How to Set Parental Controls on Fortnite
Short answer
To set parental controls on Fortnite, sign in to your child’s Epic Games account, create a secure six-digit parental control PIN, and customize settings for communication, purchases, and content restrictions. These controls help manage who your child interacts with, limit spending, and create a safer, more age-appropriate gaming environment.
What Do You Need Before Setting Parental Controls on Fortnite?
Before you start setting parental controls on Fortnite, you need a few key things prepared. First, have access to the child’s Epic Games account that they use to play Fortnite. This is crucial because all parental controls are configured through the Epic Games website or app, not within the game itself. If your child doesn’t have an account yet, create one together so you can manage settings.
Second, choose the device you will use to set controls—this could be a computer, smartphone, tablet, or gaming console. Make sure you know the login credentials (email and password) for the Epic Games account. If you don’t have the password, you may need to reset it using the email linked to the account.
Third, decide in advance what restrictions you want to apply. For example, do you want to block voice and text chat entirely, limit it to friends only, or allow all communication? Will you block all in-game purchases or require a PIN for purchases? Planning this will make the process smoother.
Finally, prepare to create a six-digit parental control PIN. This PIN protects the settings from being changed without your permission. Choose a code you can remember but your child cannot easily guess. Store it securely, as you will need it to modify or disable parental controls later.
What Are Parental Controls on Fortnite and Why Should You Use Them?
Parental controls on Fortnite are settings that let you manage how your child interacts with the game. These controls help protect your child from inappropriate content, limit contact with strangers, and prevent accidental or unauthorized spending on in-game purchases.
Fortnite is an online multiplayer game where players can communicate via voice and text chat, team up with others, and buy virtual items called V-Bucks. Without controls, children might be exposed to harsh language, bullying, or make unintended purchases.
Using parental controls allows you to:
- Restrict voice and text chat to only friends or disable it entirely
- Block or require a PIN for in-game purchases to avoid surprise charges
- Filter out mature language or content unsuitable for younger players
These tools help create a safer and more controlled gaming environment, supporting your child’s digital safety and promoting responsible gaming habits.
How Do You Set Parental Controls on Fortnite? Step-by-Step Instructions
Setting parental controls involves a few straightforward steps. Follow this exact process to ensure your child’s settings are configured correctly:
- Sign In to the Epic Games Account: Go to the Epic Games website or open the Fortnite app on your device and sign in using your child’s account email and password. If you don’t know the password, request a reset to the linked email.
- Open Account Settings: Once signed in, click on the profile icon in the top-right corner and select “Account” from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to Parental Controls: On the left side menu, find and click “Parental Controls.”
- Create a Parental Control PIN: You’ll be prompted to enter a six-digit PIN. This PIN locks the parental controls so your child cannot change or disable them. For example, choose a code like “374829” but memorize it or keep it in a safe place.
- Set Communication Preferences: You will see options like: “Everyone” – your child can communicate with any player. “Friends Only” – restricts chat and friend requests to people your child has accepted. “No One” – disables voice and text chat entirely.
For younger children, select “No One” or “Friends Only.” For teens, you might allow “Friends Only” to encourage safe social interaction.
- Enable Purchase Restrictions: Turn on the toggle that requires the parental control PIN for all in-game purchases. This step prevents accidental or unauthorized spending on V-Bucks or skins.
- Apply Content Filters: Some settings may allow you to block mature language or certain in-game content. Choose these based on your child’s age and family preferences.
- Save Your Settings: Click “Save Changes” at the bottom of the page to apply all parental controls immediately.
- Log Out for Security: After setup, log out of the Epic Games account to prevent unauthorized access.
Example: If your child is 10 years old, set communication to “No One,” require the PIN for purchases, and enable content filters. For a 16-year-old, you may select “Friends Only” communication and keep purchase PINs enabled.
How Can You Verify That Fortnite Parental Controls Are Working?
After setting parental controls, verify they are active and working as expected. Here’s how:
- Test Communication Restrictions: From a separate Fortnite account, try sending a friend request or message to your child’s account. If you chose “Friends Only” or “No One,” the request or message should be blocked or not delivered.
- Test Purchase Restrictions: Attempt to make a purchase in Fortnite on your child’s account. The system should prompt for the six-digit parental control PIN before completing the transaction. If no prompt appears, the purchase restrictions might not be active.
- Review Settings on Epic Games: Log back into the Epic Games account and navigate to the “Parental Controls” section to confirm your options remain enabled and saved.
- Observe Gameplay: Watch your child’s gameplay or have conversations about their interactions and purchases. Signs of unauthorized chat or purchases indicate controls may not be properly set.
If communication or purchase restrictions appear ineffective, log out and back in, or try clearing the app cache to refresh settings on the device.
What Should You Do If Fortnite Parental Controls Aren’t Working?
If parental controls don’t seem to work, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Confirm You Are on the Correct Account: Ensure you are managing the parental controls on the exact Epic Games account your child uses to play Fortnite.
- Reset the Parental Control PIN: Use the “Forgot PIN” option on the parental control page. Follow the email verification steps to create a new PIN.
- Make Sure You Save Settings: Sometimes changes don’t apply unless you click “Save Changes.” Double-check that you completed this step.
- Update or Reinstall the Fortnite App: Outdated apps can cause glitches. Update the app or uninstall and reinstall it to refresh.
- Clear Device Cache: Sometimes cached data prevents updated settings from applying. Clear the cache or restart the device.
- Contact Epic Games Support: If none of these steps resolve the issue, reach out to Epic Games customer support for assistance.
Always keep your parental control PIN secure. If you suspect your child knows it, change it immediately to maintain control.
How Can You Combine Fortnite Parental Controls with Device-Level Restrictions?
Fortnite parental controls focus on in-game settings, but combining them with device-level controls strengthens protection. Consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch have native parental controls that allow you to:
- Set daily or weekly playtime limits
- Restrict purchases or require PINs for store transactions
- Block access to certain games or apps
For example, Nintendo Switch parental controls let you set playtime limits and manage game ratings, which complements Fortnite’s in-game communication and purchase restrictions. Similarly, iPhones and Android devices have screen time or parental control tools to limit app use and manage purchases.
Combining Fortnite controls with device-level restrictions helps:
| Benefit | How Device Controls Help |
|---|---|
| Limit total gaming time | Set daily time limits or scheduled breaks |
| Manage spending across apps | Require PIN for all app store purchases |
| Block unwanted apps or content | Restrict downloads and app launches |
Explore guides on setting console or phone parental controls for extra layers of safety. This combined approach balances fun with responsible use.
How Can You Adjust Fortnite Parental Controls for Different Ages or Family Values?
Adjust parental controls based on your child’s age, maturity, and your family’s values. For younger children (ages 8–12), consider:
- Disabling all voice and text chat
- Requiring a PIN for all purchases
- Blocking mature language and content
This reduces exposure to risks and simplifies their experience.
For teenagers (13–17 years), you might:
- Allow communication with “Friends Only” to encourage social growth
- Keep purchase restrictions to prevent impulsive spending
- Discuss safe online behavior and encourage reporting of problems
Families may also customize restrictions depending on comfort with online communication or spending. Review and update settings regularly as your child grows and gains digital maturity. For example, loosen chat restrictions at 14 but maintain spending controls.
Open conversation is key. Explain why controls are in place and how your child can ask for adjustments as they prove responsible. This promotes trust and healthy digital habits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prevent my child from chatting with strangers on Fortnite?
Yes, Fortnite parental controls let you restrict communication to “Friends Only” or “No One,” blocking chat and friend requests from unknown players and reducing risks of contact with strangers.
How do I stop accidental purchases in Fortnite?
Enable the purchase PIN in parental controls. This requires entering a six-digit code before any in-game purchase, preventing unauthorized or accidental spending.
Will parental controls on Fortnite work on all devices?
Yes, parental controls set through the Epic Games account apply across all devices where Fortnite is played, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices.
Can I limit how long my child plays Fortnite?
Fortnite does not include screen time limits in its parental controls. Use your device’s parental controls or third-party apps to set daily playtime restrictions.
Is it possible to hide my child’s Fortnite profile from others?
Yes, you can adjust privacy settings within the Epic Games account to limit who sees your child’s profile, friend list, and game status.