VALORANT VAN 152 Error 2026: HWID Ban and Appeal Guide
VAN 152 is not a normal lag, update or Vanguard restart problem. It is the error players usually see when Riot Vanguard reports a hardware ID restriction. This guide explains what that means, what not to try, and how to prepare a clean Riot Support ticket if you believe the restriction is wrong.
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VALORANT VAN 152 means a hardware ID ban or hardware restriction is being shown. Reinstalling VALORANT, changing settings or restarting Vanguard usually does not solve it. If you think the restriction is wrong, document the case and contact Riot Support.
What VAN 152 means in VALORANT
Riot’s VALORANT error-code guidance describes error code 152 as a HWID ban. In plain English, that means the restriction is tied to the hardware environment, not just the current game install. Players search it as valorant van 152, van 152 valorant, vanguard error code 152, valorant error code 152, valorant hwid ban or valorant hardware ban.
That difference matters. A normal Vanguard error usually asks you to restart, update, repair a service or fix Secure Boot. VAN 152 is different because the game is telling you the device itself is restricted by anti-cheat enforcement.
VAN 152 is not the same as VAL 57, VAN 1067 or VAN9003
The biggest SEO trap is treating VAN 152 like every other Vanguard error. That gives users bad advice. If your exact message is VAN 152, start from the hardware-ban explanation first, then only use normal troubleshooting if Riot Support or the exact error message points there.
This is how the intent should be separated from nearby VALORANT error searches:
HWID ban or hardware restriction.
Use this article and prepare a Riot Support ticket.
Vanguard not initialized or not running.
Vanguard or Windows service instability.
Secure Boot or TPM requirement issue.
How long does a VALORANT HWID ban last?
Riot’s error-code guidance says hardware bans typically last four months. That does not mean every case feels simple or that random internet fixes are safe. It means you should treat VAN 152 as an enforcement issue and not as a broken download.
If you believe the hardware restriction is wrong, if you bought a used PC, or if you are on a shared device, your path is documentation and Riot Support. A vague appeal rarely helps. A clear timeline, exact error text and device context are much stronger.
What you should do first when VAN 152 appears
Do not panic and do not start changing hardware identifiers, BIOS settings or Windows services. The first goal is to confirm the exact situation. Write down the error code, take a screenshot if possible and check whether the message is truly VAN 152 instead of a nearby Vanguard code.
Then separate account context from device context. Did the error start after using a new PC? Was the device second-hand? Is the machine shared with another player? Did you recently install unknown software, cheat-adjacent tools, spoofers, cracked apps or suspicious overlays? These details matter more than reinstalling the game five times.
What not to try for a VAN 152 “fix”
Most dangerous VAN 152 search results promise a fast valorant van 152 fix with spoofers, bypass tools, registry tricks or new accounts. That is exactly the wrong direction. A hardware restriction is already an enforcement topic, so adding sketchy software increases account risk and malware risk.
Do not buy a “HWID unban” tool. Do not install random drivers. Do not follow guides that tell you to hide hardware identities. Do not try to evade the restriction with new accounts. If Riot confirms a hardware ban, trying to dodge it can create more problems than waiting or appealing.
How to prepare a Riot Support ticket for VAN 152
If VAN 152 appears and you believe it should not, open a Riot Support ticket with a clean, factual explanation. The ticket should help support understand the device history, not argue emotionally or hide key context.
Mention whether the PC is new, used, borrowed, repaired, upgraded or shared. If it is a used device, include purchase timing and proof if available. If you recently changed hardware, installed Windows, changed motherboard, used a repair shop or inherited a machine, say that clearly.
What if you bought a used PC or play on a shared device?
Used hardware is the most important edge case for a VALORANT hardware ban guide. A new owner may have no idea what happened on the device before purchase. A shared family PC, internet cafe machine or borrowed setup can create similar confusion.
Do not try to “clean” the device with unban tools. Instead, document ownership and history. If you bought the device second-hand, keep the marketplace listing, invoice, chat proof or receipt. If the PC is shared, explain who else uses it and whether other Riot accounts have logged in on the same machine.
| Situation | Why it matters | What to collect |
|---|---|---|
| Used PC | Restriction may predate your ownership. | Receipt, listing, purchase date and seller context. |
| Shared PC | Another user may have caused enforcement history. | Who uses the device and which accounts logged in. |
| Repair shop | Hardware or Windows changes may confuse the timeline. | Repair invoice and changed components. |
| Public/cafe PC | You may not control the device history. | Location, session timing and whether it affects your own PC. |
How to avoid future VALORANT hardware and account risk
Prevention is simple but strict: keep your PC clean, avoid cheat-adjacent tools, do not use spoofers, and do not log into your main Riot account on devices you do not trust. Third-party tracker sites and overlays should be handled carefully too. Use the VALORANT third-party apps safety guide if you are unsure what is safe.
Also protect the account side. Enable strong account security, keep your Riot login private and do not share access with friends. If you buy or receive any account, use the VALORANT account security checklist before playing ranked.
Treat VAN 152 like a support case, not a quick settings fix.
The clean path is to verify the code, avoid unsafe tools, collect the right evidence and use Riot Support if the restriction needs review.
VALORANT VAN 152 FAQ
What does VAN 152 mean in VALORANT?
VAN 152 means a hardware ID ban or hardware restriction is being shown by Riot Vanguard. It is not the same as a normal connection, update or Vanguard service error.
Can I fix VALORANT VAN 152 by reinstalling the game?
Usually no. Reinstalling VALORANT, Riot Client or Vanguard does not normally remove a hardware restriction. Use Riot Support if you believe the restriction is wrong or you need case-specific help.
How long does a VALORANT HWID ban last?
Riot’s error-code guidance describes error code 152 as a HWID ban and says hardware bans typically last four months. Always check the exact message and Riot Support guidance for your case.
Should I use a spoofer for VAN 152?
No. Spoofers, bypass tools and ban-evading software create serious account, malware and policy risk. They can make the situation worse and should not be used.
Can a used PC trigger VAN 152?
A used or shared PC can create confusion if the hardware was previously restricted. Collect proof of purchase, the exact error text and your account details before contacting Riot Support.
Is VAN 152 the same as VAN 1067 or VAN9003?
No. VAN 1067 is a Vanguard or Windows stability issue, while VAN9003 is tied to Secure Boot and TPM requirements. VAN 152 is the HWID ban or hardware restriction intent.
What should I include in a Riot Support ticket for VAN 152?
Include the exact error, Riot ID, region, when it started, whether the device is new or used, whether the PC is shared, recent software changes and any proof that helps explain the hardware history.