How to Stop the Latest iPhone Update From Deleting "Fortnite"

'Coz nobody wants that.

We wish we didn't have to add anything else to your list of things to worry about in 2020, but we're about to. So, apologies in advance. 

It turns out that downloading the new iOS 14 software could potentially wipe Fortnite from your iPhone.

Last month, Apple removed the video game from its App Store after claiming its developer, Epic Games, violated in-app payment guidelines. 

That meant that users who had already downloaded the app could keep on using it, while new users weren't able to get it at all. 

However, earlier today, Fortnite's creators confirmed that downloading the new iPhone update could result in you losing the game.

"Fortnite iOS players updating to iOS 14 may lose access to Fortnite," they wrote.

It appears that a message can pop up asking if you want to "temporarily remove apps" when you try to update your iOS software. 

As reported by esportstalk, it's possible the message is given when you don't have enough memory space to fully download the update. 

"If the message 'Temporarily Remove Apps to Install the Software Update?' is accepted, it may result in Fortnite being deleted. Fortnite cannot later be reinstalled due to Apple preventing users from doing so." 

Yikes. How do I stop the update from deleting Fortnite?

However, all hope is not lost. 

Fortnite creators have also taken to social media to advise players on how to prevent the app from being wiped from your iPhone, while still downloading the new iOS software.

"iOS players who wish to continue playing Fortnite should press Cancel first. Then, to free up space you can offload apps or media by going to Settings-> General-> iPhone Storage," their tweet read.

"Once you have cleared out enough space, attempt the update again and the prompt will no longer appear." 

Apple and Epic Games have been locked in a legal battle after the latter decided to add its own payment system to Fortnite. 

Since the game has been removed from the App Store, iOS players are still stuck in the Aquaman-themed season. 

So, if you're going to update your iOS software, make sure you keep an eye out for that pesky little temporary removal message. 

Header Image: Epic Games