The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To play Fortnite with friends on different platforms, add each other as Epic friends, make sure cross-play is enabled where the setting is available, and join the same party from the lobby. Epic Games Support says, “You can play Fortnite with friends on any platform!”—but some settings and menus vary by platform.
1. Add each other as Epic friends
- Open Fortnite’s profile or social menu and select Add Friends.
- Enter your friend’s Epic display name and send a friend request.
- Have your friend accept it. They should then appear in your friends list.
Use Epic display names rather than relying on console-specific friend lists. Epic says its friends list is tied to the Epic account and can be accessed across platforms when the relevant accounts are linked correctly. Epic’s guide to adding Fortnite friends explains the process.
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2. Check cross-play settings
Epic says players outside PC or Mac need cross-play enabled to play with friends on other platforms. The setting path differs by platform, and Epic says the cross-play toggle cannot currently be disabled on Nintendo Switch, PC, or mobile.
- PlayStation: In Fortnite, go to Settings > Account and Privacy > Gameplay Privacy > Allow Cross Platform Play and enable it.
- Xbox: Check the Xbox cross-network multiplayer settings; Epic directs Xbox players to the console’s settings for this control.
- Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile: Epic says there is no cross-play toggle to turn off on these platforms.
For platform-specific guidance, see Epic’s cross-play instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
3. Invite or join the same party
From Fortnite’s lobby, open the current friends or party controls, then invite your friend or join their party. A party is the shared lobby for its members; once you are together there, you can queue for a match as a group. The exact buttons can vary by platform, so use the social and party controls shown in your game.
If an invitation is not working, check that you have added the correct Epic account and that your friend request was accepted. Epic’s Epic Parties FAQ describes party basics.
Rank #2
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
4. Set party privacy and communication
Control who can join
Party Joinability controls whether friends can join directly or need an invitation. If you want to limit access, check the party’s joinability setting. A member of the current party may change its joinability, so unexpected arrivals can happen if someone switches the party to Joinable. See Epic’s explanation of unexpected party joins.
Check voice and text chat
Party access and communication are separate: being in the same party does not guarantee that voice or text chat is available. Review Fortnite’s communication preferences, account age-related restrictions, parental controls, and the platform’s own communication settings if chat is unavailable. Epic’s party, voice chat, and text chat guide covers these controls.
Rank #3
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Fix common cross-platform problems
“Denial reason code 9”
Epic says this error can mean party members are on different platforms and at least one has cross-play turned off. Ask everyone in the party to check the relevant setting. Epic’s code 9 article explains the error.
Your friend is missing after changing consoles
Check that the console account you are using is linked to the intended Epic account. Epic friends are associated with the Epic account, so using a different or unlinked account can make the expected friends list unavailable. See Epic’s guidance on accessing friends from a new console account.
Rank #4
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
A friend joins when you expected invitations only
Check the current party’s Joinability setting and ask party members whether anyone changed it. Epic notes that another member can change the setting, allowing friends to join directly.
You can play together but cannot chat
Check Fortnite communication preferences, age-related account restrictions, parental controls, and platform communication settings. These can restrict voice or text even when cross-play and party access work.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
