Why Can’t My Child Add Friends on Fortnite? A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Navigating the world of online gaming can be tricky, especially when it comes to understanding why your child might be having difficulty adding friends on Fortnite. The most common reason is that Parental Controls are likely enabled, specifically the “Require PIN to add Epic Friends” setting. This feature is designed to protect younger players but can be frustrating if you’re unaware of its existence or how to manage it. In essence, if this setting is toggled ON, a six-digit PIN is required every time your child attempts to send or accept an Epic Games friend request.
However, there could be other contributing factors too, such as the account’s status as a “Cabined Account” due to age restrictions, incorrect game privacy settings, or even simply a glitch. This article will delve into all potential causes and provide step-by-step solutions to ensure your child can enjoy the social aspects of Fortnite while maintaining a safe gaming environment.
Understanding Parental Controls in Fortnite
Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, incorporates robust Parental Control features to safeguard younger users. These controls allow parents and guardians to regulate various aspects of their child’s gaming experience, including voice chat and, crucially, the ability to add or accept friend requests.
The “Require PIN to add Epic Friends” Setting
As previously mentioned, the “Require PIN to add Epic Friends” setting is the primary culprit for most friend request issues. This option, when enabled, ensures that any attempt to connect with other players through friend requests is blocked until the correct Parental Control PIN is entered. This is a safety mechanism, preventing children from randomly adding strangers or potentially unsafe individuals.
Managing Parental Controls
To manage this setting, you’ll need access to the Parental Controls menu. This can be accessed either through the Epic Account Portal or directly within the Fortnite game itself.
- Access the Parental Controls Menu: Navigate to the Parental Controls section in the Epic Games Store or within the Fortnite game settings.
- Enter your 6-Digit PIN: You’ll be prompted to enter your six-digit PIN. If you have forgotten your PIN, you can click “Forgot Your PIN?” to receive an email with instructions for resetting it. Note that the PIN reset email will be sent to the parent/guardian email address associated with the account if it belongs to a minor.
- Locate “Require PIN to add Epic Friends”: Once in the settings, find the option labeled “Require a PIN to add Epic Friends”.
- Toggle ON/OFF: To enable or disable this feature, select ON or OFF. If you want your child to be able to add friends without your PIN, ensure the toggle is switched OFF.
Other Reasons Your Child Can’t Add Friends
While the Parental Control PIN setting is the most frequent cause, other potential issues could prevent your child from adding friends on Fortnite.
Cabined Accounts and Age Restrictions
If your child’s account is under the age of 13, or the age of digital consent in their country (whichever is higher), the account will be designated as a Cabined Account. This means they require parental consent to access certain features, including adding friends.
Game Privacy Settings
Incorrect Game Privacy settings can also limit the ability to add or be added as a friend. If the setting is set to “Nobody,” it can prevent friend requests from being received or sent. To rectify this:
- Open the Fortnite menu icon.
- Go to Game Privacy settings.
- Change the setting to “Friends Only” or “Public.”
Friend Request Glitches
While not as common, occasional glitches can prevent friend requests from working correctly. If you have exhausted all other possibilities, consider restarting the game or device to resolve any temporary issues.
Troubleshooting Steps
Before concluding there’s an issue, here’s a quick troubleshooting checklist:
- Double-check the “Require PIN” setting: Ensure it’s turned OFF in the Parental Control settings.
- Verify account age: If your child is under 13 (or the digital consent age), ensure you’ve provided parental consent for full access.
- Adjust game privacy settings: Make sure privacy is set to “Friends Only” or “Public.”
- Restart Fortnite: A simple restart can sometimes fix temporary bugs.
- Check Internet Connection: Ensure both your device and your friend’s have a stable connection to the internet.
By systematically addressing these potential causes, you can identify the problem preventing your child from adding friends on Fortnite and restore their access to the social features of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to friend requests on Fortnite, aimed to further assist parents.
1. What is a Cabined Account in Fortnite?
A Cabined Account is a restricted account for users who are under the age of 13 or their country’s age of digital consent. These accounts require parental consent to access additional features.
2. How do I provide parental consent for a Cabined Account?
You can provide parental consent by verifying that you are an adult through a face scan, credit or debit card verification, or an ID scan. This process unlocks the restrictions on the child’s account.
3. How do I change my child’s age on Fortnite?
You cannot directly change a child’s age in Fortnite once the account is created. The account status is determined by the birthdate provided during signup. If an error occurred when entering the birthdate, you will have to go through Epic support.
4. My child’s friends are not showing up online, why?
Make sure both your child’s and their friends’ Game Privacy settings are set to “Friends Only” or “Public.” Also, verify that everyone has a stable internet connection.
5. Why is my child’s voice chat not working on Fortnite?
The Parental Control settings can restrict voice chat. Ensure that the Voice Chat setting is set to “Friends Only,” “Friends and Teammates,” or “Everybody” to allow your child to use voice chat.
6. How do I reset my Parental Control PIN?
If you forget your PIN, click on “Forgot Your PIN?” in the Parental Controls menu. An email with instructions to reset your PIN will be sent to the parent/guardian email associated with the account.
7. How can I add my child to my Epic Games account?
You can add a child to your Epic Games account through the Parent Dashboard. Log into your account, navigate to the Parent Dashboard, and create a profile for your child, filling in the required fields.
8. Is Fortnite safe for young children?
Common Sense Media recommends Fortnite for teens 13 and up due to the open chat and action violence. The game is rated “T” for teen by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) for users aged 13 and older. Parental guidance is advised for younger players.
9. How do I change the age restriction settings on PS4?
On a PS4, go to Settings > PS4 System Restrictions > Default Parental Controls > Age Level for Games. Choose the desired restriction level.
10. Can I approve app requests for my child’s account?
You can manage and approve app requests through the Play Store app (if on Android), located under Settings > Family > Manage approval requests.
11. What should parents know about Fortnite?
Fortnite is rated “T” for Teen, featuring cartoon-like violence, users interacting, and in-game purchases. While the violence is not graphic, parental guidance is needed, especially for younger children.
12. Is there a way to monitor my child’s playtime on Fortnite?
The Parent Dashboard in the Epic Games account allows you to view your child’s playtime, friend list, and other activity.
13. How do I verify my child’s Fortnite account?
To verify your child’s account (if it is nameless), you will need to enter an email address and password for the account as an additional step. For younger accounts, you’ll need to provide parental consent as described above.
14. What if I’m still having problems after troubleshooting?
If you are still facing issues after troubleshooting, it is best to contact Epic Games Support. They can provide personalized support and address specific account problems.
15. Why is a fortnight called a fortnight?
The term “fortnight” comes from the Old English “fēowertīene niht,” meaning “fourteen nights” or “fourteen days.” It is a common way to refer to a period of two weeks.
By addressing these common issues and utilizing the provided solutions, you can help your child enjoy the social aspects of Fortnite safely and responsibly.