Fortnite was released in 2017. It is an online survival game with 400 million users. Its user-friendly features and customizable characters in player combat games engage gamers to master the game.
Fortnite caters to both solo and team players, like most online games. It lets Fortnite teams enjoy the game’s maps, missions, and gameplay features together. This is where Fortnite’s Voice Chat comes in handy. It facilitates real-time voice communication to strategize, build alliances, and instantly coordinate plans with your teammates.
Dive into the ultimate guide below for Fortnite’s Voice Chat installation process and its quick fix for possible issues.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Fortnite makes it easy for gamers to enjoy multiplayer combat sessions with Voice Chat.
- Voice Chat is available on PCs, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PS4, and even when playing Fortnite Mobile.
- If you ever encounter issues enabling Voice Chat in PS4 or Xbox, you can customize your console’s party to be compatible with Fortnite.
- DNS errors causing Voice Chat errors can be changed by switching DNS servers.
- If your Fortnite Switch stops working on the dock, plug a USB adapter with your headphones into the Dock instead of the Switch.
Activating Voice Chat on Fortnite
Game interface and designs vary depending on your device type. Such variations are why simple fixes can be hard to follow at times.
The following sections are separated according to device type to make it easy for you. Identify your device type, open Fortnite, and you’re ready!
| 💡Did You Know? Fortnite is the highest-earning free-to-play online game in the market, with $2.4 billion in revenue. The game garnered a 458% year-on-year growth in 2018. |
The Basics of Fortnite Voice Chat on PCs
While there are countless PC types, most run in the current or most recent Windows version. Keep your PC and Fortnite versions updated, and the steps below will help you enable Voice Chat.
a. Turning On Voice Chat through the Side Panel
You can turn on the voice chat feature in Fortnite using just the side panel. Once your game app is opened, this comes easily.
If you’re unfamiliar with this, check out the steps below to learn how:
- Click on the 3-lined icon at the top-left corner of your screen.
Source: YouTube
2. Select the microphone icon on the side panel.
Source: YouTube
3. Customize the voice chat features according to your preferences, and play!
Source: YouTube
b. Turning on Voice Chat through Settings
PC users can also enable and customize their voice chat feature through the settings page. Just follow the steps below!
- Open Fortnite and click on the 3-lined icon at the top-left corner of your screen.
Source: YouTube
2. Click the Settings icon, and it will open the Settings page.
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3. Click on the Speaker icon at the top panel of the screen.
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4. Scroll down and find the Voice Chat section, then customize the settings accordingly.
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5. Since you’re using a PC, make sure to update the input and output device. Ensure that Fortnite uses the right microphone, speaker, headphones, audio system, etc.
Source: YouTube
| 🎉Fun Fact: Video games like Fortnite help develop teamwork, coordination, problem-solving skills, and multitasking. However, you need to be careful in engaging with online video games, as 12% of the world’s teenage boys are already addicted to them. Too exposure can lead to health problems, dopamine addiction, and an unhealthy lifestyle. |
Switching on Fortnite Voice Chat on Switch
If you prefer to bring around your game, there’s no need to miss out on Voice Chat. Just have your headphones ready, and you can enable Voice Chat on your Nintendo with the steps below.
a. Switching On Voice Chat through the + Button
There are two ways to enable Voice Chat on your Fortnite Switch. The first one is to open your Settings page. This method is perfect when going over other Settings features apart from Voice Chat.
Check out the steps below for an easy guide!
- Plug your 3.5 mm jack headphones at the top panel of your Nintendo Switch, and open Fortnite.
Source: YouTube
2. Press the + button on your Switch to open Fortnite’s side panel.
Source: YouTube
3. Click Settings, and use your Switch’s Joy-Con to click the Audio icon on the top panel of Settings.
Source: YouTube
4. Turn on Voice Chat in Audio Settings. Switch to Open Mic in Voice Chat Method instead of Push to Talk.
Source: YouTube
5. After customizing settings, press X on your Joy-Con to save the Settings and return to your game.
Source: YouTube
6. You’ll confirm Voice Chat works with the Active Sound icon next to your character at the top-left corner.
Source: YouTube
b. Switching On Voice Chat through the – Button
Using the + button is ideal for overall Settings optimization. If you’re doing a quick Voice Chat customization and want a shorter route, you can use the — button instead.
Find out how to enable Voice Chat through this button on the steps below!
- Plug your 3.5 mm jack headphones into the top panel of your Nintendo Switch, and open Fortnite.
Source: YouTube
2. Press the — button on your Switch to open another side panel.
Source: YouTube
3. Click the Voice Chat option, and use your Joy-Con to scroll and customize settings before returning to the game.
Source: YouTube
4. You’ll confirm Voice Chat works with the Active Sound icon next to your character at the top-left corner.
Source: YouTube
Elevating the Fortnite PS4 Experience with Voice Chat
There are fewer settings and graphical options for Fortnite on PlayStation 4. However, you can still enable and customize your Voice Chat settings in PS4. Just connect your headphones to your controller for a smooth start, and follow the quick and easy steps below.
- Open your PS4’s Settings, click Devices, and go to Audio Devices. Change your Input and Output Devices to the Headset Connected to Controller.
Source: YouTube
2. Tick the checkbox on the Switch to Output Device Automatically option.
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3. Select Adjust Microphone Level and check to see if your microphone is working.
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4. Open Fortnite Settings, and click on the Speaker icon at the top panel of the screen.
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5. Scroll down to the Voice Chat section, then customize the settings accordingly. Switch to Open Mic on Voice Chat Methods. The Push to Talk option doesn’t work on PS4.
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6. Enter your Party and open your Party Settings.
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7. Select Chat Audio and click Prioritize Game Chat over Prioritize Party Chat.
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8. You’ll see an Active Speaker icon next to your character in the top-left corner to confirm Voice Chat is enabled.
Source: YouTube
Improve the Fortnite Xbox Experience with Voice Chat
Playing on consoles like Xbox might be easier if you’re a beginner Fortnite player. Consoles have aim assist and auto-lock features, making playing combat games easier. However, there are more steps to enable Voice Chat in the console for the full Fortnite experience than a PC.
To make it easy, plug your headphones into your controller and follow the step-by-step guide below!
- Click your Xbox guide and select the Audio & Music settings.
Source: YouTube
2. Turn On the Headset Mic toggle button, and maximize Mic Monitoring.
Source: YouTube
3. Open Fortnite, and find the Voice Chat option in the Menu side panel. Open Voice Chat for Everybody and select Open Mic for Voice Method.
Source: YouTube
4. Make sure to leave any Xbox parties when playing Fortnite. To avoid errors, you can’t be connected to both Xbox and Fortnite parties when playing.
Source: YouTube
5. Quit Fortnite to reboot settings.
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6. Go back to Settings and click Volume & Audio Output.
Source: YouTube
7. Click on Additional Options, and switch the Party Chat Output to Headsets and Speakers.
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8. Open Fortnite again, and play.
Enabling Voice Chat on Fortnite Mobile
Another simple way to enjoy Fortnite on the go is by using Fortnite Mobile. The game left the Apple Store in 2020, but Android users have enjoyed it since 2018.
Playing with Voice Chat on mobile can be tricky with device permissions to navigate. However, the steps below offer a quick guide!
- Switch to a WiFi connection when playing Fortnite.
Source: YouTube
2. Open your Privacy Settings and click on the microphone. Enable the toggle button for the Fortnite app to allow microphone permission when playing.
Source: YouTube
3. Open Fortnite and click the Menu button at the top right corner.
Source: YouTube
4. Click Settings at the right side panel of the Menu tab, and select the Audio icon at the top panel.
Source: YouTube
5. Adjust the Voice Chat Effect to at least 15%, depending on your desired volume.
Source: YouTube
6.Scroll down and find the Voice Chat Settings. Using the Push-to-Talk Voice Chat Method is recommended to avoid ambient noise.
Source: YouTube
7. Customize your Voice Chat Input and Output Device towards your device or any plugged headsets you use.
Source: YouTube
8. Click Apply at the lower right corner after customizing.
Source: YouTub
9. Restart your device to help boot up new settings before playing again.
Source: YouTube
| 💡Did You Know? The increasing number of smartphone users also ensures the growing number of mobile gamers. As of 2023, there are 2.7 billion mobile gamers. |
Top 3 Issues in Enabling Fortnite Voice Chat and How to Fix Them
Gamers can enjoy Fortnite across many devices, which makes the game easier to access. However, this often causes Voice Chat problems, especially with consoles, which tend to have more complicated settings.
To avoid Voice Chat issues, check the list below for the most common problems and their quick fixes.
1. Voice Chat Not Working on Xbox and PS4
Many gamers prefer playing on consoles for their cheaper price and user-friendly interface. However, Fortnite gamers have encountered issues enabling Voice Chat when playing through Xbox or PS4.
The error occurs when gamers simultaneously enter gaming parties on the console and in Fortnite. This blocks the Voice Chat features of Fortnite from activating throughout the play. Gamers can quit their Xbox or PS4 party to work around this error before enabling Voice Chat in Fortnite.
Here’s a quick guide to managing your Xbox and PS4 parties when playing Fortnite.
2. Managing Xbox Parties for Fortnite
Xbox users must quit their game parties to play Fortnite with Voice Chat. Dive into the steps of quitting your Xbox party to enjoy Fortnite on your console faster!
- Click the Xbox button on the controller, and you’ll find the Home menu.
Source: Game One
2. On the Home menu, click the Chat Party icon.
Source: YouTube
3. Select the Party you’re currently in, and use your controller to click Leave.
Source: YouTube
4. Open Fortnite and update Voice Chat settings before playing.
3. Managing PS4 Parties for Fortnite
Xbox users quit their Chat Parties to play Fortnite, while PS4 users enter a Party to play the game. Here’s a quick and easy guide to managing your PS4 Party before playing Fortnite.
- Click the Party icon on your homepage.
Source: YouTube
2. Select an existing Party or Create a new one if you don’t have invites.
Source: YouTube
3. In creating a Party, you need to customize the details after clicking Create Party.
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4. Invite friends to join your Party.
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5. After creating the Party, optimize your Party for Fortnite by clicking Party Settings.
Source: YouTube
6. Select Chat Audio and click Prioritize Game Chat over Prioritize Party Chat.
Source: YouTube
7. Open Fortnite and customize Voice Chat settings.
Switch DNS Settings Error
Voice Chat errors can be due to DNS settings that keep Fortnite Switch from executing key features like Voice Chat. As an online game, Fortnite Switch needs constant and strong Internet access. However, DNS errors often occur, which keeps the game from giving you the full Fortnite Switch experience.
Check out the steps below to adjust your DNS settings and return to a smooth Fortnite Switch experience!
- Click the Home button to open your Switch’s Settings page.
Source: YouTube
2. Click the Internet tab on the side panel and select Internet Settings.
Source: YouTube
3. Select your current connection.
Source: YouTube
4. Click Change Settings and click DNS Settings.
Source: YouTube
5. Switch your DNS Setting from Automatic to Manual.
Source: YouTube
6. Change your Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and your Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4.
Source: YouTube
7. Turn the Proxy off, and click on Save to apply changes.
Source: YouTube
8. Open Fortnite and update Voice Chat settings.
| 👍 Helpful Article: Changing DNS servers for gaming is a common occurrence. Here are some articles Techjury has to help you solve this issue:  How to Change DNS Servers on Windows 11 [4 Different Methods] Ways to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 11 Edition |
Headphone Jack Error on Dock
Another common error among Fortnite Switch users is headphone jack compatibility. Gamers usually use 3.55 mm headphone jacks. However, this kind of headphone won’t work for Voice Chat when docked.
It’s easy to work around this error and get Fortnite Switch’s Voice Chat working while on the dock. Just check out the steps below for an easy guide!
| 📝Note! You’ll need a USB to 35 mm audio jack adapter or USB headphones to do this workaround! |
Source: Galleon
Source: Lenovo
- Place your Switch in the Docking Station and plug your USB headphones into the back panel of the dock.
Source: Binbok
2. If you’re using a 35 mm jack headphone, you’ll need the adapter before you can plug in.
3. After docking, open Fortnite to customize your Voice Chat settings.
Final Thoughts
Fortnite is a leading online combat game in the market. It grew to be a platform for enjoying maps, gameplay, and missions in the comfort of their homes.
One of Fortnite’s key features is Voice Chat. It is easy to use on PCs, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox, and mobile devices. However, it is not free from issues.
It is essential to take precautions and arm yourself with knowledge in managing your console’s Party settings, adjusting the DNS setting, and using adapters for audio devices to enjoy voice chat feature in Fortnite.
FAQs
Can I mute specific players in a voice chat?
Yes, you can. To mute a teammate or other players, hover over or highlight the user profile you want to mute. Open the Menu prompt and select Mute.
Can I use external voice chat programs like Discord with Fortnite?
Yes, you can use external voice chat programs with Fortnite. Discord is a good start with its in-game overlay feature to communicate while playing a third-party game.
Are there push-to-talk options in Fortnite?
Yes, there is. Players can choose between Push to Talk and Open Mic options for Voice Chat. Push to Talk lets you decide when users hear your voice, while Open Mic continuously broadcasts your microphone feed in-game.
Do I need a special headset for voice chat in Fortnite?
No, you don’t. Any microphone with a headset will work with Fortnite as long as it’s compatible with your current device.
Darko founded WhatToBecome.com, a comprehensive career guidance platform for beginners in various popular fields. With a focus on remote working scenarios, workplace technology, emerging trends, and common challenges, Darko shares his valuable experiences and insights with our readers here on Techjury. Through his informative articles, Darko equips readers with the necessary knowledge and wisdom to thrive in their professional endeavors.