If Fortnite split screen will not start, first check that you are playing on a supported PlayStation or Xbox console and in an experience that allows Local Multiplayer. Fortnite supports split-screen only in certain console experiences; it is not available on Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile, Solos, Ranked, Creative, Save the World, or Limited Time Modes. If your platform and mode qualify, return to the lobby and add the second player with a connected controller and a separate, eligible console account.
First, make sure your platform and mode support split-screen
Epic Games calls split-screen “Local Multiplayer.” Its setup instructions name PlayStation and Xbox consoles as supported platforms and exclude several platforms and modes. Fortnite being playable on a device does not mean Local Multiplayer works on it: Epic lists Nintendo Switch as a Fortnite platform, but excludes it from Local Multiplayer.
- Supported platform: PlayStation or Xbox console.
- Unsupported platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC platforms, and mobile devices.
- Unsupported modes or experiences: Solos, Ranked Mode, Creative, Save the World, and Limited Time Modes.
If you are on an unsupported platform or trying to use one of the excluded modes, there is no setting that will enable split-screen. Choose a supported console and experience instead. See Epic’s Local Multiplayer setup instructions and its list of devices that can run Fortnite.
Check whether the selected experience allows Local Multiplayer
Support can vary by experience, even on a compatible console. In Discover, look for the “Great for Local Multiplayer” row, or open an experience’s Game Details and check for the “Local Players” tag. If the tag or row is absent, try a different supported experience.
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Add the second player from the lobby
- Start Fortnite on a supported PlayStation or Xbox console and go to the lobby.
- Connect the second controller and make sure it is recognized by the console.
- Use the second controller to select a separate console account. Guest and Quick Play console accounts are not supported.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to link the second player’s Epic account, if asked.
- Join an experience marked for Local Multiplayer. In supported games, Local Multiplayer starts automatically after the second player joins.
For PlayStation-specific account and connection checks, consult Epic’s PlayStation split-screen troubleshooting guide.
If the second player still cannot join
Reconnect both controllers and check player accounts
Confirm that the console sees both controllers and that each player is signed in with a separate Epic account. Check that both accounts are linked correctly and have the permissions needed to play. Reconnect or test a controller you already own before considering another one; buying a controller will not resolve an unsupported mode, account-linking problem, or network issue.
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Match language settings and check the connection
Epic says both players should use the same language settings and that the internet connection must be stable. As Epic puts it, “Local Multiplayer will only work if your internet connection is stable.” If either player disconnects or exits the match, the local session ends.
Update and restart the console
Install available Fortnite and console software updates, then restart the console. Epic also recommends clearing the console cache as part of its platform troubleshooting. Follow the official instructions for your console rather than using a generic cache-clearing procedure; the Xbox troubleshooting guide specifically includes restarting and clearing the cache.
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PlayStation: try the additional network and license checks
If split-screen remains broken on PlayStation after the checks above, use Epic’s PlayStation-specific troubleshooting steps. That guide includes further license and network-settings checks and recommends a wired LAN connection. These are PlayStation-specific follow-up steps, not universal fixes for Xbox or every Local Multiplayer issue.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to stop troubleshooting
If the game is on Switch, PC, or mobile, or the selected mode is excluded, split-screen is unsupported in that setup. If you are on a supported console and a tagged experience but still cannot join after checking controllers, accounts, language, connection, updates, and the platform-specific guidance, contact Epic Games Support and describe your console, experience, and what happens when the second player joins. Feature availability and troubleshooting guidance can change with Fortnite updates.
Quick Recap
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