The Ultimate Guide: How to Enable Voice Chat in Fortnite?

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Darko Jacimovic
Written by
Darko Jacimovic

Updated · Sep 27, 2023

Darko Jacimovic
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Darko Jacimovic

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Florence Desiata

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Florence Desiata
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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. 

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:

  1. Click on the 3-lined icon at the top-left corner of your screen. 

    Menu Button on Fortnite’s Home PageSource: YouTube

  2. Select the microphone icon on the side panel.

    Audio Setting on Fortnite’s MenuSource: YouTube

  3. Customize the voice chat features according to your preferences, and play! 

Voice Options on Fortnite’s Audio SettingsSource: YouTube

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!

  1. Open Fortnite and click on the 3-lined icon at the top-left corner of your screen. 

    Menu Button on Fortnite’s Home PageSource: YouTube

  2. Click the Settings icon, and it will open the Settings page. 

    Setting Button on Fortnite’s MenuSource: YouTube

  3. Click on the Speaker icon at the top panel of the screen. 

    Audio Settings on FortniteSource: YouTube

  4. Scroll down and find the Voice Chat section, then customize the settings accordingly. 

    Voice Chat Settings on FortniteSource: YouTube

  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. 

Voice Chat Input and Output on FortniteSource: 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. 

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! 

  1. Plug your 3.5 mm jack headphones at the top panel of your Nintendo Switch, and open Fortnite.

    Nintendo Switch Audio JackSource: YouTube

  2. Press the + button on your Switch to open Fortnite’s side panel. 

    + Button on SwitchSource: YouTube

  3. Click Settings, and use your Switch’s Joy-Con to click the Audio icon on the top panel of Settings. 

    Switch’s Joy-ConSource: YouTube

  4. Turn on Voice Chat in Audio Settings. Switch to Open Mic in Voice Chat Method instead of Push to Talk. 

    Voice Chat Settings on Fortnite Switch
    Source:
    YouTube

  5. After customizing settings, press X on your Joy-Con to save the Settings and return to your game. 

    Voice Chat Settings on Fortnite SwitchSource: YouTube

  6. You’ll confirm Voice Chat works with the Active Sound icon next to your character at the top-left corner. 

Active Speaker Icon in Fortnite SwitchSource: YouTube

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! 

  1. Plug your 3.5 mm jack headphones into the top panel of your Nintendo Switch, and open Fortnite.

    Nintendo Switch’s Audio JackSource: YouTube

  2. Press the — button on your Switch to open another side panel.

    Button on Nintendo SwitchSource: YouTube

  3. Click the Voice Chat option, and use your Joy-Con to scroll and customize settings before returning to the game. 

    Voice Chat Settings on Fortnite’s Side PanelSource: YouTube

  4. You’ll confirm Voice Chat works with the Active Sound icon next to your character at the top-left corner. 

Active Speaker Icon in Fortnite SwitchSource: 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. 

  1. Open your PS4’s Settings, click Devices, and go to Audio Devices. Change your Input and Output Devices to the Headset Connected to Controller. 

    Audio Device Settings on PS4Source: YouTube

  2. Tick the checkbox on the Switch to Output Device Automatically option. 

    Switch Output Device Automatically SettingsSource: YouTube

  3. Select Adjust Microphone Level and check to see if your microphone is working. 

    Adjust Microphone LevelSource: YouTube

  4. Open Fortnite Settings, and click on the Speaker icon at the top panel of the screen. 

    Audio Settings on FortniteSource: YouTube

  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.

    Voice Chat Settings on FortniteSource: YouTube

     
  6. Enter your Party and open your Party Settings. 

    Party Settings on PS4Source: YouTube

  7. Select Chat Audio and click Prioritize Game Chat over Prioritize Party Chat. 

    Chat Audio Settings on PS4Source: YouTube

  8. You’ll see an Active Speaker icon next to your character in the top-left corner to confirm Voice Chat is enabled.  

Active Speaker Icon In-GameSource: 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! 

  1. Click your Xbox guide and select the Audio & Music settings. 

    Xbox’s Audio & Music Settings
    Source:
    YouTube

  2. Turn On the Headset Mic toggle button, and maximize Mic Monitoring. 

    Audio & Music SettingsSource: 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. 

    Voice Chat Settings on Side PanelSource: 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. 

    Parties & Chats Settings on XboxSource: YouTube

  5. Quit Fortnite to reboot settings.

    Quit Option on FortniteSource: YouTube

  6. Go back to Settings and click Volume & Audio Output. 

    General Settings on XboxSource: YouTube

  7. Click on Additional Options, and switch the Party Chat Output to Headsets and Speakers. 

    Additional Settings on XboxSource: YouTube

  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! 

  1. Switch to a WiFi connection when playing Fortnite. 

    WiFi page on Mobile 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. 

     

    Privacy Settings on MobileSource: YouTube

  3. Open Fortnite and click the Menu button at the top right corner. 

    Menu Button on Fortnite MobileSource: YouTube

  4. Click Settings at the right side panel of the Menu tab, and select the Audio icon at the top panel. 

    Audio Icon on Fortnite Mobile Source: YouTube

  5. Adjust the Voice Chat Effect to at least 15%, depending on your desired volume. 

    Voice Chat Settings 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. 

    Voice Chat Settings on Fortnite MobileSource: YouTube

  7. Customize your Voice Chat Input and Output Device towards your device or any plugged headsets you use. 

    Voice Chat Settings on Fortnite MobileSource: YouTube

  8. Click Apply at the lower right corner after customizing. 

    Voice Chat Settings on Fortnite MobileSource: YouTub

  9. Restart your device to help boot up new settings before playing again.

Voice Chat Settings on Fortnite MobileSource: 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. 

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. 

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! 

  1. Click the Xbox button on the controller, and you'll find the Home menu. 

    Xboc ControllerSource: Game One

  2. On the Home menu, click the Chat Party icon. 

    Xbox Home MenuSource: YouTube


  3. Select the Party you’re currently in, and use your controller to click Leave.

    Xbox Chat Party Settings Source: YouTube

  4. Open Fortnite and update Voice Chat settings before playing. 
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.  

  1. Click the Party icon on your homepage. 

    PS4 Party IconSource: YouTube

  2. Select an existing Party or Create a new one if you don’t have invites. 

    PS4 Party Settings Source: YouTube

  3. In creating a Party, you need to customize the details after clicking Create Party. 

     Create Party Page Source: YouTube

  4. Invite friends to join your Party.

    Invite Players to Party PageSource: YouTube

  5. After creating the Party, optimize your Party for Fortnite by clicking Party Settings. 

    PS4 Party SettingsSource: YouTube


  6. Select Chat Audio and click Prioritize Game Chat over Prioritize Party Chat. 

    PS4’s Chat Audio SettingsSource: 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! 

  1. Click the Home button to open your Switch’s Settings page. 

    Home Button on Nintendo Switch

    Source: YouTube

  2. Click the Internet tab on the side panel and select Internet Settings. 

    Internet Settings on Switch

    Source: YouTube

  3. Select your current connection. 

    Internet Settings on Switch

    Source: YouTube
  4. Click Change Settings and click DNS Settings. 

    Change DNS Settings on Switch

    Source: YouTube

  5. Switch your DNS Setting from Automatic to Manual. 

    Manual DNS Settings on Switch

    Source: YouTube
  6. Change your Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and your Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4. 

    Customized Primary DNS Settings on Switch
    Source: YouTube
  7. Turn the Proxy off, and click on Save to apply changes. 
              Proxy Settings on Switch                                           
    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:

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! 

jack adapter  USB headphones

                 Source: Galleon                                                          Source: Lenovo

  1. Place your Switch in the Docking Station and plug your USB headphones into the back panel of the dock. 

     Nintendo Switch Docking StationSource: 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. 

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