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How to get unbanned from Fortnite in 2024

How to remove your Fortnite IP ban

Epic Games doesn’t mess around when it comes to cheating or bullying in the Fortnite game. Once you break the rules, you receive a Fortnite ban and can’t play the game for some time. It could also happen due to minor mishaps. But that means your friends get to play without you. So if you’re wondering how to get unbanned from Fortnite, the solution is simple – a VPN.

A VPN changes your IP location, lifting the bad instantly. But since this means you’ll be gaming with a VPN in your inventory, you’ll need an advanced service for quick-scopes. Stick around and find out how to get unbanned from Fortnite with a VPN our experts recommend. And while you’re at it, also learn to avoid your subsequent IP ban in the future.

How to get unbanned from Fortnite with a VPN

  1. Choose a reliable gaming VPN. Our #1 recommendation is NordVPN, now 74% off
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
  3. Connect to a server. Choose the closest options for the best speeds.
  4. Create a new Epic Games account and log in.
  5. Launch Fortnite, take the next Battle Bus and jump back into action!
Remove Fortnite IP ban with NordVPN

Why am I banned from Fortnite?

You’ve likely received a Fortnite ban for violating the community guidelines. Epic Games works hard to create a friendly and safe environment for folks to gather and play. This includes purifying hordes of cheaters and punishing gamers that let their temper get the best of them. Or for simply being toxic. Here are common violations that can lead to a permanent ban from Fortnite:

  • Sharing personal information – exposing other players’ personal information.
  • Discrimination – hateful language based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, race, religion, gender, etc.
  • Bullying – threatening, harassing, or intimidating other players.
  • Impersonating others – pretending to be other players, celebrities, or streamers.
  • Cheating – cheating, griefing, teaming, or exploiting glitches and bugs.
  • Promoting illegal activities – gambling, drugs, swatting, doxing, or phishing.
  • Inappropriate content – avoid any content that could disrupt the child-friendly environment.
  • Scamming – deceiving others and trading accounts.
  • Inciting violence – threatening to harm oneself or others.
  • High ping – this may cause a bad gameplay experience not only for you but also for other players, including possible unfair advantage against opponents.
  • Using a VPN – although not specifically mentioned in TOS (terms of service), some IPs are banned due to a suspicion they belong to a VPN network.
Fortnite ban message

Typically, Fortnite provides information about why your account was banned and the duration of the ban in the message you receive. If you see a message such as "You were removed from the match due to internet lag, your IP or machine, VPN usage, or for cheating," it indicates a potential ban on your account.

Sometimes you may get a warning first for getting just a bit out of the line. A ban follows next though some players receive it right away. And if it’s not your first offense, Epic Games may take a stricter approach to your Fortnite account.

Types of Fortnite bans

There are several kinds of Fortnite bans that you should be aware of to know how to deal with them. The major ones are three: IP & account band, temporary IP ban, and HWID ban. Below, we present key differences between the types of Fortnite bans.

  • Temporary IP ban. The lightest kind of ban only affects your IP address. This prevents you from playing the game for a period of time as decided by Epic Games. In short, the Fortnite IP ban is the punishment for small mishaps or violations of rules, like being a little offensive or doing an XP glitch once.
  • Account ban. Downright bullying or cheating will earn you an IP and account ban. It’s a permanent ban that includes your IP address and username, meaning you’ll need an entirely new account and internet connection to play again.
  • Hardware ID ban (HWID). This is a severe type of permanent Fortnite ban. Epic Games bans your hardware components IDs, which could be SSD or motherboard. This prevents you from rejoining the Royale matches using the same device that you received the ban on.
NordVPN lays all worries on how to get Fortnite account unbanned to rest. The service works swimmingly in the game, and lets you pick from thousands of IPs to go around the ban. Best of all, the VPN comes with a small price tag!
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How to get unbanned on Fortnite?

Fortnite enforces bans that can last 10 days, 30 days, or even result in a permanent (lifetime) ban, typically due to severe offenses or repeated violations. One effective way to bypass a Fortnite ban is by using a VPN, which can help mask your IP address and encrypt your internet connection, making it more difficult for Fortnite's detection systems to identify and block your access.

1. Get a reliable VPN

If you’re under a Fortnite IP ban, you need to change your IP address to go around the account lock. The safest and most reliable way to change it is a strong VPN for Fortnite.

NordVPN homepage

Our experts, and gamers alike, recommend NordVPN. It offers wide global coverage, advanced security features, and lightning-fast speeds with unlimited bandwidth. Not only will it help to get around your Fortnite ban, but may also improve your connection and reduce ping. Attainable gaming magic thanks to the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol.

2. Download and install your VPN

Once you've made your choice, the next step is to download and install your VPN. All top VPN services are fully compatible with PCs, smartphones, and tablets, so you can easily use them on any major platform.

Download NordVPN to Windows PC

Simply select a payment plan that fits your budget and preferences, and you're almost ready to go. Best-known VPN providers, such as NordVPN, offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can take your time seeing if you’ve made the right choice.

After the download, launch the installer and follow the quick guide, which should only take a few moments.

3. Connect to a server

After a successful VPN installation, it's time to connect to a server. This will give you a new IP address that should slip you under the Fortnite ban unnoticed. For example, NordVPN has servers all over the globe, so you can choose one that's nearby or even in another country.

NordVPN US server

In fact, playing with a VPN can even fix Fortnite lag if you pick the servers that are closest to you. Additionally, a VPN connection will mask your true IP address from any hacking-savvy players scooping personal information or trying to tamper with your network.

4. Create a new Fortnite account and start playing

You must reinstall the Fortnite game on your device. Tedious as it is, the step is necessary since the game contains traces of your old account. And the actual IP address among them. If Epic Games locates your real IP, the attempts to remove a Fortnite band with a VPN will instantly be void

Finally, create a new Epic Games account and log in. Download Fortnite and sprint straight into action without that pesky IP ban getting in the way of your next Victory Royale.

Epic Games sign up

How to not get banned in Fortnite?

First and foremost, to avoid getting banned on Fortnite, players must adhere to the game's rules and Terms of Service. This includes avoiding cheating apps like 'aimbots', not selling or buying accounts, and staying away from any foul language or shady dealings. These are just a few tips, but we’d generally recommend not giving Epic Games any reasons to get you banned.

If you’ve been blocked, you can recover Fortnite account with a reputable gaming VPN. The service grants you a fresh new IP account, the key ingredient to tricking Epic Games in letting you play despite the ban.

Fortnite still IP banned using a VPN: solution

It’s possible the ban on your Fortnite account remains even after employing a VPN. This doesn’t spell the end, merely some obstacles you can easily overcome. Below you’ll find Fortnite IP ban fixes to handle the friction.

Remove any leftover Fortnite files

A lot of Fortnite files are stored all across your system. These, as with any crumb trail, can lead Epic Games to find a connection between your new Fortnite account and the old banned one. If your new account gets banned on the spot, you should repeat the reinstallation of the game together with some extra cleanup. After uninstalling Fortnite, visit the following directories:

  • C:Program Files (x86)
  • C:Program Files
  • C:%userprofile%Documents
  • C:%localappdata%
  • C:%programdata%
  • C:Users%username%AppDataLocal

Paste these in your file explorer’s directory bar and hit enter.

Windows Explorer search bar

There, manually delete any folders or files related to Fortnite. After your cleanup, enable your VPN connection once more, install the game, and try again with another account.

Change your MAC address

As difficult as it sounds, it’s probably one of the quickest fixes you can employ. Changing a MAC address alone is no guarantee for success, but it’s a great extra step not to be traced back after your Fortnite IP ban.

First, head to your Control Panel and select “Network and Sharing Center”.

Windows Control Panel

Then, look on the left of the window and select “Change adapter settings”.

Network and Sharing Center settings

Once there, find your active network adapter (either wireless or ethernet connection). Right-click it and select “Properties” in the dropdown menu.

Network adapter menu

In the adapter’s properties, click the “Configure” button (this will open a new window). Now, switch to the “Advanced” tab, select “Network Address”, and write down your new MAC address in the “Value” textbox. If you don’t yet know how the MAC address looks, a quick Google search for a random MAC address generator will do just fine.

When entering your MAC address manually, remember to use twelve uppercase characters with no other symbols in between (e.g. 73C638V4RTCP).

Network adapter properties

To finish everything off, repeat this process with the network adapter for your VPN application and copy the same MAC address you used earlier.

Can you get unbanned on Fornite with a free VPN?

No, a free VPN isn’t a good Fortnite IP ban fix. Unfortunately, freebies usually don’t incorporate enough security or leak prevention measures to guarantee stealth. VPN usage is considered cheating according to Epic Games, as it can get you banned straight away if caught using.

Furthermore, many IPs on free VPNs are already blacklisted by the game developer. Using a sketchy free VPN for Fortnite is almost guaranteed to fail you on login, not to mention bypassing an IP ban. Also, the slow connection speeds and high ping provided by such services will be less than ideal, especially for such a fast-paced game as Fortnite.

Luckily, there are some great freemium options and awesome VPNs with free trials. The latter ones often offer their full premium package that’s more than enough to get you back in the game. For example, you can try NordVPN’s 7-day free trial to test everything with your own hands and get unbanned from Fortnite. Even after the week, you can continue collecting your victories with a 30-day money-back guarantee and not lose a dime.

Try NordVPN free-trial now

Conclusion

Fortnite is an absolute blast for many, but watch out – one wrong move can lead to a banned IP address. It’s a total bummer to miss out on those Battle Royale matches with your pals for some accidental mishaps. How to get unbanned from Fortnite question just keeps clawing at you in the meantime. But a solution exists in the shape of a Fortnite VPN.

NordVPN is the best gaming VPN with the ability to get around the Fortnite IP ban swiftly. The colossal server fleet powered by NordLynx facilitates high speeds and sometimes lower ping. Couple the network with hefty security features and you get a sublime geo-block circumvention machine wrapped in user-friendly apps. It’s the best provider for the best Fortnite ban removal method.


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FAQ

How to know if your IP banned on Fortnite?

You'll receive a Fortnite ban message if your IP gets blocked. Beforehand, you may get a warning message for mild offenses. But ultimately, you can slip away from Fortnite IP ban with a reliable VPN for gaming. NordVPN is the #1 Fortnite service for getting you unbanned and keeping gameplay smooth.

Does Fortnite use IP bans or hardware bans?

Fortnite primarily employs IP bans rather than hardware bans. This means they block access based on your IP address, not your hardware ID. The problem with IP bans is they can affect multiple users sharing the same IP, such as in schools or public places. Hardware bans target specific devices, but Fortnite typically reserves these for severe offenses or repeated bans. So, if you're facing a ban, it's likely an IP ban, not a hardware ban, unless your actions merit a more stringent measure.

How long is a Fortnite ban?

IP bans can range from 48 hours to indefinite. A temporary ban lasts from 48 hours to 30 days, while a HWID ban is indefinite. Depending on the nature of the ban, you might still be able to dispute it. Otherwise, a trustworthy gaming VPN can help you bypass your account or IP ban altogether.

Can you get banned on Fortnite for XP glitch?

Yes, Epic Games bans players for XP glitches in Fortnite. It's not 100% probability, but chances of being suspended for it are high as the platform acknowledges the scale of players doing this. It's advisable to avoid the scenario if you don't want to get a Fortnite IP ban.

Can you get banned for using a VPN on Fortnite

Yes, you can get banned if you're caught using a VPN. Although using a VPN is not illegal, such software still violates Epic Games’ rules. If you get caught, the punishment varies from a warning to a permanent ban. A robust VPN, like NordVPN, is virtually not detectable by Fortnite.

Can you get banned on Fortnite for using macros?

Yes, you can get banned on Fortnite for using macros. They provide players with a significant advantage in the game, which Epic Games won't shy away from considering cheating. Best to avoid using macros in Fortnite matches if you want to dodge the banning bullet.

8 comments
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  1. Owen_Cooper7897
    Owen_Cooper7897 May 23, 2019 at 7AM

    This article truly dealt with everything concerning fortnite, it’s ban and what needs to be done to stay relevant. Though there was an infiltration



  2. Norah Jones
    Norah Jones April 9, 2019 at 6AM

    Well it’s good to know but usually if you’ve been banned once, you got all the chances in the world to get banned twice or more. Anyway the best would be to get a gaming VPN for that particular use of VPN.



  3. Misael_0000
    Misael_0000 February 24, 2019 at 5PM

    Since I was denied access to fortnite, I have struggled to cope without my fortnite game. Its such a sensation that one can hardly let go. Now I have a chance to get back my little buddie. Maybe time to get busy again



  4. Andrew T
    Andrew T February 2, 2019 at 5PM

    A VPN on Fortnite can be useful if you cheat but otherwise I’m not sure it’s really interesting. The privacy criteria is indeed an important one to consider when you play online games as it’s easy to have problems but it seems a bit too much.



  5. Sheng Ts'ui
    Sheng Ts'ui December 15, 2018 at 5PM

    Sounds like serious games might want to play Fortnite using a VPN. Personally, I’d always want to use a VPN for multiplayer as I don’t want to get Swatted. LOL. The throttling and lag time issues are important too, but privacy is something you should take seriously as some gamers are also griefers. Mucho gracias for providing this list of the right VPN’s for Fortnite.


      1. Julie Cole
        Julie Cole December 19, 2018 at 10AM

        Yup, getting SWATTED would probably be the absolute worst, but there are other bad things as well when your true IP address is exposed. Thanks for your comment!




  6. Kelvin Palmer
    Kelvin Palmer October 15, 2018 at 3PM

    Fortnite has dedicated servers so there are less chances to get ddosed but anyone gets user IP address then there are chances to get ddosed on his own IP address. I would recommend DDoS protected dedicated IP VPN by PureVPN to use. They protects against more than 480gbps of ddos attack while gaming plus they have split tunneling feature to separate live streaming from multiplayer game.


      1. Julie Cole
        Julie Cole December 19, 2018 at 10AM

        Hi Kevin, thanks for your comment. PureVPN has a lot of good things about it, but it’s definitely not our favorite VPN since it also has a lot of problems with privacy and security. You can read our PureVPN review here to find out more.



Thanks for your opinion!
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