How to enable two-factor authentication (or 2FA) in Fortnite

fortnite 2fa
(Image credit: Epic Games)
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If you want to protect your Epic account and all your Fortnite skins and V-bucks, you'll need to set up two-factor authentication, or "2FA." We live in a world where hacks and phishing scams are all too commonplace, so much that even Epic warns against giving your info out to the wrong parties. You wouldn't want to lose your precious, precious skins, or worse yet, have someone spend your valuable V-bucks. That's why you'll need to know how to set up 2FA for Fortnite.

The good news is it's a breeze once you have a guide in hand. Read on to find out how to enable two-factor authentication for Epic Games accounts.

How to set up 2FA on Epic

The first step is to log into your Epic account (or make one, if you don't have one already). After that, you'll be sent to your profile page. You'll see a column on the left. Select the "Password & Security" tab.

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Once on the Password & Security page, scroll down to find the two-factor authentication section.

You have three options for enabling 2FA in Fortnite. You can set up as many as you want and make one option your primary.

(Image credit: Epic Games)

2FA Option 1: Authenticator app.

For this option, you can download an authenticator app from your phone's app store. I recommend the Google Authenticator app. Any time you need to authenticate your login, you simply open up the app, look for the code it's generated, and enter it before it phases out.

2FA Option 2: SMS notification.

This one's familiar. You'll get a text with a code on your phone when trying to do a 2FA login.

2FA Option 3: Email notification.

Another self-explanatory option. Instead of a text, you'll get an email with a code you need to enter.

That's that. You've successfully enabled 2FA in Fortnite and across your Epic account. You might be required to sign back in, especially if you're logging in on a new device somewhere else, but it's a small price to pay for keeping your cosmetics and V-bucks out of thieving hands.

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Thieves might gobble up your V-bucks, so use 2FA! (Image credit: Epic Games)

What is 2FA?

Two-factor authentication—sometimes abbreviated to 2FA—is basically a double-check system that ensures you know what's going on with your account: Logins or changes have to be verified independently before they're allowed, through an emailed link or a standalone app. It can be a hassle sometimes, but the added security is worth it.   

Despite that, not everyone takes advantage of the feature, either because they're not aware or they just can't be bothered. Thus, incentive: Spare Epic a potential support headache, and occasionally get some free emotes or other Fortnite cosmetics. Epic likes to reward users for staying safe.

Don't forget that we're constantly making more Fortnite guides and news. While you're here, why not check out our favorite creative codes or our favorite deathrun codes.

Joseph Knoop

Joseph Knoop is a freelance writer specializing in all things Fortnite at PC Gamer. Master of Creative Codes and Fortnite's weekly missions, Joe's always ready with a scoop on Boba Fett or John Wick or whoever the hell is coming to Fortnite this week. It's with a mix of relief and disappointment that he hasn't yet become a Fortnite skin himself. There's always next season...