Fortnite split screen on Xbox usually stops working because Player 2 is not signed in through the current Local Multiplayer flow, the selected experience does not support it, the internet connection is unstable, or the console is holding stale data. Epic supports Fortnite Local Multiplayer on Xbox and PlayStation consoles in supported games such as LEGO Fortnite Odyssey, LEGO Fortnite Brick Life, Battle Royale, Zero Build, and more. Start with the lobby setup, then move through the Xbox, account, and install fixes in the order below.
Start with the current Local Multiplayer setup
Launch Fortnite and stay in the Lobby. Connect the second controller, then select the second player's Xbox console account when Fortnite prompts you.
Do not use a Guest or Quick Play console account for Player 2. Link or sign in to that player's Epic Games account when Fortnite asks.
Follow the on-screen linking instructions until the second player appears in the lobby. Once both players are visible, launch a supported Local Multiplayer game.
If Player 2 still does not appear, check the mode next, because split screen only works in supported Fortnite experiences.
Choose a Fortnite mode that supports split screen
Check the experience before you change Xbox settings.
- 1.Open Discover in Fortnite.
- 2.Look for games in the Great for Local Multiplayer row.
- 3.Open Game Details for the experience you want to play.
- 4.Confirm the Local Players tag appears.
- 5.Avoid unsupported options: mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, PC platforms, Creative and Limited Time Modes, Save the World, Ranked Mode, and Solos.
Match both players' language settings
Use this when the second player signs in, but the lobby or matchmaking still will not cooperate. Both players need the same Fortnite language setting for Local Multiplayer.
Open Fortnite settings for the first player account and note the selected language.
Open Fortnite settings for the second player account and set that account to the same language.
Return to the Lobby and add Player 2 again.
Refresh the connection and session
Confirm the Xbox is online and the internet connection is stable.
Fully quit Fortnite if the session is stuck. From Fortnite, press the Xbox button, select Home, highlight Fortnite, press the Menu button, choose Quit, and start Fortnite again.
Restart the Xbox from the controller if relaunching Fortnite does not clear it. Hold the Xbox button to open the Power Center, select Restart console, then choose Restart.
Open Fortnite after the restart and repeat the Player 2 sign-in flow from the Lobby.
Keep Fortnite open only after both players appear in the lobby, since restarting too early can leave the second sign-in unfinished.
Clear the Xbox Series X or S cache
This fixes stale console cache problems that can stop Fortnite split screen from starting correctly on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
Turn off your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S and unplug it from power.
Unplug all accessories connected to the console.
Leave the console unplugged for two minutes.
While the console is still unplugged, press and hold the power button.
Reconnect the power cord.
Turn on the Xbox and start Fortnite again.
Install Fortnite, Xbox, and controller updates
Update Fortnite first. Press the Xbox button, open My Games & Apps, select See All, choose Games, select Fortnite, and choose Update when an update is available.
Update the Xbox console next. Press the Xbox button, go to Profile & system, open Settings, choose System, then select Updates. Xbox documents this entry under both names, so select Updates or Updates & downloads, whichever your console shows. If Console update available appears, select it.
Update the Xbox Wireless Controller if Player 2's controller connects but does not control the second player correctly. Press the Xbox button, go to Profile & system, open Settings, select Devices & connections, choose Controllers & headsets, and select Player 2's controller. On the controller screen, select … to check the firmware version, then choose Firmware version when it says Update.
Restart Fortnite after the updates finish so the game, console, and controllers start from a clean state.
Fix Player 2 account linking and family restrictions
This applies when the second player cannot join, an experience appears locked, or a child or teen account is involved. Split screen needs the second player's Xbox account, Epic account link, and multiplayer permissions to line up.
In Fortnite, select the second player's console account and complete the Epic Games account link when prompted.
To inspect the link on the web, sign in to Epic Games, open Linked accounts, and confirm the Xbox account appears.
To add a missing platform link, choose Link under the platform and follow the on-screen instructions.
On the Xbox account, allow multiplayer. Press the Xbox button, go to Profile & system, open Settings, select Account, then open Privacy & online safety, Xbox privacy, View details and customize, and Communication & multiplayer. Set You can join multiplayer games to Allow.
Review cross-network play and communication settings when Fortnite multiplayer is blocked.
For a child account managed by a parent or organizer, open the Xbox Family Settings app, go to Settings, select the Multiplayer tile, and use the toggle to allow multiplayer.
Review Cross-network play in the Xbox Family Settings app if the member is restricted.
If Fortnite says an experience is locked, select Unlock and have the parent or guardian enter the Parental PIN.
To change Epic parental controls on the web, sign in to the Epic Games account, open PARENTAL CONTROLS, enter the six-digit PIN, and choose the desired on or off state for each setting.
Rule out cloud play and service issues
These checks separate Xbox split-screen setup problems from cloud and Fortnite service limits.
- 1.If you are playing at xbox.com/play, in a browser, on a smart TV app, or through another Xbox Cloud Gaming surface, switch to a local Xbox console install of Fortnite.
- 2.Use the installed Xbox version from the Microsoft Store, then launch Fortnite from the console.
- 3.Check Epic Games Public Status for Fortnite service problems.
- 4.Check @FortniteStatus, Fortnite Community Issues on Trello, and Fortnite News for live issues.
- 5.If matchmaking or Fortnite services are degraded, wait for the service issue to clear before changing more Xbox or account settings.
Save profile, reinstall, and reset repairs for last
Older tutorials often say Player 2 should hold A on Xbox to join split screen. Use Epic's current setup path instead: connect the second controller, select the second player's console account, and complete Epic account linking from the lobby.
If sign-in or profile state still looks corrupted, remove and re-add the Xbox profile. Press the Xbox button, go to Profile & system, open Settings, choose Account, select Remove accounts, choose the profile, and select Remove. Sign the account back in afterward and try Fortnite Local Multiplayer again.
Reinstall Fortnite if the game installation itself is the likely problem. From the Home page, open My Games & Apps, go to Games, highlight Fortnite, press the Menu button, and select Uninstall. Reinstall it from the official Xbox Store page, then launch Fortnite after installation completes.
Reset the Xbox while keeping games and apps only after cache clearing, restarts, updates, account checks, and reinstalling have failed. Press the Xbox button, go to Profile & system, open Settings, choose System, select Console info, choose Reset console, then select Reset and keep my games & apps.
If split screen still fails after these repairs, submit an in-game Fortnite bug report from the Menu button, then select the Hamburger menu icon, Report, Submit a report, A bug, and the closest reason or Other. Fortnite then attaches the screenshot it captured, with a Re-take screenshot option. Select Continue, then Accept to actually submit the report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Fortnite split screen work on Xbox Cloud Gaming?
No. Xbox Cloud Gaming does not support local multiplayer. Install Fortnite locally on the Xbox console instead.
Can Player 2 use a Guest account for Fortnite split screen on Xbox?
No. Player 2 needs a console account and must link or sign in to that player's Epic Games account when prompted.
Which Fortnite modes do not support split screen?
Epic lists Creative and Limited Time Modes, Save the World, Ranked Mode, and Solos as unsupported. Split screen also is not supported on mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, or PC platforms.
Why is a Fortnite split-screen experience locked for one player?
Parental controls or content-rating restrictions can lock an experience. Use Unlock with the Parental PIN or adjust Epic parental controls for the affected account.