What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

2FA stands for two-factor authentication. It refers to an additional method to verify your identity when you log in to a web service. First, your password and username is entered. Then, you are required to provide an additional piece of information, like a code emailed to your inbox or generated from an authenticator app. Since the code is randomly generated, only you have access to the code.

Why Should I Enable 2FA for Fortnite?

The only reason is to make your account more secure and less hackable. However, there are benefits to doing so for Fortnite. In the main game of Fortnite: Battle Royale, you’ll receive a dancing Boogie Down emote. If you also happen to have Fortnite: Save the World, you’ll get 50 Armory Slots, 10 Backpack Slots, and 1 Legendary Troll Stash Llama.

How to Enable 2FA in Fortnite

  1. First, you’ll need to be signed in to your Epic Games account.
  2. Once you’re logged in, open your Account Security Settings. The resulting screen should look something like the following image.
  3. Scroll down until you see “Two-Factor Authentication” just below the “Signout Everywhere” section.
  4. Here you’ll want to choose which 2FA method you want to use. Each method given is somewhat self explanatory, but we’re providing a bit more context here for each choice:

1. Third-Party Authenticator App

This option requires you to use a Google Authenticator or alternative Authenticator app to generate the code. To set up 2FA With Authenticator, you’ll need to have your 2FA app at the ready so that you can scan the QR code. This QR code will appear when you select 2FA with Authenticator as an option. It should look something like the screenshot below. Simply scan the QR code, and it will automatically add it as a new entry to your app.

2. SMS Authentication

Instead of using an authenticator app, you can opt to receive the code as an SMS to your phone. This can be troublesome if you don’t always have phone service turned on or have your phone with you, though.

3. Email Authentication

Lastly, you can opt to receive the code via an email. This still requires you to be online, though, as you need to check your inbox for the email. For offline methods, you have to use either the authenticator app or SMS authentication.

Log in with Your 2FA Method

To log in to your Epic Games account (whether that be in the Epic Games client or Fortnite itself), you’ll be prompted to enter a six-digit security code, as shown below, after you have entered your password. The exact process can differ with the methods used, though.

2FA Login with Authenticator

Open your Authenticator app and check the Epic entry. Copy the code and type it in the boxes shown above.

2FA Login with SMS

Check for an SMS that is sent to your phone. Copy the code and enter it in the boxes above.

2FA Login with Email

Check your inbox for an email with the 2FA code. Copy the code and enter it in the boxes shown above.

1. Does enabling 2FA in Fortnite enable it for all Epic Games?

Yes! Since you’re technically enabling it for your Epic Games account, which is tied to your Fortnite account, you’re also enabling it for other Epic Games.

2. Can I enable 2FA for other apps and services?

Absolutely! Click here for a guide to enabling 2FA on a variety of social networks and apps. Are you a Telegram user? Learn how to use two-factor verification on Telegram. While you may not get snazzy in-game rewards for adding 2FA to other logins, you will be greatly increasing the security of the accounts in question. Image Credit: 2FA Logo from EFF on Flickr