Fixing Fortnite Error Code 91: A Comprehensive Guide

Fortnite, the globally renowned battle royale game developed by Epic Games, offers an engaging and dynamic gaming experience for millions of players. However, like any online game, it is not immune to technical glitches and errors. One persistent issue that can frustrate players is Error Code 91. This error typically indicates a problem with the connection between your device and the Fortnite servers, often interrupting gameplay and preventing you from joining matches. Understanding the causes of Error Code 91 and implementing the right troubleshooting steps is crucial for getting back into the game. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the potential reasons behind this error and provide detailed, step-by-step instructions to resolve it.

Understanding Fortnite Error Code 91

Error Code 91 in Fortnite generally points to a network connectivity issue. This can manifest in various ways, such as:

* **Server Unavailability:** The Fortnite servers themselves might be undergoing maintenance or experiencing unexpected downtime.
* **Network Congestion:** Heavy internet traffic can lead to connection problems and trigger the error.
* **Firewall Restrictions:** Your firewall settings might be blocking Fortnite’s access to the internet.
* **Router Issues:** Problems with your router, such as outdated firmware or incorrect configurations, can disrupt the connection.
* **DNS Server Problems:** Issues with your DNS (Domain Name System) server can prevent your computer from resolving Fortnite’s server addresses.
* **ISP Issues:** Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might be experiencing outages or connectivity problems.
* **Game File Corruption:** Corrupted or missing game files can sometimes lead to connection errors.
* **VPN Conflicts:** The use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can, in some cases, interfere with Fortnite’s connection.
* **Account Related Issues:** Less frequently, account specific issues or temporary bans can trigger this error code.

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, it’s essential to rule out the most common and easily fixable issues first.

Preliminary Checks and Basic Troubleshooting

These initial steps will help you quickly identify and resolve simple issues that might be causing Error Code 91.

1. **Check Fortnite Server Status:**
* Before attempting any other troubleshooting steps, the first and most crucial thing to do is verify the Fortnite server status. Epic Games usually announces server outages or maintenance periods on their official social media channels (Twitter/X, Facebook), their website, and within the Epic Games Launcher.
* **How to Check:**
* Visit the Epic Games Server Status page: `status.epicgames.com`
* Check Epic Games’ official Twitter/X account (@FortniteStatus).
* Look for announcements within the Epic Games Launcher.
* **What to Do:**
* If the servers are down for maintenance, there’s nothing you can do but wait until they are back online. Epic Games will typically provide an estimated time for the maintenance to complete.

2. **Restart Your Device:**
* A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that might be causing the error. This applies to your computer, console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), or mobile device.
* **How to Restart:**
* **Computer:** Shut down your computer completely, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
* **Console:** Power down your console completely (do not just put it in rest mode). Wait a minute, then power it back on.
* **Mobile:** Restart your phone or tablet.
* **Why it Works:**
* Restarting clears temporary files and resets network connections, resolving minor software conflicts.

3. **Restart Your Router and Modem:**
* Your router and modem are the gateways to your internet connection. Restarting them can resolve network connectivity issues.
* **How to Restart:**
* Unplug both your modem and router from the power outlet.
* Wait at least 30 seconds.
* Plug the modem back into the power outlet and wait for it to fully power on (the lights should stabilize).
* Plug the router back into the power outlet and wait for it to fully power on.
* **Why it Works:**
* Restarting your modem and router clears their caches, refreshes their IP addresses, and re-establishes the connection with your ISP.

4. **Check Your Internet Connection:**
* Ensure you have a stable and active internet connection. You can do this by running a speed test or trying to access other websites or online services.
* **How to Check:**
* Run a speed test using websites like Speedtest.net or Fast.com.
* Try browsing other websites or using other online applications.
* Check if other devices on your network can access the internet.
* **What to Look For:**
* Low download or upload speeds.
* High ping (latency).
* Intermittent connection drops.
* **If You Have Internet Issues:**
* Contact your ISP to report the problem.
* Try using a wired connection (Ethernet cable) instead of Wi-Fi to see if it improves stability.

5. **Close Background Applications:**
* Some applications running in the background can consume network bandwidth or interfere with Fortnite’s connection.
* **How to Close:**
* **Windows:** Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and close any unnecessary applications or processes, especially those that use a lot of network or CPU resources.
* **Mac:** Open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities) and close any unnecessary applications or processes.
* **Consoles:** Close any running applications that are not essential.
* **Why it Works:**
* Closing background applications frees up network resources and reduces the potential for software conflicts.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t resolve Error Code 91, you’ll need to delve into more advanced solutions.

6. **Check Firewall Settings:**
* Your firewall might be blocking Fortnite’s access to the internet. You need to ensure that Fortnite is allowed through your firewall.
* **Windows Firewall:**
* Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
* Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”
* Click on “Change settings” (you may need administrator privileges).
* Look for Fortnite in the list of allowed apps. If it’s not there, click on “Allow another app…” and browse to the Fortnite executable file (usually located in `C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe`).
* Make sure both “Private” and “Public” checkboxes are checked for Fortnite.
* Click “OK” to save the changes.
* **Third-Party Firewalls:**
* If you are using a third-party firewall (e.g., McAfee, Norton, Avast), consult the firewall’s documentation for instructions on how to add Fortnite to the list of allowed applications. The process is generally similar to the Windows Firewall, but the specific steps might vary.
* **Why it Works:**
* Allowing Fortnite through your firewall ensures that the game can communicate with the Epic Games servers without being blocked.

7. **Configure Router Settings (Port Forwarding):**
* Port forwarding allows specific network traffic to bypass your router’s firewall and reach your device directly. This can improve connection stability and reduce latency.
* **Understanding Port Forwarding:**
* Port forwarding involves configuring your router to forward specific ports to your computer or console’s IP address. The ports used by Fortnite are:
* **TCP:** 80, 443, 5222, 5796, 6000-6010, 6502, 9000-9001, 9920-9929, 14000-14001, 16000-16022
* **UDP:** 5000-5001, 7000-7001, 7777, 15000-15009, 25000-25009, 27000-27036, 30000-30009, 43279, 48800
* **How to Configure Port Forwarding:**
* **Find Your Router’s IP Address:** Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) and type `ipconfig` (Windows) or `ifconfig` (Mac). Look for the “Default Gateway” address. This is your router’s IP address.
* **Access Your Router’s Configuration Page:** Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. You will be prompted to enter your router’s username and password. If you don’t know the credentials, check your router’s documentation or contact your ISP.
* **Navigate to the Port Forwarding Section:** The location of the port forwarding settings varies depending on your router model. Look for sections labeled “Port Forwarding,” “Virtual Servers,” or “NAT Forwarding.”
* **Add Port Forwarding Rules:** For each of the TCP and UDP ports listed above, create a new port forwarding rule.
* **Service Name/Description:** Enter a descriptive name for the rule (e.g., “Fortnite TCP 80”).
* **Port Range:** Enter the port number or range of ports (e.g., 80 for TCP 80, or 6000-6010 for TCP 6000-6010).
* **Protocol:** Select the appropriate protocol (TCP or UDP).
* **Internal IP Address:** Enter the IP address of your computer or console. To find your computer’s IP address, use `ipconfig` (Windows) or `ifconfig` (Mac). To find your console’s IP address, check its network settings.
* **Internal Port:** Enter the same port number or range of ports as the Port Range.
* **Save and Apply Changes:** Save the port forwarding rules and apply the changes. Your router might need to be restarted for the changes to take effect.
* **Why it Works:**
* Port forwarding ensures that Fortnite’s network traffic is directly routed to your device, bypassing potential firewall restrictions and improving connection speed and stability.

8. **Flush DNS Cache:**
* Your DNS cache stores the IP addresses of websites and servers you have visited. Sometimes, the cache can become corrupted or outdated, leading to connection problems.
* **Windows:**
* Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
* Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
* `ipconfig /flushdns`
* `ipconfig /registerdns`
* `ipconfig /release`
* `ipconfig /renew`
* Close Command Prompt.
* **Mac:**
* Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities).
* Type the following command and press Enter (you will be prompted for your administrator password):
* `sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
* Close Terminal.
* **Why it Works:**
* Flushing the DNS cache clears out old and potentially corrupted DNS entries, forcing your computer to retrieve fresh DNS information from the DNS server.

9. **Change DNS Servers:**
* Your ISP automatically assigns you DNS servers, but sometimes these servers can be slow or unreliable. Switching to a different DNS server, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, can improve your internet speed and stability.
* **Windows:**
* Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
* Click on “Change adapter settings.”
* Right-click on your network adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select “Properties.”
* Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties.”
* Select “Use the following DNS server addresses:”.
* Enter the following DNS server addresses:
* **Preferred DNS server:** `8.8.8.8` (Google DNS)
* **Alternate DNS server:** `8.8.4.4` (Google DNS)
* **Alternatively, use Cloudflare DNS:**
* **Preferred DNS server:** `1.1.1.1` (Cloudflare DNS)
* **Alternate DNS server:** `1.0.0.1` (Cloudflare DNS)
* Check the box “Validate settings upon exit” and click “OK” to save the changes.
* **Mac:**
* Open System Preferences and go to Network.
* Select your network adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and click on “Advanced.”
* Click on the “DNS” tab.
* Click the “+” button to add new DNS server addresses.
* Enter the following DNS server addresses:
* `8.8.8.8` (Google DNS)
* `8.8.4.4` (Google DNS)
* **Alternatively, use Cloudflare DNS:**
* `1.1.1.1` (Cloudflare DNS)
* `1.0.0.1` (Cloudflare DNS)
* Click “OK” to save the changes.
* **Why it Works:**
* Switching to faster and more reliable DNS servers can improve your internet speed and reduce latency, potentially resolving connection issues with Fortnite.

10. Update Network Adapter Drivers:
* Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause connection problems. Updating to the latest drivers can resolve these issues.
* **Windows:**
* Open Device Manager (search for it in the Start menu).
* Expand the “Network adapters” category.
* Right-click on your network adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select “Update driver.”
* Choose “Search automatically for drivers” to let Windows find and install the latest drivers. Alternatively, you can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek) and install them manually.
* **Mac:**
* macOS usually handles driver updates automatically. However, you can check for updates by going to System Preferences > Software Update.
* **Why it Works:**
* Updating network adapter drivers ensures that your network hardware is functioning correctly and compatible with the latest network protocols and standards.

11. Disable VPN (If Applicable):
* While VPNs can be useful for privacy and security, they can sometimes interfere with Fortnite’s connection, especially if the VPN server is located far away or is experiencing network issues.
* **How to Disable:**
* Disconnect from your VPN client. Make sure the VPN is completely disabled and not running in the background.
* **Why it Works:**
* Disabling the VPN allows Fortnite to connect directly to the Epic Games servers without being routed through a third-party server, potentially improving connection speed and stability.
* **Troubleshooting VPN Issues:**
* If you need to use a VPN, try switching to a different VPN server or protocol to see if it resolves the issue.
* Ensure that your VPN software is up to date.

12. Verify Integrity of Game Files:
* Corrupted or missing game files can sometimes cause connection errors. The Epic Games Launcher has a built-in feature to verify the integrity of game files.
* **How to Verify:**
* Open the Epic Games Launcher.
* Go to your Library.
* Find Fortnite in the list of games.
* Click on the three dots next to Fortnite and select “Verify.”
* The Epic Games Launcher will scan the game files and download any missing or corrupted files.
* **Why it Works:**
* Verifying game files ensures that all necessary files are present and intact, resolving potential issues caused by corrupted or missing data.

13. Reinstall Fortnite:
* If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Fortnite is a more drastic measure that can often resolve persistent issues caused by corrupted game files or software conflicts.
* **How to Reinstall:**
* Uninstall Fortnite through the Epic Games Launcher or through your operating system’s control panel.
* Delete any remaining Fortnite files or folders from your computer.
* Restart your computer.
* Download and install Fortnite from the Epic Games Launcher.
* **Why it Works:**
* Reinstalling Fortnite provides a clean installation of the game, removing any potentially corrupted files or conflicting software configurations.

14. Contact Epic Games Support:
* If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing Error Code 91, it’s time to contact Epic Games Support for assistance.
* **How to Contact:**
* Visit the Epic Games Support website: `epicgames.com/help/en-US/`
* Submit a support ticket describing your issue in detail, including the troubleshooting steps you have already tried.
* Provide any relevant information, such as your system specifications, network configuration, and error messages.
* **Why it’s Important:**
* Epic Games Support can provide personalized assistance and investigate any underlying issues with your account or the game servers.

Additional Tips and Considerations

* **Check for Operating System Updates:** Ensure your operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.) is up to date with the latest updates and patches. Outdated operating systems can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
* **Disable Antivirus Software (Temporarily):** Some antivirus software can interfere with Fortnite’s connection. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software to see if it resolves the issue. Remember to re-enable your antivirus software afterward.
* **Test on a Different Network:** If possible, try connecting to a different network (e.g., a mobile hotspot or a friend’s Wi-Fi) to see if the issue is specific to your home network.
* **Check for Background Downloads:** Make sure there are no large downloads or streaming activities occurring on your network while you are playing Fortnite. These activities can consume bandwidth and cause connection issues.
* **Use a Wired Connection:** If you are using Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection (Ethernet cable) for a more stable and reliable connection.
* **Monitor Your Network Performance:** Use network monitoring tools to track your internet speed, latency, and packet loss. This can help you identify potential network issues that might be causing Error Code 91.

Conclusion

Fortnite Error Code 91 can be a frustrating issue, but by systematically following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can often resolve the problem and get back to enjoying the game. Remember to start with the basic checks and preliminary steps before moving on to more advanced solutions. If you are still experiencing the error after trying all of the above steps, don’t hesitate to contact Epic Games Support for assistance. With a little patience and persistence, you can overcome this technical hurdle and continue your Fortnite adventure.