Epic Games did a big no-no in 2020 by releasing a Fortnite update that circumvented Google's in-app payments. As a result, Google removed Fortnite's listing from the Play Store. The whole fiasco left players with limited options for regaining access to the official Fortnite app.

Thankfully, other ways exist to play Fortnite without using the Play Store. The first involves grabbing the necessary APK from the Epic Games Store to sideload the app. The second requires cloud gaming services to stream the title. Notable cloud streaming platforms like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) even come ready with mobile-friendly controls. With the app no longer listed in the Play Store and App Store, we will walk you through how to access or install the latest version of Fortnite on your favorite Android gaming phone in two easy ways.

Installing the Epic Games app

You can install the latest version of Fortnite on Android through the Epic Games app. Though you can't download the official launcher from the Play Store, you can acquire it via the native installer through your mobile browser. The Epic Games app will ensure Fortnite stays up-to-date without having to push updates from the Play Store. Check the steps below to learn how.

  1. Open Google Chrome (or any mobile browser) and navigate to Epic Games official website.
  2. On the next page, sign in using your Epic Account. Scroll down and tap Sign Up to create your Epic Account (new users only).
  3. After signing in, navigate to fortnite.com/Android on your web browser.
  4. Tap on Get it on the Epic Games App to install the Epic Games App APK. Tap Download anyway if a warning pop-up occurs (indicates the file might be harmful, this happens by default when downloading APKs directly).
  5. Locate the file and open it to complete the installation of the APK. Note: Depending on your version of Android, you may be prompted to allow your browser to install the APK. Flip the switch in the Settings app, then go back and confirm the installation.
  6. Once your APK finishes installing, you can launch the Epic Games app on your Android device.
  7. Now you're ready to install Fortnite, tap on Get > Install. Note: You may need to allow your device to download from this source in your settings.
  8. Launch the Fortnite app once it finishes downloading. Congratulations, now you'll have access to Fortnite on your Android device!

If you're using a Samsung device, you can search Epic Games on the Samsung Galaxy Store to install the Epic Games app.

Streaming Fortnite over GeForce Now

Streaming games via cloud gaming always has pros and cons, so your experiences may vary. GeForce Now offers monthly or bi-annual membership plans; you can access Fortnite on the free plan, but the queue times for the service may interrupt your playing sessions from time to time. Below we walk you through how to play Fortnite using GeForce Now.

  1. Launch Google Play Store, search for Nvidia GeForce Now, and install the app.
  2. Open the Nvidia GeForce Now app and finish the setup. New users will have to create an account and verify their email.
  3. To activate your GeForce Now membership, visit www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce-now/memberships on your web browser.
  4. Tap on Join any purchasable membership package or the free basic membership.
  5. Tap Continue on your account to finish adding your membership.
  6. Now re-launch the Nvidia GeForce Now app and log in with your account.
  7. Search and tap on Fortnite, then tap Play. Tap Connect to link your account to sign in automatically.
  8. Tap Allow finishing setting the permissions to linking Epic Games to Nvidia GeForce Now. You're in!

Priority access is for paid memberships only. Priority is $10 a month/$50 for six months, and Ultimate is $20 a month/$100 for six months.

Streaming Fortnite over xCloud

Normally, to access the streaming using the Xbox Cloud Gaming library, you must pay for Game Pass Ultimate (note if you're paying for Xbox Game Pass Core, your subscription includes only a small selection of games). However, free-to-play games like Fortnite can be accessed without purchase, making it a feasible cloud streaming option.​​​​​​​

Note: You must run Android 6.0 or later on your current device for access.

  1. Open a web browser and visit the Xbox Cloud Gaming home page.
  2. Tap on the silhouette (top right) to sign in; you can create an account on the next page if you don't own a linked Microsoft account.
  3. After successfully signing in, you'll return to the home page.
  4. Browse or search for "Fortnite" and tap on the title's icon.
  5. Once you're on the Fortnite page, tap on Play to begin loading up the game.
  6. Link your Epic Games account once the option prompts; if not, you can continue playing Fortnite using your signed-in Xbox account.

You can operate the game using native touch controls or hook up a controller with the Xbox Cloud Gaming service.

While you can play some xCloud games via the official Xbox Game Pass app, unfortunately, Fortnite is not listed in the library, so you'll have to go through the web page instead (or add it as a progressive web app).

The Google Play Store isn't the only way

Don't let Epic Games' lawsuits with Apple and Google sour your experience. You can still play Fortnite using the Epic Games app or stream it via the cloud. Of course, like most battle royales, getting started with Fortnite late in the season may be challenging, so be sure to carry Android Police's latest tips and tricks in your upcoming matches.