Who knew that watching other people playing video games could be so entertaining? Yet, here you are again, visiting the Twitch video streaming service to see what your favorite gamers are up to.
But wait, you can’t log in. You’re blocked! What happened?
Bans from Twitch can happen for various reasons, but what can you do when you’re banned? Can you get back on?
Yes, you can get back on Twitch, and the best way to do that is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
How to Get Unbanned from Twitch
If you’re looking to get unbanned from the Twitch service or a particular Twitch channel, you’ll need to create a new account and acquire a new IP address.
The best and easiest way to change your IP address is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
I’ve tested a large number of VPN providers, and in my extensive testing, I’ve discovered that the most reliable VPN service you can use to change your IP address and get unbanned from Twitch is NordVPN.
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s a no-risk proposition.
Get Unbanned Now with NordVPN
Why Does Twitch Ban Users?
The Twitch service, channel owners, and channel moderators can ban users for several reasons. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Copyright infringement
- Impersonation of other Twitch members
- Uploading of illegal or p*rnographic content
- Making unsolicited offers to other Twitch members
- Collection of email addresses or other personal information of Twitch members
- Harassment, abuse, or threats of other Twitch members
- Using the Twitch service for illegal reasons
- Plus many more
I know better than to think that any of my readers would be banned for any of the above reasons because I also know that you can be banned simply on the whim of a channel owner or moderator.
Still, once you are able to get back onto the service, remember to mind your Ps and Qs and play well with others.
How Does Twitch Ban Users?
Before we go into the best way to get unbanned from Twitch, it’s important to understand exactly how Twitch bans a user.
Twitch tracks both a user’s username and the IP address they use to connect to the service.
When a device connects to the internet, it receives an IP address. This allows other devices on the internet to know which computer sent a request for information, so they know who to respond to. It’s similar to how the postal service uses your home’s address to send and receive snail mail.
Twitch uses both the username and the IP address to enforce a ban against the user. This prevents you from using a different device with another username and/or using your username with another device.
While this may sound like an impossible barrier to overcome, there is a tool that can help you evade Twitch’s roadblocks.
Okay, So How Do I Get Unbanned from Twitch?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an excellent tool for unblocking nearly any online service, and Twitch isn’t an exception.
When a user connects their device to a VPN server, the device is temporarily assigned a new IP address. This makes it appear as if the user is connecting from another location. That location could be across the country or across the world.
This new IP address can allow you to sign up for Twitch with a new account, pick a new username and get back to viewing your favorite gamers.
PRO TIP: When creating a new username, come up with a totally new handle. Humans manage the monitoring of new users, as well as server bans. If your old username was “Twitchy_McGee,” a username of “Still_Twitchy_McGee” might not pass muster.
Steps for Unblocking Twitch by Using a VPN
Follow the steps below to regain access to Twitch after a ban.
- Subscribe to a VPN provider (I recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the app from the provider of your choice.
- Start the VPN app and connect to a nearby server.
- Connect to the Twitch service in your favorite browser. (You may need to delete your browser’s cache and cookies.)
- Create a new account.
- Enjoy the show!
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Methodology for Assessing a VPN for Unblocking Twitch
Choosing a VPN service provider for unblocking Twitch can be tricky, as not all VPNs will offer the ability to do so, nor will they all offer the features you need for an excellent Twitch-viewing experience.
These are the top things I looked for when choosing which VPN service provider to recommend (NordVPN) for unblocking Twitch:
- Connection speeds: If you want to enjoy Twitch, you need fast connection speeds. Otherwise, the video may have to buffer while your favorite video game streamer is in the most important part of the game. NordVPN offers formidable speeds, ensuring you won’t have to deal with buffering or low-quality resolution.
- Server network: While not the most important category for unblocking Twitch, having a VPN with a wide global server network will provide opportunities to access gaming servers in other countries. In addition, having a high server count means that your speeds will be better, as no individual server will have an overload of users.
- Value: Your VPN should provide bang for the buck. If it doesn’t offer enough features and functionality to justify its price, avoid it. NordVPN offers much for its budget-friendly price.
- Ease of use: The VPN you choose should both have easy-to-use apps and provide those apps for a wide range of devices. That way, you won’t have to waste time setting up the VPN when your favorite Twitch user is about to stream, and you’ll be able to use any platform to watch from. NordVPN offers easy-to-use apps for all of your favorite streaming devices.
- Security and privacy: Never forget that you’re in danger when you’re using the internet, and that you need sufficient security and privacy to stream safely. Always make sure a VPN provides at least government-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection, in addition to a strict no-server-logs policy. NordVPN offers all of this and more.
- Streaming and gaming: Since game players also stream on services such as YouTube, you’ll want a VPN capable of unblocking that and other video streaming services, too. Plus, since you’re probably a gamer too, you want a VPN that will offer an enjoyable experience while playing games like Minecraft, WoW, Final Fantasy, and more. NordVPN is capable of opening up access to video streaming services around the world, as well as gaming servers in other countries.
Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.
What Is the Best VPN for Getting Unblocked from Twitch?
If we’re being honest, any Virtual Private Network will likely be able to unblock Twitch. But, if you’re going to be paying for a VPN anyway, why not get the one that offers the best array of protection and features?
NordVPN is that provider.
NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website:www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee:30 DAYS
NordVPN is a reliable VPN service, delivering fast, well-protected connections. The provider offers top-notch multi-platform support, wide-ranging global server coverage, and excellent customer support. (Read my full review of NordVPN.)
Connection Speeds
Twitch is a video streaming service, meaning that the faster your connection speeds are, the more enjoyable your Twitch experience will be. This will be true if you’re simply watching someone else play, or if you’re sharing your skillful moves and dazzling wit with the rest of the world.
NordVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest in the business. The service provides speeds that are easily up to handling the action from Twitch, as well as movie streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu. (Yeah, NordVPN also accesses those services.)
Multi-Platform Support
Twitch is available on all of the popular device platforms, and NordVPN is right there with them.
The provider offers apps for Windows, iOS, macOS (including M1/M2 Mac support), Android, and Linux devices. They also offer browser extensions for the Edge, Firefox, and Chrome platforms.
The service allows up to six concurrent connections on a single login. Users who require additional connections, or who need to protect devices that are not on NordVPN’s compatibility list, can make use of the provider’s excellent router compatibility.
Users can protect their gaming consoles and streaming devices by using a router that is compatible with the service. Since VPN apps are not available for some Twitch-compatible platforms (like the PlayStation and Xbox console lineups and the Apple TV, to name a few), you’ll need to set up the provider on a router or share a protected connection from your Mac or Windows PC. The provider’s router capabilities also protect all of your connected devices through a single connection.
Check out my articles about how to set up NordVPN on DD-WRT and Netgear routers.
Customer Support
Here’s hoping that your online experiences are always smooth and trouble-free.
But, for those times when you do experience issues with your VPN connection, it’s reassuring to know that NordVPN’s customer support department will be there to help you in your time of need.
The VPN provides 24/7 live chat support, email support, and a searchable support library.
Global Server Coverage
While you can select any nearby server to break through your Twitch ban, you’ll find that optimal global server coverage is a useful feature that enhances other VPN-related activities.
NordVPN covers the globe, with 5,600+ servers in nearly 60 countries. That adds up to plenty of content-unblocking power.
Pricing
NordVPN makes the list of bargain-basem*nt VPN providers, offering its exceptional service at a low price. You can score a special deal if you click the link below.
Visit NordVPN.
Why Else Would I Need a VPN for Twitch?
Unfortunately, the world just seems to keep getting weirder, and people get upset over the dumbest things, including video gamers and streamers.
Welcome to the world of swatting. Swatting is when a jerk calls the police or other authorities, claiming that a major crime, like murder or a kidnapping, is taking place at a certain address. This results in the police (including the SWAT team) rushing to the location in response.
Some swatting incidents have even resulted in the death of innocent people. (Go to Google and search for “Wichita swatting death,” then click on the “News” tab.)
In October 2022, openly gay Twitch streamer Alex Aguilar was reportedly targeted by a swatter because of the live streaming of the games he plays on Twitch. A caller had told police that he lived at Aguilar’s address and that he had shot his girlfriend to death, was heavily armed, and was going to kill himself. This resulted in police rushing to Aguilar’s residence.
Luckily, even though Aguilar and his roommate were made by police to come out of their residence with their hands up, they escaped the incident unharmed and were soon allowed to return to their home.
Swatters can detect your physical location by examining the IP address you are using in a game or to stream on Twitch. IP addresses can be used to determine a gamer or Twitch streamer’s general location. If the gamer or streamer has also supplied their real name or other identifying information, a swatter may be able to determine their exact address.
By using a VPN, your real IP address will not be exposed, making it much tougher to determine your physical location. Plus, I strongly recommend that streamers and gamers never disclose their real name or location to anyone online.
Unbanned from Twitch VPN FAQs
How Can I Get Unbanned from Twitch Chat?
The easiest way to get unbanned from Twitch chat is to change your username and IP address. To change your IP address, subscribe to a VPN, download its app(s) onto your device(s), connect to a VPN server, and then you're set. With this new IP address, sign up for a new account with a new username. Then, you'll have access to Twitch chat once again.
How Do I Ban Someone on Twitch?
To ban someone on Twitch, use the command /ban {USERNAME}, or "click the Cancel symbol either directly in chat or on the user badge which appears when clicking on a username."
How Do I Unban Someone on Twitch?
To unban someone on Twitch, simply use the unban command (/timeout {USERNAME} [SECONDS]) or press the unban button.
How Do You Know If You're Banned from Twitch Chat?
There are a couple of ways to determine if you’ve been banned from Twitch Chat. If you cannot see the channel you think you’ve been banned on while in your followers list, you have been banned from that chat. Also, you can go directly to the channel you think you’ve been banned from and try to post in that channel. If you are not allowed to post in the chat then you are banned from that channel.
How To See If You Are Banned From A Channel On Twitch?
You can use the Twitch Insights “Check User” Tool to check if your account is currently banned. Just insert your username and it will check the current status of your account.
How Do I Appeal a Ban on Twitch?
You can appeal a ban on Twitch by using the appeals portal. To do so, you'll need to provide your Twitch username and the email address associated with your account. You'll also need to provide a brief explanation of why you believe the suspension was unjustified.
Keep in mind that appealing a ban is not guaranteed to result in reinstatement.
What Does Indefinite Suspension on Twitch Mean?
When you are indefinitely suspended on Twitch, it means that you have been banned from the site for an unknown period of time. This is usually due to breaking one of the site's terms of service, which can include anything from hate speech to showing p*rnographic material. If you have been indefinitely suspended, you will not be able to access your account or any of your content.
Is It Illegal to Use a VPN to Bypass a Chat Ban on Twitch?
While it is not illegal to use a VPN to bypass a Twitch chat ban, Twitch Community Guidelines do say that attempting to get around a chat ban by using another account or identity can lead to an indefinite suspension. So, using a VPN could possibly lead to an extended ban.
Can I Use the VPN Workaround and Keep My Original Username?
No. Twitch tracks both your username and your IP address. This means you are blocked from using either one to log in to Twitch. This means you'll have to use a VPN and create a new account sporting a new username. You will lose any time you had left on your subscriptions and you will need to once more follow your favorite Twitchers.
About Twitch
Twitch is an Amazon-owned streaming platform that focuses mainly on live streaming of video gaming.
The service streams esports, first-person shooters, arcade games, and other popular gaming types. Content is available in both live and on-demand streaming formats. The service also streams “just talking” streams, which can feature podcasts, opinions, and just chatting with fans.
Platforms users stream from include the Windows, Mac, PS4, and Xbox One platforms. Popular games players stream while playing include Fortnite, League of Legends, Minecraft, and World of Warcraft.
Although the service was originally established to share gaming streams, the service has expanded its lineup to offer other types of content, such as music festivals, interviews, and reality shows.
The Twitch service hosts 9.5 million active streamers, with 2.9 million average concurrent Twitch viewers in February 2021. While similar services are available, Twitch is currently the most popular service of its kind.
Breaking Through the Twitch Blockade
If you’re ever blocked from the Twitch streaming service, don’t despair – with just a few clicks of the mouse, you’ll be back on in no time!
NordVPN not only allows you to once again access Twitch, but it also encrypts all of your internet activities, protects you from online attackers, and opens access to other blocked content around the globe.
Visit the NordVPN website.
“Twitch” by BagoGames licensed under CC BY 2.0
Contents [hide]
- How to Get Unbanned from Twitch
- Why Does Twitch Ban Users?
- How Does Twitch Ban Users?
- Okay, So How Do I Get Unbanned from Twitch?
- Methodology for Assessing a VPN for Unblocking Twitch
- What Is the Best VPN for Getting Unblocked from Twitch?
- NordVPN
- Why Else Would I Need a VPN for Twitch?
- Unbanned from Twitch VPN FAQs
- How Can I Get Unbanned from Twitch Chat?
- How Do I Ban Someone on Twitch?
- How Do I Unban Someone on Twitch?
- How Do You Know If You're Banned from Twitch Chat?
- How To See If You Are Banned From A Channel On Twitch?
- How Do I Appeal a Ban on Twitch?
- What Does Indefinite Suspension on Twitch Mean?
- Is It Illegal to Use a VPN to Bypass a Chat Ban on Twitch?
- Can I Use the VPN Workaround and Keep My Original Username?
- About Twitch
- Breaking Through the Twitch Blockade
