Fortnite beta on Android: how to download and device compatibility
Users with compatible Android devices can download the Fortnite on Android closed beta test right now. Here's how the process works.
With how big Epic Games' hit battle royale Fortnite has become, many might believe that there's no room left for expansion. They'd be wrong, as Fortnite still hasn't landed on Android, the most widely-used operating system in the world. Fortunately, that's about to change, as Epic Games has revealed that Fortnite is just about ready to make its Android debut. Before that happens, they're kicking off a timed exclusive closed beta test for select Samsung devices. Here's how to download the Fortnite beta on Android and a list of the devices Epic says should be powerful enough to run the game.
How to download the Fortnite beta on Android
Before we go any further, readers should know that Fortnite isn't technically available on Android as a platform right now — instead, it's currently available to Android-powered Samsung phones as part of a timed exclusive closed beta test. Beyond that, for now, the closed beta is only compatible with specific Samsung phones: the Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S8, S8+, S9, S9+, Note 8, Note 9, Tab S3, and Tab S4.
To make matters more complicated, developer Epic Games has opted not to feature Fortnite on the usual Google Play Store, likely because the studio doesn't want to give Google its usual 30 percent cut of all revenue. Instead, Epic has chosen to host an Android installer over on the Fortnite website — simply click on Play Free Now and let the installer do all the work. Alternatively, Samsung mobile phone users can find the Fortnite installer via the Galaxy Apps storefront.
It's worth mentioning again that the current Android iteration of Fortnite is a closed beta test, meaning even if users manage to download Fortnite for their Android devices, they still have to be invited to the beta to play the game — otherwise, they won't be able to sign in to the application.
Fortnite Android beta device compatibility list
For now, the Fortnite Android closed beta is a timed exclusive to the Samsung devices listed both above and below. Once the timed exclusivity period ends, Epic says the following devices should be able to properly run the Fortnite Android beta:
- Asus ROG Phone, Zenfone 4 Pro, 5Z, and V
- Essential PH-1
- Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL
- Huawei Honor 10, Honor Play, Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro, Mate RS, Nova 3, P20, P20 Pro Pro, and V10
- LG G5, G6, G7 ThinQ, V20, V30, and V30+
- Nokia 8
- OnePlus 5, 5T, and 6
- Razer Phone
- Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S8, S8+, S9, S9+, Note 8, Note 9, Tab S3, and Tab S4
- Xiaomi Blackshark, Mi 5, 5S, 5S Plus, 6, 6 Plus, Mi 8, 8 Explorer, 8SE, Mi Mix, Mi Mix 2, Mi Mix 2S, and Mi Note 2
- ZTE Axon 7, 7s, Axon M, Nubia, Z17, Z17s, and Nubia Z11
Once again, Fortnite on Android won't be featured in the Google Play Store; the most direct way to download it will be for users to point their phones over to the official Fortnite website.
To stay on top of the latest Fortnite news, including coverage of new Season 5 challenges and in-depth guides, be sure to stop by Shacknews' own Fortnite home page.
