# Rust HWID Ban Expiry

#### You:
do rust hwid bans expire

#### ChatGPT:
Short answer: **sometimes-but don’t count on it.**

In Rust, HWID (hardware ID) bans are used alongside regular account bans to stop repeat offenders. Here’s how they typically work:

- **Official stance:** Facepunch Studios and Easy Anti-Cheat don’t publicly promise expiration for HWID bans.
- **In practice:**
  - Many HWID bans are **long-lasting or effectively permanent**.
  - Some reports from players suggest they *may* expire after **months or years**, but this isn’t guaranteed or consistent.
- **Account bans vs HWID bans:**
  - A standard game ban (e.g., Steam/EAC) is usually permanent.
  - HWID bans are an extra layer to block new accounts on the same machine.

If you’re hoping it’ll just wear off, that’s risky-it might, but it often doesn’t. The only reliable path is:

- Appeal through official channels (if you believe it was a mistake)
- Otherwise, accept that the ban is likely permanent

If you want, I can explain how HWID bans are detected or why they’re hard to bypass.
