Fortnite Media Streaming Error: Top Solutions for PC & Console

Ways to fix this error and why it happens

Co-authored by Stan Kats and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: February 7, 2025 Fact Checked

It's frustrating when you want to play a game of Fortnite, but you are greeted with "Media Streaming Error Detected" which interrupts your game. This has especially been a problem with Fortnite Festival mode, preventing players from jamming out to their favorite tunes. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fix this issue. This wikiHow article teaches how to fix this issue and what causes it in the first place.

Fix 'Media Streaming Error Detected'

Restarting Fortnite will fix the error in most cases. If that doesn't work, check your internet connection. Also, make sure Fortnite has been updated. You can also try clearing the game cache, lowering your graphics settings, and reinstalling Fortnite.

1

Restart Fortnite.

Download Article

The server may be overloaded or your device is having a problem connecting to Fortnite. In most cases, closing the game and relaunching it will fix this issue. This will reestablish a connection with the server.^{[1]
X
Research source}

2

Try a different game mode.

Download Article

This error most often occurs in Festival Mode. Epic Games recommends that you try exiting Festival Mode an launching a different game mode. Then exit that game mode and reconnect to Festival Mode. See if this fixes the error.^{[2]
X
Research source}

3

Check Fortnite's service status.

Download Article

Occasionally a game's servers may need to be taken down for maintenance or for repairs. Check to make sure there are no issues with Fortnite. You can check Fortnite's official service status here. You can also use websites like Downdetector.com or Fortnite's official social media pages to see if there are any problems being reported. If Fortnite is down, you'll just need to wait and try again later.

4

Restart your modem or router.

Download Article

If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, it may cause problems with the game. Check to see if there are issues with any other programs or applications. Check your internet speed. Try restarting your router to see if this fixes your internet connection problems. To do so, simply unplug your router for about a minute. Then plug it back in and wait about 3 minutes.

5

Close any other applications.

Download Article

If you have other applications running in the background, they may be eating up bandwidth. Close any other applications running on your device If you are sharing an internet connection with other people, make sure nobody else is doing any high-bandwidth activity, like streaming, watching movies, or gaming.

6

Use an ethernet connection.

Download Article

Connecting to your modem or router via an ethernet cable provides a faster and more reliable internet connection. If you are having problems connecting via Wi-Fi, try connecting to your modem or router via an ethernet connection.

7

Check for Fortnite updates.

Download Article

You may be playing an outdated game. You may run into glitches and issues if you are playing an outdated version of the game. Use the following steps to update Fortnite^{[3]
X
Research source}
- PC:
  - Open the Epic Games Launcher app.
  - Launch Fortnite to update automatically.
- PlayStation:
  - Select Fortnite in the XMB or Library.
  - Press the Options button.
  - Select Check for updates.
- Xbox:
  - Press the Xbox button.
  - Select My games & apps.
  - Select See all.
  - Select Games.
  - Select Fortnite.
  - Select Update if an update is available.
- Nintendo Switch:
  - Press the Home button.
  - Select Fortnite.
  - Press the + button.
  - Select Software update.
  - Select Via the internet.

8

Clear your game cache.

Download Article

Your cache and temporary files may be corrupt. The cache stores temporary files that make it easier for Fortnite and other applications to run. However, sometimes the cache may get corrupt files This can cause issues with your game. You can fix this by clearing the cache. This will not delete any of your game data or saved data. Use the following steps to do so:
- PC:
  - Close Fortnite and the Epic Games Launcher.
  - Press Win + R to open Run.
  - Type “%localappdata%” and press Enter.
  - Delete the "Epic Games Launcher," "Epic Games," and "FortniteGame" folders.
  - Launcher Fortnite.
- PlayStation:
  - Power off your PlayStation.
  - Press and hold the Power button until you hear two beeps to launch Safe Mode.
  - Connect the controller via a USB cable.
  - Select Clear cache and rebuild database.
  - Select Clear System Software Cache.
- Xbox:^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
  - Turn off your Xbox and unplug it.
  - Disconnect all accessories.
  - Leave the console unplugged for two minutes.
  - Press and hold the Power button for a minute while the console is unplugged.
  - Plug the console back in and power it back up.
- Nintendo Switch:^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
  - Press the Home button.
  - Select System Settings.
  - Select System.
  - Select Formatting Options.
  - Select Clear cache.
  - Select your user profile.
  - Select Reset.

9

Lower your graphics settings.

Download Article

Setting your graphics settings to high causes your system to work harder. This can cause streaming issues as well as performance issues. Launch Fortnite and open the Settings menu. Select the Video options. Lower the view distance, shadows, textures, and effects. Then try again.^{[6]
X
Research source}

10

Reinstall Fortnite.

Download Article

Your game installation may be corrupt. If the problem continues, try uninstalling Fortnite and reinstalling it again. There may be an issue with your game installation. Use one of the following steps to uninstall and reinstall Fortnite:
- PC:
  - Click the Windows Start menu.
  - Type "Fortnite"
  - RIght-click Fortnite and click Uninstall.
  - Follow the prompts.
  - Open the Epic Games Launcher.
  - Click Library.
  - Click Install below "Fortnite."
- PlayStation:
  - Select Fortnite on the XMB or Game Library.
  - Press the Options button.
  - Select Delete.
  - Open the Game Library.
  - Select Your Collection.
  - Select Fortnite.
  - Select Download.
- Xbox:
  - Press the Xbox button.
  - Select My games & apps.
  - Select See all.
  - Select Games.
  - Select Fortnite.
  - Select Uninstall and follow the prompts.
  - Select Full library.
  - Select Owned games.
  - Select Fortnite.
  - Select Install all.
- Nintendo Switch:
  - Press the Home button.
  - Select System Settings.
  - Select Data Management.
  - Select Software.
  - Select Fortnite.
  - Select Delete Software.
  - Open the Nintendo eShop.
  - Select your user profile.
  - Tap your user profile icon in the upper-right corner.
  - Select Redownload.
  - Select Fortnite.

11

Contact Epic Games.

Download Article

There may be a technical issue that Epic Games needs to deal with. Normally when you encounter the "media streaming error detected" message, this is a problem with the servers. This may not be a problem on your end. This may be a problem that Epic Games needs to resolve. Contact them and let them know you are experiencing an issue. They may be able to open a trouble ticket to get the issue fixed. They may already know about the issue and be able to tell you what is going on and when you can expect to have the issue fixed.
- You can contact Epic Games to get support for Fortnite here.