7 Ways to Fix the Fortnite Matchmaking Error on a Windows PC

The Fortnite matchmaking error is a regularly reported issue report on support forums and Reddit. Players who need to fix that issue see an error message that says “Matchmaking Error” whenever they try to join a game. That error message also includes a #1, #2, or #3 code number after it. Those error messages appear within the Fortnite game itself, and players can’t play matches because of them. This is how you can fix the Fortnite matchmaking error #1, #2, or #3 on a Windows 11/10 PC.

Read also: 6 Ways to Fix Fortnite Error 10022 on a Windows 11/10 PC

Check the Fortnite Server Status

The matchmaking error can sometimes arise because of Fortnite server issues. So, the first thing you should do is check if there’s any widespread Fortnite server outage that could be causing the issue. To do so, open this Epic status page and click the Fortnite category. If that page shows something Fortnite-related isn’t operational (matchmaking especially), wait until the issue is resolved before launching the game again.

The Epic status page

Verify the Fortnite Files

Some players may need to verify and repair corrupted Fortnite game files to resolve the matchmaking error. The Verify option in Epic Games Launcher repairs missing or corrupted game files. This Epic help page includes instructions for how you can select the Verify option.

The Verify option in Epic Games

Change Your Matchmaking Region

Numerous players confirm changing the matchmaking region in Fortnite’s game settings can fix this issue. Fortnite will be set to an automation region option by default. So, try changing your matching region to a non-automatic alternative as follows.

1. Start the Fortnite game.
2. Click the menu button at the top-right of the Fortnite title screen.
3. Select the Settings menu option.
4. Click the tab with the round gear icon.
5. Select a different matchmaking region option. If Auto is set there, selecting a non-automatic regional setting that best matches your location would be preferable.
   
   

   The Matchmaking Region settings in Fortnite

6. Press Apply to save the new regional setting.

Delete the Custom Matchmaking Key

Have you set up a custom Fortnite matchmaking key? If so, disabling that key by erasing it could resolve the Fortnite matchmaking error. This is how you can delete a custom matchmaking key.

1. Launch Fortnite and click Play on its title screen.
2. Click the Custom Key button.
   
   

   The Custom Key button

3. Erase any key entered in the Custom Matchmaking Key box.
   
   

   The Custom Matchmaking Key box

4. Select Accept to save.

Reset Your Router

Some players say they fixed the Fortnite matchmaking error by resetting their routers. You can do that by pressing a small reset button on your router. Note that resetting a router will wipe all custom settings and restore the factory default username and password if changed.

Alternatively, you could try power cycling your router. To do that, unplug your router for a few minutes and then reconnect it. Wait for all the connection lights to come back on and try playing Fortnite again.

Disable VPN Connection

Do you have a VPN connection enabled on your PC? If so, try disabling that VPN to utilize your standard connection for Fortnite. You can disable a VPN connection within Settings like this.

1. Activate the search tool for finding files and apps with the Windows key logo + S keyboard shortcut.
2. Enter VPN settings, and select the matching search result. 
3. Next, click on a listed VPN connection you need to disable.
4. Select the Disconnect option.

Reinstall Fortnite

Finally, reinstall the Fortnite game if none of the solutions above works for you. This will refresh all Fortnite’s files and ensure the installed game is fully updated. You can reinstall Fortnite with Epic Games Launcher like this.

1. Start Epic Games Launcher and click on its Library tab.
2. Next, click the menu button under Fortnite.
3. Click Uninstall to provide confirmation.
   
   

   The Uninstall option

4. To reinstall Fortnite, click on the game in the Library tab and select Install.

The above troubleshooting methods will likely fix the Fortnite matchmaking error on Windows PCs for most players. However, you can contact the Epic help service from this game support page if further resolutions are needed. With that matchmaking error resolved, you can then get back in on the Fortnite action!