Getting kicked out and banned wrongfully with the error message - VPN usage (without using VPN)

General Issues and Bug Reporting
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1

Summary

I keep getting this error even though I do not use any vpn and experience minimal lag. No red arrows, sometimes yellow but nothing major. I got banned for 1 year on my main account after this error showed up for the first time. I have appealed the sanction about 10 days ago but nothing has come of it yet. So, now when I try to play on my alt account, I still keep getting this error. If I play on my mobile on the same wi-fi, I am able to play normally, but not when I play on PC.

Error message - You were removed from the match due to internet lag, your IP or your machine, VPN usage, or for cheating. We recommend not utilizing VPN or proxy services while attempting to play Fortnite.

Please select what you are reporting on:

Unreal Editor for Fortnite

What Type of Bug are you experiencing?

Stability

Steps to Reproduce

  1. Log on to Fortnite.
  2. Start a match
  3. Wait for match to start
  4. Observe the screen, as you are sent back to lobby with the error message popping up.

Expected Result

The match should continue properly without any unexpected removal or stoppage.

Observed Result

The user is being kicked out of the match.

Platform(s)

PC

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Screenshot 2026-08-15 233630.png
Screenshot 2026-08-15 233630.png2559×1439 1.34 MB

2

I’m getting the same error here. I’ve formated my pc two times and this error still remain.

error fortnite
error fortnite1920×1080 194 KB

3

Is there any news?
My account has also been banned for one year. The alleged reason is cheating—but there’s also some mention of a VPN or proxy!?!
I’ve been playing the same way for years and haven’t changed a thing. I haven’t done anything illegal, either.
Support has been saying they would review my case for the past two weeks, but nothing has happened.

Please help me! I’ve spent a lot of money here, and now I’m being banned—even though I haven’t done anything wrong!!

4

I’ve legit ran in to this problem not that long ago.. Epic needs to get their stuff together, This don’t make sense at all… I’ve legit even contacted them and they said the ban was “correctly applied”… Reminder, I have NOT CHEATED, I don’t even think cheating in fortnite or whatever is even possible still?? I’ve played the same way as before with the same internet connection and they’re still on BS…