IP bans are common for Fortnite players since the game implements harsh policies against any activities deemed unethical or in contrast with its terms of service. These bans come into play even when a player has no malicious intentions behind a probable ToS violation.
Thankfully, Fortnite players can bypass such IP bans and continue playing their favorite game with a robust VPN. With this guide, you can learn all about it.
How to remove the Fortnite IP ban – Quick guide
If you face a Fortnite IP ban, you can remove this ban with the following methods:
- Choose an appropriate VPN like NordVPN.
- Sign up with the VPN after downloading and installing the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a VPN server.
- Start your game and enjoy an uninterrupted Fortnite session.
Why Fortnite bans users
Given the game’s growing popularity in the gamers’ community, Fortnite and Epic Games publishers implement rigid policies.
These predominantly revolve around preventing cheating, hacking, and other grey practices by gamers.
Like all other online services, the game also has strict security, preventing DDoS and similar attacks.
So, as the first line of defense, Fortnite applies IP bans. From banning players for violating their ToS to hackers, these bans affect everyone.
Often, players also face trouble when the game puts a blanket ban on a range of IPs with malicious traffic.
Regarding their terms of service, though, Epic Games doesn’t explicitly mention using VPNs as malpractice. However, many players have complained that they faced IP bans from Fortnite while using VPNs.
How Fortnite user bans happen
When banning, Fortnite puts the restrictions at various levels depending upon the offense they observe. The harshest actions among these may even make you buy an entirely new PC to remove the Fortnite ban.
IP ban
The most common punishment for the players is the Fortnite IP ban.
Confused about what an IP ban? It simply is the practice of banning the respective IP address through which you connect to it.
As you know, the IP address serves as a unique device identifier online. You earn this IP address from your ISP. And so this identifier lets the services trace you back and gather information about you, including your location.
So, when Fortnite detects malpractice from an IP address, such as sending malicious requests, high ping, or any other violation of their terms at a milder level, they ban that IP.
Regarding how long is Fortnite IP ban, it depends on the type of offense. For instance, if your IP address falls in a range of IP addresses the game finds involved in sending malicious traffic to its server, it may permanently ban those IPs.
Similarly, you may sometimes face trouble accessing Fortnite from specific places, such as your office or school. Such entities prevent you from using their resources to play games. In such cases, you need to learn how to bypass such bans.
Likewise, some IP bans come as part of geoblocking. Hence, you may never access the game from a banned location unless you change your IP country to bypass a Fortnite IP ban.
Otherwise, Fortnite bans are temporary and may last about 30 days, as stated on the Epic Games help page.
Players’ username ban
The username ban is the other ban that would perhaps specifically target you as a player.
Fortnite puts in place such bans when it finds a player violating its terms and ethical gaming practices. Such bans are permanent and almost irreversible.
Hence, if you attempt cheats or hacks, be ready to lose your Fortnite access. Or, get willing to sign up with a new account and start fresh.
Hardware ban
The Fortnite hardware ban is the strongest of all and is permanent. It will come in place if it notices you use injectors or engage in other malpractices.
For this, Fortnite tracks your Hardware ID (HWID) to ban your device from playing the game. However, your account often remains safe.
Hence, to evade these bans, you need to do nothing else besides change your machine.
Can you get unbanned from Fortnite?
In the case of username and hardware bans, you have little to no possibility of getting unbanned.
However, in the case of IP bans, you can evade the blocks by changing your IP address.
You can try using any proxy or VPN to do that. However, such methods do not always work, as Fortnite also condemns changing your IP address or using a VPN. It’s because it deems such steps as part of cheating.
So, another way is to relocate to another place or change your network for a new IP address. If it’s a simple ban on a specific IP address due to some technical issue and not due to malpractice by you, you can likely evade the block.
Or, if your account faces a temporary IP ban, you can get unbanned after the specified time. Until then, wait for your account restoration or try using our recommended strategy to remove the Fortnite IP ban.
How to remove the Fortnite IP ban (detailed guide)
All right, now that you know you can evade a Fortnite IP ban, let’s start with the exact method without further ado.
1. Choose a reputed VPN Provider
This is the most crucial step since a VPN with average to poor functioning would do no good to you. Therefore, research the service provider extensively before jumping on a proxy or VPN.
Here, we quickly list a few must-haves for your selected VPN.
Fast connection speed
If you have some knowledge about VPNs, you would know that VPNs tend to slow down the overall connection speed. It’s because of the underlying encryption of the data.
On the other hand, games like Fortnite require swift actions that consequently need fast speeds.
Thus, ensure that your chosen VPN offers fast speeds without compromising security and performance.
Before subscription, make sure that the VPN supports gaming. You can even ask the providers for the precise speeds and whether or not they would support gaming.
Cross-platform support
Fortnite is available on many devices to keep you – the player – connected all around.
However, if your VPN doesn’t support all those devices, you will still have limited accessibility.
So, another thing to check is whether or not your VPN supports all those devices on which you want to play Fortnite.
Global coverage and number of servers
The more comprehensive a VPN’s network is, the lesser the chance it is detected. However, since there is always a chance that Fortnite may punish you with an IP ban for using a VPN, you should be ready to switch your server and continue the battle.
Likewise, global coverage allows you to play Fortnite from your desired location, no matter where you are.
Customer support
Like any technology, a VPN is also prone to developing glitches. During such situations, you should be able to contact their support team for a prompt response.
This is especially important for avid gamers who do not want interruptions during the play.
Price
Lastly, check if the pricing plans of the VPN suit your pocket. The ideal VPN should offer premium services at an affordable cost.
2. Set up the VPN on your device
After you choose a VPN, sign up for its services and download the program to your device.
Most good VPNs have painless installation processes. Some of them don’t require direct input from your side besides entering your account details.
You can still look up their website or contact the support team for any assistance during installation.
3. Connect to an appropriate server
Once you’re done with the installation, open the VPN app on your device and connect to your desired server.
If you face an IP ban, you can choose any VPN server offering good connectivity to get your new Fortnite IP address. Whereas, if you’re using a VPN to evade a geo-block, you should use a server from another country to connect to Fortnite.
4. Start your game
Simple as that. You can join the battleground again with no interruption. This is where your search for how to remove the IP ban on Fortnite should end, finally.
Best VPNs to remove Fortnite IP ban
I have learned how to get unbanned from Fortnite, but which VPN should I choose? We hear you ask.
Don’t worry. Here are the best Fortnite VPNs to evade the Fortnite IP ban.
1. NordVPN
Want to remove Fortnite ban effortlessly? This VPN has the fastest speeds and the best features to unblock any streaming or gaming platform.
6,800+ servers in 113 countries
Supports P2P sharing
AES-256-bit encryption
No-logs policy
Double VPN
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
Allows up to 10 simultaneous devices
30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
- Based in privacy-friendly country (Panama)
- Robust security
- 24/7 live chat option
Cons
- The desktop app is difficult to understand
NordVPN comes with premium features that make it the best for gaming. These include super-fast speeds, comprehensive coverage with 6,800+ servers in 113 countries (including some dedicated servers), multi-platform support with ten simultaneous connections, military-grade encryption, and more.
Also, you can try it for 30 days with a money-back guarantee to assess its performance.
2. ExpressVPN
Our top pick and best VPN to remove Fortnite ban and enjoy gaming anywhere in the world – credit goes to its resilient server network that offers thousands of reliable IPs.
3,000+ servers in 107 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
P2P optimized servers
Network-lock feature
TrustedServer technology
Allows up to 8 simultaneous devices
30-day money back guarantee
Pros
- Removes Fortnite ban easily
- Does not keep logs
- Super-fast servers
Cons
- Few simultaneous connections
It has everything you want: fast speeds, premium encryption, massive coverage (3000+ servers in 107 countries), multi-platform support, and 24/7 customer support.
Also, it is among the few VPNs that evade detection.
You can even use ExpressVPN for free to check its suitability for your game before subscribing to a paid plan.
3. Surfshark
An affordable choice for all the passionate gamers to bypass Fortnite ban. Its service, features, and performance warrant that you always get a reliable, fast-speed IP address on any device.
3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P sharing
MultiHop mode
Automatic kill switch
Camouflage-mode
Unlimited simultaneous devices
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- Comprehensive security and privacy
Cons
- Lag on some servers
For all avid gamers looking for a budget-friendly VPN solution to bypass Fortnite blocks, Surfshark is the choice.
It’s a wonderful alternative to high-end VPNs, offering premium services at the most affordable cost. Its key features include whitelister (split tunneling), multi-hop (double VPN), NoBorders Mode, and military-grade encryption.
The only downside with it, compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN, is its limited coverage that includes 3200+ servers. But, since they are distributed across 100 countries, you can still enjoy global connectivity with this VPN.
Also, Surfshark succeeds in evading detection by most services. Therefore, you can easily use it to play Fortnite.
Can I use free VPNs to bypass IP bans by Fortnite?
Technically, yes. However, we do not recommend using free VPN services as they will likely get caught.
Ever got this infamous Fortnite VPN error?
You were removed from the match due to internet lag, your IP or machine, VPN usage, or for cheating. We recommend not utilizing VPN or proxy services while attempting to play Fortnite.
It appears when Fortnite detects you are using a VPN or proxy to change your IP address. You eventually get blocked and may even face a permanent ban for bypassing the Fortnite IP ban.
Besides, free VPNs also come with security risks. You even risk your data for monetization.
They also do not offer fast speeds to support gaming.
If you want to try a VPN for free for playing Fortnite, you can go with our recommended VPNs and assess their performance during the trial period. But, of course, if you aren’t satisfied, you can always have your money back.
FAQs
Temporary bans last up to 30 days. Permanent ones, as the name suggests, last forever.
Yes, Fortnite’s IP ban also applies to those who cheat, try hacks, or do other malpractices. Of course, you can always report such accounts to them for action.
Although, Epic Games doesn’t explicitly mention anything about Fortnite VPN use. However, considering how some players might use VPNs for cheating, they often ban IPs belonging to VPNs.
