# 📃 Understanding Bans in Call of Duty (COD)

## 🚫 Shadow Bans (SB)

A **shadow ban** is typically triggered by receiving a high number of player reports or sometimes simply by playing on a new account (rare, but possible). If shadow banned:

* You'll experience **longer matchmaking queues**.
* Your **ping will spike** significantly.
* You'll be placed into lobbies with **other shadow-banned players**.

**Don’t panic.** Shadow bans are usually temporary and **harmless after the first 24 hours**. Since the release of MWII, false shadow bans have become common.

* Duration: **1 to 14 days**
* You can check your [account status](https://support.activision.com/ban-appeal) here.

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## 🔌 Disconnect (DC) Shadow Bans

**Disconnect shadow bans** happen when your account has a **low trust factor**, similar to how it works in CS:GO. This can be caused by:

* Frequent reports
* Low playtime
* Suspicious behavior

To increase trust factor:

* **Verify your account** with a **valid phone number and email**
* Play consistently (e.g. **2+ hours daily for 1–2 weeks**)
* Maintain a **legit-looking playstyle**, even when no one is watching

This improves your matchmaking and lowers the chance of false flags or disconnections.

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## ⏳ Temporary Bans

A **temporary ban** can occur from:

* Using **unlock tools** (especially for unreleased camos, operators, or rewards)
* Abusing **glitches or exploits**

These bans can **last from 1 to 30 days**, though they may **initially appear as permanent**.

While waiting out the ban:

* Create a **new account**
* Build up your **trust factor** (see Disconnect Shadow Bans above)
* Avoid risky actions to prevent immediate bans

You can verify if your ban is temporary or permanent here.

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## 🛑 Permanent & HWID Bans

These are the most serious types of bans:

* **Permanent bans** mean your account is completely lost and unrecoverable.
* **HWID bans** (Hardware ID bans) target your device and prevent any new accounts from functioning without additional steps.

These usually happen if you:

* Use detectable cheats (aimbots, ESP, radar hacks, movement tools)
* Bypass anti-cheat protections

To continue playing after a permanent or HWID ban:

1. Purchase and configure a **spoofer** ([available here](https://shopsds.mysellauth.com/))
2. Create a **new account**
3. Follow safe play practices going forward