Getting hit with a hardware ID (HWID) ban is confusing and, honestly, kind of a pain. If you’re not sure what it means or how it’ll mess with your gaming, you’re definitely not alone.
There are a ton of questions about what causes HWID bans, how they work, and what you can actually do if it happens to you.
So, lets get straight to it.
What is an HWID ban?
An HWID ban, or hardware ID ban, is when a game or platform blocks your specific computer from accessing their services. They do this by tracking unique hardware details in your PC, like your motherboard or network card. If you get one, you usually can’t play the game on that device—even if you make new accounts.
Why do games issue HWID bans?
Games use HWID bans to stop cheaters and keep things fair. If someone cheats and only their account is banned, they can just make a new one. But if your hardware gets banned, it’s way harder to come back. It’s the game’s way of saying, “Let’s keep this fair for everyone.”
How does BattleEye implement HWID bans?
BattleEye tracks your computer’s unique hardware details. If you’re caught cheating, it blocks your access based on those identifiers. So, even if you make new accounts, your PC’s fingerprint is flagged, and you’re locked out of supported games.
Can I bypass an HWID ban with a spoofer?
Yeah, you can get around an HWID ban by using a hardware ID spoofer. A spoofer tricks the system into thinking you’re on a different device. Plenty of gamers try this after being banned, but results really depend on spoofer you use. You gotta get the best if you want the best results. ^-^
Does changing your HDD/SSD remove an HWID ban?
Just swapping your HDD or SSD won’t usually get rid of an HWID ban. Most bans are tied to different combinations of different hardware parts and traces on your PC.
Will unplugging all original drives help with an HWID ban?
Unplugging your original drives alone won’t help you. There are dozens of other changes that you need to do.
Can replacing the motherboard lift an HWID ban?
Swapping your motherboard can change some of the hardware IDs that bans look for. But it’s not enough. Games track other pieces too, like your hard drive, network card, etc.. Sometimes you have to change several parts to really get a clean slate.
Is changing the MAC address enough to bypass an HWID ban?
Nope, usually not. Most games track more than just your MAC address—think motherboard, hard drive, maybe even your BIOS. You’ll probably have to spoof or change multiple hardware IDs, not just the MAC. Always check what your game tracks before you try anything.
How to check if I have an HWID ban?
If every account you try gets banned on the same PC, you’re probably HWID banned. Sometimes you’ll see a message saying your hardware is banned. You could also try logging in on a different computer, or use an HWID ban checker online.
Are HWID bans permanent or temporary?
HWID bans can be permanent or temporary—it really depends on the game. Some games, like Valorant, might ban your hardware for a few months; others could block you forever. You can’t play the game on that device until the ban ends or gets lifted. Always check the game’s policy for specifics.
Can contacting the game's support remove my HWID ban?
You can try contacting support, but honestly, most companies don’t remove HWID bans. Anti-cheat teams are strict and rarely lift hardware bans, even if you appeal. If you think you were banned by mistake, it’s still worth reaching out. Be polite and include any proof you have.
Is it legal to use HWID spoofers?
Using HWID spoofers isn’t illegal in most places. You won’t get arrested just for using one. But gaming companies definitely don’t allow them. Using a spoofer breaks their terms, and you risk a permanent ban. Always read the rules before trying anything like this.
Does an IP ban come with an HWID ban?
An IP ban and an HWID ban are different. An IP ban blocks your internet address, while an HWID ban blocks your device’s hardware ID. You might get both if you really break the rules, but usually, it’s just one or the other.
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How to change my IP address to avoid bans?
You can change your IP by using a VPN or proxy. Both hide your real IP and give you a new one, making bans harder to track. Another trick is unplugging your router for a few minutes if you have dynamic IPs. Sometimes, you’ll get a new IP when you reconnect, but it will most likely be from the same subnet, so you might get banned again.
What hardware components are tracked for HWID bans?
Lately, anti-cheat softwares have started tracking more than the SSD/MAC/GPU HWIDs, the are dozens of unique serials numbers they are tracking and they won’t tell which ones they do for obvious reasons.
Will buying a new PC solve an HWID ban?
Getting a new PC usually lets you dodge an HWID ban since the ban is tied to your old hardware. Start fresh, and the game sees you as a new user. But if you use the same banned account, you will get HWID banned on your new PC as well. Use a new account and don’t copy over anything linked to the ban.
How to appeal an HWID ban properly?
Look for the official support or appeal page for the game or service. Fill out the form. Include your HWID ban notice if you got one. Explain what happened, keep it factual, and stay polite. Then, wait. Sometimes it takes a while for a response, sometimes you won’t even get a response. That’s how it works.
Does piracy increase chances of HWID bans?
Using pirated games can raise your risk of getting HWID banned—especially if the game has strong anti-cheat. These systems look for unauthorized or modified files. If you play a pirated version online, your hardware ID could get flagged and banned, even if you switch accounts later.
How to protect myself from getting HWID banned?
To avoid HWID bans, just follow the game’s rules and don’t cheat. Hacks and cheats are the fastest way to get flagged. Keep your software updated and avoid sketchy third-party tools. Only use official game clients and trusted programs. If you share your PC, make sure others don’t break the rules either. Their actions can put your hardware at risk. Or use a spoofer before you get banned. So, in case you do get eventually banned, you can revert to your original HWIDs and be clean.
What games are known for strict HWID bans?
Games with big competitions or cash prizes, like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Fortnite, are famous for strict HWID bans. Valorant and Apex Legends also use them in the last couple years. It’s all about keeping things fair and cutting down on cheating.
Can VPNs prevent HWID bans?
VPNs only change your IP address. They don’t hide or change your hardware ID. If you’re HWID banned, a VPN won’t help. Game systems track your HWID separately from your IP.
Is it safe to buy a PC with an existing HWID ban?
If you buy a used PC with an HWID ban, you might not be able to play certain games. Your accounts could get banned too if you use them on that hardware. Game companies almost never remove HWID bans. Always check before buying a used computer if you plan to game online. It’s a good way to get a cheaper PC though.
How to safely use a spoofer without getting detected?
Use a spoofer only from a trusted source and reputable company. Stay away from public cheats and don’t let others who cheat use your device. Follow the instructions of the HWID Spoofer developer.
Can aggressive behavior cause HWID bans?
Aggressive or toxic behavior usually won’t get you HWID banned. HWID bans are mostly for cheating or breaking anti-cheat rules. If you’re banned for being rude, it’s probably just a regular account or chat ban—not hardware. Still, check your game’s rules. If you go full rage mode on multiple accounts, you might eventually get HWID banned. Really depends on the game.
Do multiple banned accounts affect HWID status?
If you keep getting accounts banned for cheating or breaking rules on the same device, your HWID can get flagged. The more accounts banned on your PC, the higher your risk of getting an HWID ban. Game companies see repeated bans on one device as a big red flag.
Are software changes tracked in HWID bans?
Software changes aren’t usually tracked for HWID bans because it’s very easy to get around them. These bans focus on your hardware, like your motherboard or hard drive. Changing or updating software doesn’t affect the hardware ID. To lift an HWID ban, you’ll need to change hardware or use a spoofer.
What are the risks of using hardware ban bypass tools?
If you use bypass tools, you risk getting new accounts banned. Game companies can detect bypasses, and if they do, you might get longer or even permanent bans. Some tools contain malware or viruses, so you could end up with a broken PC or stolen info. Using bypasses almost always breaks the game’s rules, so your account’s at risk too.
How quick do HWID bans take effect?
HWID bans can hit fast—sometimes within minutes to a couple of hours after you break the rules. Other times, it might take up to a day. It depends on the game’s anti-cheat system. Once you’re banned, new accounts on that device will usually get blocked pretty quickly too.
Does cloud gaming avoid HWID bans?
Cloud gaming might help you dodge HWID bans sometimes. Since you're playing on remote servers, your hardware ID isn't directly exposed to the game. But, there are games and companies that actually work with cloud services to keep bans in place. So, you could still run into a block depending on the title. It really just depends—every game has its own way of dealing with HWID bans.