter 2 – Season 4 update.

Again, this only applies to Android devices. Because of Apple’s strict rules, you have to go through the App Store, which is the crux of Epic’s entire argument right now. This means Fortnite or any updates can not currently be download on iOS.

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