How Do You Tell If You Are Banned From League? A Comprehensive Guide
The sinking feeling of suspecting you’ve been banned from League of Legends is never fun. Whether you’ve received a warning or have been completely caught off guard, knowing how to confirm your ban is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to tell if you’ve been banned and what steps you can take afterward.
The Tell-Tale Signs of a League of Legends Ban
The most common and direct way to know if you’ve been banned is by receiving a pop-up message after a game or when you try to log into the game. This message usually appears within 15 minutes of a game ending or the next time you attempt to access your account. It will clearly state that you’ve been banned and usually specify the severity of the ban.
If you do not see this message when you try to log in or immediately after a game, there are other symptoms you may notice:
- Inability to Log In: If you find yourself repeatedly unable to log in, despite having correct credentials and a stable internet connection, a ban could be the reason.
- Suspension Notice: Sometimes, along with the pop-up message, you might receive an email at the address associated with your Riot account. This email will detail the ban, the reason, and its duration.
- Restricted Access: You might find that features of the game are limited, such as being unable to play certain game modes, talk in chat, or access your account profile.
These signs aren’t always a clear-cut indication of a ban, but they are definitely red flags to investigate further.
Types of League of Legends Bans
It’s essential to understand that bans in League of Legends range in severity:
- Chat Restrictions: These are the mildest form of penalty, limiting or preventing your ability to communicate in the game.
- Temporary Bans: These bans prevent you from logging into your account for a specified period, typically ranging from days to weeks.
- Permanent Bans: This is the most severe penalty, completely barring you from ever accessing your account again.
The severity of the penalty you receive depends on the nature and frequency of your offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About League of Legends Bans
To give you a complete understanding of League of Legends bans, here are 15 related Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How long do League of Legends bans last?
Bans can vary in length based on the offense. Typically, penalties follow a progressive pattern:
- First Offense: Usually results in a 3-Day Chat Restriction.
- Second Offense: Generally leads to a 7-Day Chat Restriction.
- Third Offense: Usually results in a 14-Day Ban.
- Fourth Offense: Commonly results in a Permanent Ban.
2. How can I get unbanned from League of Legends?
The primary method for appealing a ban is to contact Riot Support and submit a formal appeal. You will need to clearly explain your situation and politely ask for a reversal of the punishment. However, keep in mind that Riot Support rarely reverses bans, so your case needs to be compelling.
3. What causes a League of Legends ban?
Bans are usually a result of violating the League of Legends Code of Conduct. This includes but isn’t limited to:
- Inappropriate Names
- Chat Room Spam
- MMR Boosting
- In-game Toxicity
- Using Third Party Software
- Account Sharing
4. Can bought accounts get banned?
Yes, absolutely. Account trading is strictly against Riot Games’ Terms of Use, and if discovered, both the buyer and the seller will likely have their accounts suspended or banned.
5. Has anyone been unbanned from League of Legends?
Yes, there have been some notable cases. For example, Tyler1, a well-known streamer, was permabanned and later unbanned by Riot. These cases are exceptions rather than the rule.
6. Can you get IP banned from League of Legends?
Yes, it’s possible to receive an IP ban, preventing all accounts from that network from playing. However, Riot may lift an IP ban if you demonstrate that the infractions were unintentional, such as cases of multiple accounts being created without the owner’s knowledge.
7. Can Riot see your IP address?
Yes, Riot tracks players by their IP addresses. This is done to identify potentially fraudulent behavior, such as account sharing or using a VPN to bypass region restrictions.
8. Does Riot track VPNs?
While Riot doesn’t specifically track VPNs, they do monitor players’ IP addresses. Using a VPN may trigger flags if you’re suddenly connecting from different locations, potentially leading to a ban for suspicion of account sharing or hacking.
9. What is an ID ban?
An ID ban is a penalty that typically affects players who publicly stream or play Riot Games. An ID ban prevents players from playing their games publicly and can be for various reasons, often associated with negative public behavior.
10. Which champion is the most banned in League of Legends?
Currently, the most banned champion in League of Legends is Zed. His high damage output and mobility make him a significant threat in the right hands.
11. Do Botted LoL accounts get banned?
Yes, botted accounts frequently get banned for violating the terms of service. Using automated scripts or programs to level up or farm is strictly prohibited and easily detected by Riot’s systems.
12. Is it safe to buy League of Legends accounts?
No, it’s not safe. Buying accounts is illegal and violates the terms of service and risks a ban. Riot recommends against buying accounts, and if detected, the account will likely be banned. There are sites that claim to be safe, but the potential risks are high regardless.
13. Am I allowed to have multiple League of Legends accounts?
Yes, Riot allows players to have multiple accounts. In fact, many players use smurf accounts to practice new champions or play with friends who are lower ranked.
14. Why is it illegal to sell game accounts?
Selling game accounts is typically illegal because you are selling something that doesn’t belong to you. The account is owned by the game publisher, and you only have a license to use it, not ownership.
15. What is a toxicity ban in League of Legends?
A toxicity ban results from repeatedly exhibiting negative or disruptive behavior in chat and during games. Riot has introduced stricter penalties for toxicity to ensure a more positive gaming environment. These actions can range from harassment to intentional feeding.
Staying Safe and Avoiding Bans
The best way to avoid being banned from League of Legends is to adhere to the Code of Conduct. Always be respectful to your teammates, opponents, and follow the terms of use. Avoid using third-party software or purchasing accounts from untrusted sources. Remember, consistent positive behavior is essential for maintaining a healthy gaming experience and safeguarding your account.
This guide should provide a clear picture of how to tell if you’re banned from League of Legends and what the consequences and causes might be. Stay informed, play fairly, and most of all, have fun!