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If VALORANT shows VAN 152 on a PC you bought or built with used parts, stop launching the game or signing in with other accounts on that computer and ask Riot Player Support to reevaluate the hardware restriction. Riot identifies VAN 152 as an HWID ban; reinstalling the game or Vanguard, changing networks, and restarting will not remove it. The code does not identify a specific part or prove that the current owner cheated.
First, identify the exact error
Read the complete code and message in Vanguard before changing anything. If practical, save a screenshot or note when it appeared so you can describe the issue accurately to Support.
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| Error | What it means | Riot’s stated next step | Risk of continued logins |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAN 152 | Riot says the device is restricted because of a hardware ID (HWID) ban. It is not an ordinary game-installation or connection issue. | Request reevaluation through Riot Player Support. | Riot warns that logging into a game on hardware suspected of an HWID ban can restrict the account on that device and trigger a time-based account ban for suspected circumvention. |
| VAN:Restriction | A system-configuration restriction: the PC may not meet the security baseline described by Vanguard. Riot says the warning does not necessarily mean it suspects cheating. | Follow the requirement in the Vanguard message, which may involve enabling a security feature or updating motherboard firmware using the manufacturer’s guidance. | Riot’s cited guidance does not describe the same HWID-ban account risk for this message; follow its specific configuration instructions rather than treating it as VAN 152. |
Riot’s VAN 152 guidance rules out reinstalling VALORANT or Vanguard, changing the network connection, or restarting the PC as ways to remove the restriction. Its separate Vanguard security update explains that VAN:Restriction concerns system configuration and should not be confused with an HWID ban.
I bought a used PC and got VAN 152—what should I do?
- Stop using accounts on that computer for VALORANT. Do not test your own alternate account or a friend or family member’s account on it.
- Contact Riot Player Support and request an HWID-ban reevaluation. Describe the second-hand purchase factually and provide relevant details you have. Riot investigates and decides whether to lift or extend the restriction; a reversal is not guaranteed.
- Open separate tickets for separate affected accounts. Riot’s HWID guidance instructs players to submit individual tickets for affected accounts.
- Wait for Support’s response before trying the computer again. Further logins on hardware suspected of an HWID ban may put accounts at risk.
Riot’s HWID-ban explanation provides the reevaluation route. It does not publish a used-purchase evidence checklist or say that a receipt or ownership history changes the decision, so include accurate context without assuming any particular document will secure an unban.
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Can a used motherboard or other PC part already be hardware banned?
Riot says VAN 152 indicates a device-level HWID restriction, but its public guidance does not identify which individual component caused a particular restriction. Seeing the code after buying a used PC or part does not establish that the motherboard—or any other specific component—is responsible, nor does it establish that you personally cheated.
Will replacing the part remove a VALORANT HWID ban?
Riot does not name a replaceable part or recommend replacing hardware as a way to clear VAN 152. The documented route is Support reevaluation, not buying a component, replacing the PC, or using a purported ban-removal tool. Avoid spending money on an unverified hardware fix.
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Can I log in with a different account to check?
No. Riot specifically advises against logging in with any account on a computer suspected of carrying an HWID ban. Its warning applies to accounts used on that hardware, including other people’s accounts; a test login is not a safe way to confirm the restriction.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIs VAN:Restriction the same as VAN 152?
No. VAN 152 is Riot’s code for a device-level HWID restriction and points to a Support review. VAN:Restriction points to security or firmware configuration requirements shown in Vanguard. Follow the exact prompt and the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s official instructions; Riot notes that the relevant changes vary by system.
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