cl_disablehtmlmotd Command in Counter-Strike

Are you tired of the loud popup ads in CS:GO? Then you need to learn how to use the cl_disablehtmlmotd command, which will allow you to block such annoying ads by disabling the HTML MOTDs. And even though this can sound pretty technical, it’s not. 

Even if you have never used a CS:GO command before, our guide will help you to use it like a pro right off the bat. Because it’s much easier to implement than you think it is, and we are going to guide you step by step.

Let’s start by bringing you a proper overview on this command, so you can understand what it is and how it works.

What is the cl_disablehtmlmotd Command?

MOTDs stands for Messages of the Day, delivered in an HTML format. Evidently, the cl_disablehtmlmotd command allows you to enable or disable them by using “0” or “1” respectively. 

This is the only purpose of this command in CS:GO, because some servers use the MOTDs to serve loud and annoying popup ads when you join and throughout the entire match, which can downgrade your gameplay experience.

Its default value is “0”, which means any server you join will be allowed to serve such popup ads. Therefore, if you wish to shut down such ads for you, you need to use “1” as the argument. And in case “1” doesn’t work, you can also use “-1” and it will serve the same purpose.

This command is available for all players in CS:GO, which means you can execute it without activating sv_cheats 1 beforehand, as this command is not cheat protected. It works on your client side, thus it won’t disable the MOTDs for the rest of players but only you.

Because some servers are infested with multiple popup ads, especially the loud ones, using this command is a lifesaver. Because it will immediately shut them down, allowing you to play without being constantly interrupted in CS:GO.

The main problem with these annoying MOTDs ads is that they are intrusive. They can appear in the middle of the game, ruining your tactics or team strategy. And because some players are tired of this situation, the cl_disablehtmlmotd command was introduced, to address and solve this problem in CS:GO.

Now that you have a proper overview on what this command is and what it does, let’s see the requirements you must meet to execute it.

Requirements to Execute It

If you want to execute this command, you must meet the following requirements:

• Activate the developer console to input cl_disablehtmlmotd

You don’t need admin rights or to activate cheat-protected commands beforehand. As simple as that. And in case you don’t know how to enable the console, here’s how:

1. Launch CS:GO
2. Navigate to “Settings”
3. Click on “Game”
4. Navigate to the option to activate the developer console
5. Set it to “Yes”

Now you can input this command immediately upon launching the console, allowing you to block HTML MOTDs whenever necessary. All you have to do is to click on “~” , launch it and input cl_disablehtmlmotd or any other command of your choice.

It’s time to check how you can use this command with the quick tutorial you will find in the next section.

How to Use It

Using this command is pretty easy, and here’s how you can do it via the developer console in CS:GO:

1. Press “~” to launch the console
2. Input cl_disablehtmlmotd + the argument of the function you want to run
3. Press “Enter”
4. It will enable or disable HTML MOTDs depending on the argument you used

If you want to disable the HTML MOTDs, you need to use “1”, and if you want to restore it back to default so the ads can play as usual, you need to use “0” as the argument.

There’s no rocket science here, and as you can see, it’s pretty easy to use this command. So just launch the developer console, follow our quick tutorial, and you will be able to enable or disable HTML MOTDs at will.

However, if you want to save yourself from the hassle of having to input cl_disablehtmlmotd 1 every time you launch CS:GO, you should add this command to your autoexec.cfg file, or your preferred .cfg configuration.

Here on CSGOLuck’s Wiki, you can find an article dedicated to editing the autoexec.cfg and other .cfg files, so you can add this new configuration to stop HTML MOTDs automatically every time you launch and play CS:GO.

Now that it’s clear how you can execute this command via the developer console, let’s check real examples on how it’s implemented in the game.

Examples on How to Use the cl_disablehtmlmotd Command

Let’s explore all the available ways by which you can use this command, so you can start implementing it.

Disable HTML MOTDs and Ads

You’re here because you want to get rid of those annoying and loud ads delivered by HTML MOTDs, hence you need to use “1” as the argument of the command, resulting in the following: cl_disablehtmlmotd 1. Press “Enter” and now all the CSGO popup ads will be blocked, allowing you to enjoy a smooth and seamless gameplay experience.

Enable HTML MOTDs and Ads

If you want to enable HTML MOTDs again, perhaps because you got kicked from the server or game for disabling them, you need to use “0” as the argument, resulting in the following: cl_disablehtmlmotd 0. Press “Enter” and the CSGO ads will run again as usual.

You’ll have to do this in some situations where the server won’t allow you to disable HTML MOTDs if you join it, and when you are not able to listen to the radio. If you are experiencing such problems, you will have to input cl_disablehtmlmotd 0.

Alternative for Disabling HTML MOTDs

If you want to get rid of the annoying CSGO popup ads, but using “1” as the argument gets you kicked, you can use “-1” instead, which will accomplish the same outcome. Hence, you need to input the following via console: cl_disablehtmlmotd -1. Press “Enter” and it will block the HTML MOTDs instantly.

Using Other Arguments and Values

Other than 0, 1 or -1, this command will not accept any other argument. For example, if you use “5” it will not work, as it’s not been designed to execute any other function. Therefore, you need to stick to the standard arguments of cl_disablehtmlmotd if you want to use it.

F.A.Q

For more information and details about this command, below you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about it.

Is cl_disablehtmlmotd cheat protected?

No, this command is not cheat protected. You can input the cl_disablehtmlmotd command whenever you wish regardless of the server, game mode or your admin rights. Simply launch the developer console, input it, assign the corresponding argument, press “Enter” and it will work instantly.

Can you get kicked for using cl_disablehtmlmotd 1?

Yes, you can get kicked for using cl_disablehtmlmotd 1 on community or public servers. It’s not the case in the majority of matches, but you should be aware that some will still kick you if you use this command to alter the normal configuration of HTML messages on your end.

What to do if you get kicked for using cl_disablehtmlmotd 1?

If you get kicked for using cl_disablehtmlmotd 1, you can rejoin the game again and play as usual without inputting it again, because it’s not a reason that will lead to a game or VAC ban. On other hand, you can join the same game and use an alternative command such as -no-browser-.

Will using cl_disablehtmlmotd disable the overlay browser?

No, using cl_disablehtmlmotd will not disable the overlay browser. It will just affect the Steam client, nor your conventional browser, allowing you to use it as usual without any changes. Therefore, if you input it, you will be able to use your browser without restrictions, for example to listen to music.

What is the best alternative to the cl_disablehtmlmotd Command if you want to disable HTML messages?

The best alternative to the cl_disablehtmlmotd command, in case you cannot use it because the match or server will kick you, is the cvar client -no-browser. Input it via the developer console, press “Enter” and now all the loud ads delivered via HTML popups will be blocked. 

What to do if I cannot listen to the radio after inputting cl_disablehtmlmotd 1?

If you are unable to listen to the radio in CS:GO after inputting cl_disablehtmlmotd 1, and the game is prompting you to enable HTML MOTDs to activate this function, you will inevitably have to input cl_disablehtmlmotd 0 to activate them. Otherwise, at least in the server in question, you won’t be able to listen to the radio when playing.

Is cl_disablehtmlmotd a CS2 command?

No, cl_disablehtmlmotd is only available in CS:GO. Using it in CS2 won’t work because it’s not been coded in this new version of the game.