How to Parental Lock Fortnite: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Parental locking Fortnite involves utilizing the game’s built-in parental controls to manage your child’s gaming experience. This includes setting time limits, restricting access to certain features, and monitoring their interactions within the game. You’ll manage these controls either within the Fortnite game itself or through the Epic Games Account portal, linked to your child’s account. By implementing these measures, you can create a safer and more balanced gaming environment for your child.
Setting Up Parental Controls in Fortnite
Accessing the Parental Controls Menu
To initiate parental controls within Fortnite, follow these steps:
- Launch Fortnite: Start the game on your child’s preferred platform (PC, console, or mobile device).
- Enter the Lobby: Once in the game’s main lobby, locate and open the main menu (usually represented by three horizontal lines).
- Navigate to Parental Controls: Select “PARENTAL CONTROLS” from the menu options.
- Verify Email: You’ll be prompted to confirm the email address associated with the account. This email will receive reset instructions if needed, especially for minor accounts.
- Set a 6-Digit PIN: Create a secure six-digit Parental Control PIN. This PIN will be required to modify settings later, so keep it confidential.
Understanding Your Control Options
Once you’ve set up your PIN, you can customize various aspects of your child’s gameplay:
- Voice Chat: Control who your child can communicate with. Options include:
- Nobody: Disables voice chat completely.
- Friends Only: Allows voice chat with added friends.
- Friends and Teammates: Allows voice chat with friends and teammates in a match.
- Everybody: Enables voice chat with everyone, usually not recommended for younger players.
- Text Chat: Similar to voice chat, you can control who your child can exchange text messages with, with options like Friends Only and Nobody.
- Explicit Language: Enable a filter to block explicit language during chat sessions.
- Purchases: Restrict or allow in-game purchases, ensuring you approve all transactions, preventing accidental or excessive spending.
- Content Ratings: Manage the type of content your child encounters by setting limits.
- Playtime Reporting: Get reports of your child’s playtime in-game.
- Age Based Restrictions: When a child sets up their account, it defaults to a “cabined account”, which restricts certain features until parental permission is provided.
Setting Up Parental Controls Through Epic Games Account Portal
You can also manage parental controls through the Epic Games Account Portal:
- Open the Epic Games Launcher or Website: Access the Epic Games Launcher on your computer or visit the Epic Games Store website.
- Sign In: Log in to your Epic Games account, which should be the parent’s account.
- Access Account Settings: Locate and select your account name, then choose “ACCOUNT.”
- Select Parental Controls: On the left menu, find and click “PARENTAL CONTROLS.”
- Set Up a 6-Digit PIN: Create or use the 6-digit PIN that you may have already set in the game itself. If you have already set up parental controls in the game, it will use the same PIN. You will only need to set it up if you haven’t done so already.
- Customize Settings: From this portal, you can adjust the same settings mentioned above.
Modifying Parental Controls
To modify existing parental control settings:
- Access the Menu: Either go through the Fortnite Parental Controls menu in-game or the Epic Account Portal.
- Enter Your PIN: When prompted, input your six-digit PIN.
- Modify Settings: Change any of the desired settings. Be sure to save any changes made in either the account settings or in the game itself.
- Turning Off Parental Controls: Simply navigate through the menu and turn all controls off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about parental controls on Fortnite:
1. What is the Parental Control PIN and how do I reset it?
The Parental Control PIN is a six-digit code you create to protect your parental control settings. If you forget it, you can select “Forgot Your PIN?” within the Parental Controls menu. An email will be sent to the address linked to the Epic account with instructions to reset the PIN, which will go to the parent email for accounts registered for minors.
2. Can I set time limits for Fortnite?
Yes. While Fortnite doesn’t have built-in time limits itself, you will need to utilize external methods such as parental controls on your child’s device, or software specifically designed for controlling playtime. Setting up a parent account and a separate account for your child is also key for proper time management.
3. Why is Fortnite asking for Parental Controls?
Some Fortnite features collect, use, and disclose player’s personal information. In some countries, access to these features by a child requires parental permission. This requirement triggers the need for parental controls to be set up.
4. How do I turn off Parental Controls on Fortnite?
You can modify any Parental Control setting, including turning them off, by going into the Fortnite Parental Controls menu or the Epic Account Portal. You will need to enter your six-digit PIN to make these changes. You can then choose the desired on/off state for each setting.
5. Is Fortnite OK for young children?
Common Sense Media recommends Fortnite for ages 13 and up due to action violence and open chat. While this is a good guideline, you know your child best and can assess their maturity level to determine if the game is appropriate for them.
6. How long should my child play Fortnite each day?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. One to two hours of gameplay a day is generally considered okay if it’s not negatively impacting other aspects of their lives. However, if a child becomes obsessed or potentially addicted, it may be necessary to decrease playtime or seek professional help.
7. When do Parental Controls end on Fortnite?
Parental Controls will not end on their own. The default account for children under 13, a “cabined account”, will restrict certain features until parental consent is provided or the child turns 13 (or the age of digital consent in their region). If parental controls are set, they must be manually turned off by a parent/guardian or the child once they are over the age of 18, according to the article.
8. How do I use the Parental Control PIN on the Epic Games account?
After setting up your Parental Control PIN, you’ll use it to make changes to parental control settings via the Epic Account Portal and within the game itself. You’ll need to enter the PIN to access settings and modify options.
9. Why can’t my child talk on Fortnite?
If your child cannot use voice chat, check that Voice Chat is set to Friends Only, Friends and Teammates, or Everybody in the Parental Controls. Make sure they are not using the Push-to-Talk feature incorrectly, if enabled.
10. How do I change Parental Controls?
You can change Parental Controls by accessing them either in the game or the Epic Games Account Portal, entering your PIN, and modifying the settings. You can also make changes on your child’s Android or Google device through settings, such as Google Play settings.
11. Is Roblox safe for young children?
Roblox has safety features, especially for younger children, but should still be monitored. Not all games on Roblox are appropriate for younger children.
12. Is Call of Duty appropriate for young children?
Call of Duty is rated M for Mature (17+) by the ESRB. The game includes violence, language, and other mature themes. It is not recommended for young children, though the game has a content filter that can toggle graphic content off.
13. Is Fortnite addictive?
Gaming can be addictive due to their engaging design, using behavioral psychology to keep players hooked. If you notice any signs of Fortnite addiction in your child, consider seeking professional advice to address it.
14. Do Parental Controls turn off at a certain age?
Parental controls do not automatically turn off at a certain age. They must be manually turned off, and for Google devices, supervision can be removed when a child turns 13 or by the parent if they choose. On iOS devices, parental controls do not turn off until the child turns 18.
15. Why is Fortnite saying my child’s birthday is wrong?
If you’re stuck on the “Birthday screen,” try confirming the birthdate entry by pressing X on Xbox, Square on PlayStation, or Y on Nintendo Switch.
By utilizing the parental control features on Fortnite and staying involved in your child’s gaming experience, you can create a safer and more balanced play environment. Always remember to review your settings and adapt as necessary to fit your family’s needs.