How to restrict Fortnite game invites from unknown players?

It’s important to protect yourself and your children from potential online risks, especially in a game as popular as Fortnite. Accepting game invites from unknown players can open the door to various issues, including scams, harassment, or exposure to inappropriate content.

Scammers may try to trick you into giving them personal information or access to your account. Harassment and inappropriate content can create a negative and unsafe gaming environment, especially for younger players. Restricting Fortnite game invites from unknown players is a crucial step in creating a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.

Exploring Fortnite’s Built-in Privacy Settings

Fortnite offers several built-in privacy settings that can help you control who can send you game invites. These settings are designed to protect your gaming experience and ensure you only receive invitations from people you know and trust.

Here’s how to access and customize these settings:

Launch Fortnite and log into your account.
Navigate to the Main Menu, typically found by pressing the “Esc” key on your keyboard or the equivalent button on your controller.
Select the “Settings” option, usually represented by a gear or cog icon.
Choose the “Social” tab in the settings menu. This section houses all the privacy options related to your interactions with other players.

Restricting Invites from Unknown Players

This option allows you to receive invites only from your friends. No one else can invite you to a party or game session without being on your friends list first. Here’s how to enable it:

Locate the “Game Invites” section within the “Social” tab.
Select the option labeled “Friends Only”. This ensures that you will only receive invites from players who are on your friends list.

Blocking Specific Players

If you want to completely prevent someone from interacting with you, blocking is the solution. This prevents them from sending you invites, messages, or joining your parties. Follow these steps to block a player:

Navigate to the “Social” tab in the settings menu.
Go to the “Blocked Players” section.
Click the “Add Player” button. This opens a new window where you can search for the player you want to block.
Enter the username of the player you want to block.
Select the player from the search results.
Confirm the block by clicking the appropriate button.

Adjusting Privacy for Voice Chat and Party Invites

You have control over who can hear you during voice chat and who can send you party invites. Here’s how to customize these settings:

Navigate to the “Voice Chat” section within the “Social” tab.
Select the option labeled “Friends Only”. This limits your voice chat to players who are on your friends list.
Go to the “Party Invites” section. This section lets you control who can invite you to parties.
Select the desired option for party invites. You can choose to allow invites from everyone, friends only, or no one at all.

Remember to periodically review and adjust your privacy settings as needed, especially when playing with new people or interacting with players you may not know well. You can find a comprehensive guide on how to manage Fortnite’s privacy settings here.

Utilizing Third-Party Parental Control Tools

You can also use third-party parental control tools specifically designed for online gaming. These tools can help you further enhance the privacy and safety of your child when playing Fortnite.

Third-party tools often offer a variety of features, such as:

Filtering unwanted invites – You can block invitations from unknown players, ensuring that your child is only receiving invitations from their friends.
Monitoring online activity – You can track your child’s activity in Fortnite, including the people they are playing with, the games they are playing, and their in-game communication.
Setting time limits and restrictions – You can control how long your child can play Fortnite each day and at what times. This helps you set healthy gaming habits.

Some popular parental control tools compatible with Fortnite include:

It’s essential to choose a parental control tool that aligns with your needs and your child’s specific gaming habits. Consider features, ease of use, and pricing when making your decision.

Communicating with Friends and Family about Online Safety

Open and honest communication about online safety is crucial, especially when it comes to games like Fortnite. It’s essential to foster a safe and responsible gaming environment for your children.

Here are some ways you can discuss online safety with your friends and family:

Talk about the importance of responsible gaming. Explain the potential risks associated with online interactions and encourage them to be mindful of their online behavior.
Teach children about online safety best practices. This includes emphasizing the importance of not sharing personal information, being wary of strangers, and understanding the potential risks of online interactions.
Establish clear rules and boundaries for online interactions. Discuss appropriate gaming times, acceptable content, and the consequences of breaking rules. This will help ensure responsible gaming practices within your family environment.

Here are some practical tips for fostering healthy online habits and promoting responsible gaming practices:

Set clear expectations for online behavior. Discuss the importance of being respectful to others online and avoiding inappropriate language or actions.
Encourage open communication. Create a safe space for your children to talk about their online experiences and any concerns they may have.
Monitor online activity. Set up parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content and monitor your children’s gaming activity.
Use technology to support responsible gaming. Consider using parental control apps to restrict game invites from unknown players and limit screen time.

By combining Fortnite’s built-in settings, exploring free parental control apps like Google Family Link and Norton Family, and engaging in open communication with your child, you can create a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience for everyone. Remember, the key to online safety is an ongoing effort. Keep exploring ways to enhance your child’s online safety and enjoy Fortnite responsibly.