Fortnite developer Epic Games has implemented a security feature for game accounts called two-factor authentication (2FA) to help gamers keep their accounts secure.
2FA protects Fortnite player accounts with a second security layer. It also gives them the free Boogiedown emote in Fortnite and lets them use the gifting system.
What is 2FA?
As explained by Epic, 2FA “can be used to help protect your account from unauthorized access by requiring you to enter an additional code when you sign in.” Epic’s system allows players to receive this additional code on their phone or email.
This helps Epic root out the bots when it comes to special promotions or competitions, such as the recent Mr Beast live event this past December. If not for two-factor authentication, the prize could’ve likely gone to a bot who figured out a way to game the system.
Players who enable 2FA will have to type the additional code when they first log into their Epic account after enabling the feature, when they use a new device to log in, when it’s been 30 days since their last login, or if they cleared cache and cookies history from their device. That way, Epic will understand the player authorized people on that device to log into their Fortnite account.
How to enable 2FA
The first step is to go to Epic’s website and the 2FA page. Players will see “Get Started Here” after scrolling down a bit. Click that and you’ll be prompted to log into the Epic account you want to protect with 2FA. If you’re a Fortnite player on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch, remember to click your console icon to log in with your system credentials.
You’ll be redirected to the password area of your account settings. The options Authenticator App and Email Authentication will be available.
Authenticator App
If you choose to enable the Authenticator App, a new window will pop up with the steps to enable it. You’ll have to click a link to download the app, scan the QR code shown on the left, and sign in with the code that appears right after. From now on, that app is enabled to authenticate future devices you might use to log into your account.
Google Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy will all work perfectly fine with this method of authentication.
Email Authentication
If you choose email authentication, there are fewer steps. You just have to type in the security code sent to the email linked to your Epic account to activate 2FA via email. That’s where you’ll also find future codes to allow other devices to access your account.
After 2FA is activated, you’ll see Boogiedown on your account and all the gifting features will be enabled in Fortnite: Battle Royale. You’ll also be able to qualify for any cash prizes that Fortnite offers as part of its competitions as long as you also meet the age requirements.
