Fortnite Safety Settings

Fortnite brings together competitive games, social play and experiences made by creators. Players may battle in teams, build and explore worlds, race or take part in other activities within the same app. Teenagers may enjoy teamwork, familiar characters and meeting friends after school. Younger children may also be drawn to creative games and activities they see siblings playing. However, the experiences have different age ratings and social features. Fortnite safety settings help families choose suitable access and manage contact, time and spending.

This guide helps parents and young people check the game, the linked Epic account and the device used to play. It explains the parental PIN, content ratings, communication, AI features and purchase controls. Review each setting alongside your child, then agree how to leave uncomfortable situations and ask for help. A restriction can reduce exposure, but it cannot guarantee that every player or creator behaves appropriately.

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

Each Fortnite experience has its own regional content rating. Do not treat one rating as approval for the whole app. Review the rating displayed for the experience your child actually wants to play.

An Epic Cabined Account applies when the declared age is below 13 or the country’s relevant consent age, whichever is higher. Some features remain unavailable until parental consent. Enter an accurate date of birth and follow the official parent email process.

Parent verification establishes an adult consent step. It does not certify another player’s identity or the suitability of an experience. Review the privacy explanation before supplying verification evidence, and keep it out of game chat.

Restrictions Available

The parental PIN protects changes to Epic controls. It is separate from the account password and device purchase controls. Use the child’s existing Epic account, including a console linked account, so controls apply to their real progress.

Set up the parental PIN

The PIN protects the parent settings from unauthorised changes.

• Launch Fortnite and select the Player Icon, then the menu icon.
• Choose Parental Controls and Set Up Parental Controls.
• Confirm an email controlled by the parent and create the six digit parental PIN.

Why it matters: Keep the PIN and recovery email private. If console account details are incomplete, complete the official Epic account setup before configuring controls.

Restrict Fortnite content ratings

The rating threshold controls access to higher rated experiences.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Find Fortnite Content Ratings. Select the suitable regional threshold.
• Review a higher rated experience before entering the PIN to approve access.

Why it matters: A PIN exception widens access. Ratings do not predict every social interaction or later creator change.

Restrict Creative and Unreal Editor access

Creation tools can expose players to unpublished content and collaboration.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Find Allow Creative Mode and Unreal Editor for Fortnite. Turn it off when creating or collaborating is unsuitable.

Why it matters: Published island ratings do not cover every unpublished project. Review the people involved before allowing access.

Set parental voice chat permission

Voice permission controls who can speak with the child through Epic voice services.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Find Epic Voice Chat Permission. Choose Nobody to disable it or Friends Only for reviewed contacts.

Why it matters: Broader team options can include strangers. Age limits restrict the choices offered. Separate console parties and external apps need their own controls.

Set parental text chat permission

Text permission controls written contact through Epic chat.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Find Epic Text Chat Permission. Choose Nobody or a reviewed friends audience.

Why it matters: Some games can still offer standard quick phrases. A friendship permission does not establish trust or prevent messages elsewhere.

Filter mature language

The language filter replaces recognised profanity in Fortnite text chat.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Enable Filter Mature Language where you can choose it.

Why it matters: It does not filter every spoken word or harmful idea. Keep checking how the child feels about conversations.

Require approval for new Epic friends

Friend approval adds a parent check before the child sends or accepts requests.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Turn Require a PIN to Add Friends on.

Why it matters: Review the existing friend list too. Platform friends on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo or Steam are managed separately.

Protect Epic billed payments

The payment PIN adds approval for covered real money purchases.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Enable Require a PIN for Epic Games Payments.
• Review the child’s payment and subscription receipts before approving a purchase.

Why it matters: The PIN does not cover platform store billing or spending existing virtual currency. Treat Epic’s default child spending threshold as a backstop, not your family budget.

Disable paid random items where offered

This controls spending on content with a random reward.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Turn Allow Paid Random Items off if the setting appears.

Why it matters: Availability varies by region. Other virtual currency purchases can still be possible, so agree a clear spending rule.

Set daily time limits and permitted windows

Fortnite and UEFN can enforce access limits on the same Epic account.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Open the parental time controls. Set the daily allowance and permitted time windows.
• Choose a combined limit or separate Play Time and Create Time limits where offered.
• Check the saved schedule with the child before the next session.

Why it matters: The limit follows the same account across devices. A different account can sit outside it. Device timers can further restrict access.

Review requests for extra time

An extra time request requires a separate parent decision.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Choose whether to allow Request for More Time for play, creation or neither.
• Review an emailed request before granting time. Alternatively, open Fortnite’s Time Limits & Reports, select Add More Time and enter the PIN.

Why it matters: Extra time weakens the original schedule for that period. Remaining Create Time can permit testing unpublished projects even when Play Time is exhausted.

Enable time reports

Reports provide information about play and creation activity.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Enable Time Reports and the available email reporting preference.
• Review the report with your child and check the actual time controls separately.

Why it matters: A report is an insight, not an access restriction. It does not provide a complete account of private conversations.

Restrict conversations with AI features

This permission controls voice and written interaction with supported AI features.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Open General in the account’s parental controls.
• Find Allow voice and written communication with AI Features and set it to Off.

Why it matters: AI dialogue can produce unexpected responses. The setting excludes AI powered player support, so it does not disable every AI interaction.

Require approval for external Epic sign ins

External sign ins can share account information with another service.

• Sign in to the child’s Epic Games account. Open Parental Controls and enter the parent’s PIN.
• Find Sign in with Epic where available and choose Ask each time.
• Review each proposed connection and its data access before approving.

Why it matters: This can remove previously approved connections. The option is available only for certain accounts. Do not approve a login from a giveaway link.

Fortnite Safety Settings and Why They Matter

Use an invitation only party

Party privacy limits entry to a shared group.

• Select the Profile Icon and open the profile tab.
• Set Party Joinability to Invite Only.

Why it matters: Another party member can change the current group’s joinability. Check unexpected joins and leave if the group becomes unsuitable.

Check the young person’s chat settings

Local communication settings can further restrict contact within the parent’s permitted range.

• Select the Profile Icon, then Settings and COMMUNICATION.
• Set voice and text separately to Off or Friends Only as appropriate.

Why it matters: These settings cannot override stricter parental permissions. Friends and connections are different audiences, so avoid widening access by mistake.

Mute the microphone or deafen voice chat

Voice controls manage what the player sends and hears.

• Select the Profile Icon and the relevant Party chat or Game chat.
• Use the voice controls to Mute your microphone or Deafen incoming voice.
• Open the three dot menu to review voice method or communication settings.

Why it matters: A microphone mute does not stop incoming speech. Party chat can continue through Epic apps outside Fortnite.

Report voice or text chat promptly

Reporting can send available conversation evidence to Epic moderators.

• For text, select the Profile Icon, open Chats, choose the conversation and its three dot menu.
• Select Report chat and Submit.
• For voice, open the profile’s Social three dot menu and select Report chat.

Why it matters: Voice reporting uses a rolling five minute recording when enabled. Under 18 reporting protections apply automatically. A report does not guarantee immediate action.

Report a player or sidekick

Behaviour reports identify the person or character involved.

• Open the game menu, then the menu icon and Report.
• Select Submit a report, then A player or sidekick.
• Choose the name and reason, then select ACCEPT.

Why it matters: Include relevant context and leave the interaction separately. Report AI responses through the appropriate character reporting tool when offered.

Cancel or return an eligible accidental purchase

Fortnite offers limited self service returns for certain Item Shop purchases.

• Select the Player Icon, then the menu and Support and Refunds.
• Open Return or cancel purchase, select the item and review the available option.
• Confirm only after checking what will be removed and returned.

Why it matters: Cancel Purchase usually requires an unused eligible item within 24 hours. Return Tickets cover eligible purchases within 30 days. Many passes, gifts and island purchases are excluded.

Cancel Fortnite Crew renewal

Crew billing continues until the original provider receives a cancellation.

• Sign in to the Epic account and open Subscriptions. Select Manage Subscription for the relevant plan.
• Complete cancellation with the original provider. For direct Epic billing, use the subscription’s cog and Cancel Subscription.
• Check the displayed renewal status and retain the confirmation.

Why it matters: Uninstalling the game does not stop billing. Cancellation generally ends future renewal rather than refunding the current period.

Enable Epic two factor authentication

A second login check protects the account’s progress, items and connected games.

• Open the Epic account portal and Password and security.
• Under Two-Factor Authentication, select Set up for your chosen method and complete verification.
• If several methods are enabled, use its three dot menu and Make my primary 2FA method to choose your preferred one.

Why it matters: Also secure the email and linked console accounts. Never share codes or approve an unexpected login prompt.

Sign out unwanted Epic sessions

Session revocation helps remove access after a shared device or suspected compromise.

• Open the Epic account’s Password and security section.
• Find Sign out everywhere and select Sign out.
• Enter the code sent to the registered email and refresh the page.

Why it matters: Use a new unique password if the old one was exposed. This does not replace securing separately linked accounts.

Request Epic account data

An account report lets you review information held about the account.

• Open the Epic account page and Download account information. Select Request Download.
• When the readiness email arrives, follow its official link and sign in again.
• Select Download file, enter the emailed security code and select Continue.

Why it matters: Keep the downloaded report private. It is not a guarantee that every game message or other player’s copy is included.

Delete an Epic account carefully

Deletion affects the games and purchases connected to the whole Epic account.

• Cancel subscriptions and preserve wanted information first.
• Open the Epic account page, find Delete account and read its warning.
• Select Delete account, verify the emailed code, choose the reason and complete Continue.

Why it matters: Purchases and progress can be lost. Official help gives different reactivation and final processing periods. Read the current warning before committing, and request eligible refunds first.

How to Use Fortnite Safely

Choose experiences together and review creator descriptions before approving access. Fortnite safety settings should match the child’s actual play, including creative projects and group conversations. For example, approving a familiar team game need not approve every higher rated island.

Agree when to finish, whether purchases are allowed and what to do about a player who pressures the child. Keep the parental PIN private and discuss why an AI character should never receive personal information or replace real support.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

Discuss bullying, pressure to share pictures and invitations to move into private conversations. A friendly player may still be a stranger. Children should know they can leave, block someone and ask for help without losing your support.

Treat free currency, account upgrades, giveaways and unofficial downloads cautiously. Never give another player a password, recovery code or payment information. Similarly, keep names, school details, addresses and private family conversations out of profiles, screenshots and chat.

If a child receives threats or sexual requests, stop contact and seek appropriate safeguarding help. Preserve usernames, dates and ordinary messages where safe. Do not copy or forward sexual images of children. In immediate danger in Ireland, call 112 or 999. A child can contact Childline for support. Report suspected child sexual abuse material through Hotline.ie.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

Account controls, device controls and game permissions work together. Epic Store and Fab content ratings also exist, but those store settings belong in the separate gaming platforms guide. Do not assume a Fortnite time limit applies to Rocket League.

Exact labels vary with interface updates and age. Detailed anonymous name options, gifting controls, player blocking, saved payment removal and all console or phone routes still need account and device verification before this draft can be considered complete.

Safety Checklist

• Confirm the correct child account, consent status and regional content threshold.
• Check voice, text, friend approval, party privacy and reporting.
• Review Creative access, AI permission, play and creation time.
• Require covered payment approval and check platform billing separately.
• Review Crew renewal and the limits of purchase returns.
• Secure Epic, email and console logins and practise asking for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Epic payment PIN stop spending V Bucks?

No. It protects covered real money Epic payments. Existing virtual currency and other platform billing need separate attention.

Does Invite Only guarantee a closed party?

No. Another member can change the current party’s joinability. Review the group when anyone unexpected joins.

Can Create Time allow play after Play Time ends?

It can allow testing unpublished creation projects. It does not restore general browsing, the shop or other Play Time activities.

Related CODA Guides

Explore the CODA safety settings guides for the device or account your family uses. The separate controls on a console, phone or computer can add protections around this game.

For broader family conversations, visit Children of the Digital Age. Check a guide’s scope and unresolved review notes before relying on a particular setting.

References

Epic parental controls and related guidance

• Epic parental controls explains the account permissions and their limits.
• Cabined Accounts explains age based feature restrictions.
• Fortnite parent setup explains PIN setup and the parent email.
• Fortnite communication and party options explains current chat labels and party privacy.
• Fortnite time limit setup explains daily allowances and windows.

Play and Create Time and related guidance

• Play and Create Time explains creation exceptions and more time requests.
• AI communication controls explains parent permissions and the support exception.
• Fortnite reporting explains player, text and voice reports.
• Fortnite purchase returns explains eligibility and excluded purchases.
• Fortnite Crew cancellation explains billing provider cancellation.

Epic two factor authentication and related guidance

• Epic two factor authentication explains setup and method selection.
• Epic account security explains email and linked account protection.
• Epic session revocation explains signing out devices.
• Epic data download explains requesting an account report.
• Epic account deletion explains closure consequences and verification.

Childline provides support for children. Hotline.ie accepts reports of suspected illegal online content.

About Children of the Digital Age

Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for families, schools and organisations. These guides support practical conversations about digital wellbeing and the controls available on the services children use.

Send a message

Contact Children of the Digital Age to enquire about online safety education, training or guidance for your family, school or organisation.

Last updated: 10 October 2026