Can You Get Permanently Banned from Pokémon GO? The Ultimate Guide

Yes, absolutely! You can get permanently banned from Pokémon GO. Niantic, the game’s developer, takes a zero-tolerance approach to cheating and violations of their Terms of Service (TOS), Trainer Guidelines, and Live Event Code of Conduct. A permanent ban, often referred to as a “permaban,” means your account is terminated and you can no longer access the game.

Understanding the Permaban Landscape in Pokémon GO

The world of Pokémon GO is built on the principle of fair play and exploration. To maintain this environment for all players, Niantic actively monitors player activity and takes action against those who violate their rules. While temporary suspensions are common for first-time or minor offenses, repeated or egregious violations often lead to a permanent ban. So, what actions warrant this serious consequence?

Common Offenses Leading to Permanent Bans

• Spoofing: This involves using location-spoofing apps or methods to alter your device’s GPS signal, allowing you to appear in different locations without physically being there. This is a major violation as it bypasses the core gameplay mechanic of exploration and gives players an unfair advantage.
• Using Emulators: Playing Pokémon GO on emulators, which are software programs that simulate the game on a computer, is strictly prohibited. Emulators often allow for automated gameplay and other forms of cheating.
• Modified or Unofficial Software: Using modified game clients or third-party software that provides an unfair advantage, such as automated catching or battling, is a serious violation.
• Account Sharing: Sharing your Pokémon GO account with other individuals is against the TOS. This can lead to security risks and potential misuse of the account.
• Accessing Pokémon GO Clients or Backends in an Unauthorized Manner: This includes attempting to access the game’s servers or data through unauthorized means.
• Harassment: Engaging in harassment, bullying, or abusive behavior towards other players violates the spirit of the game and can result in a permanent ban.
• Selling or Trading Accounts: Buying, selling, or trading Pokémon GO accounts is strictly prohibited.

The Strike System and Permanent Bans

Niantic typically employs a strike system to address violations. This system usually involves escalating penalties for repeated offenses:

• First Strike (Warning): You’ll receive an in-game warning message indicating that cheating has been detected on your account. You may also experience reduced encounter rates for rare Pokémon.
• Second Strike (Temporary Suspension): A temporary suspension of your account, typically lasting a few days or weeks.
• Third Strike (Permanent Ban): Account termination and permanent loss of access to the game.

Importantly, the third strike can result in a permanent ban regardless of the nature of the offenses. For instance, even if your first two strikes were for spoofing, a third violation for using an emulator can still lead to a permanent ban.

Detecting Spoofing and Other Violations

Niantic employs sophisticated methods to detect cheating, including:

• GPS Data Analysis: Monitoring player movement patterns for inconsistencies that suggest spoofing, such as rapid travel over long distances.
• IP Address Monitoring: Detecting unusual IP address patterns that might indicate the use of VPNs or other location-spoofing tools.
• Software Detection: Identifying the use of modified game clients or third-party software.
• Player Reports: Investigating reports from other players about suspicious activity.

What to Do If You Are Permanently Banned

If you believe you have been wrongly banned, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can do this by contacting Niantic’s support team through their website or in-app support.

• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your claim that you did not violate the TOS. This could include screenshots, travel logs, or any other information that demonstrates your innocence.
• Be Polite and Respectful: When contacting Niantic support, be polite and respectful in your communication. Clearly explain your situation and provide any relevant information.
• Be Patient: The appeal process may take some time, so be patient and allow Niantic support to investigate your case thoroughly.

Unfortunately, if the ban is upheld, it is generally permanent. Niantic rarely reinstates permanently banned accounts.

Prevention is Key

The best way to avoid a permanent ban is to play the game fairly and adhere to the TOS. Avoid using any form of cheating, including spoofing, emulators, or modified software. It’s also essential to be respectful of other players and avoid engaging in any behavior that could be considered harassment. Staying within the rules ensures that you can continue to enjoy the game without risking your account. If you are interested in the research behind games and how we can best learn with them, please consider checking out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long is a permanent ban in Pokémon GO?

A permanent ban in Pokémon GO is indefinite. It means your account is terminated and you lose access to the game forever.

2. Can you get permanently banned for using a Go-tcha or Pokémon GO Plus?

While theoretically possible, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be permanently banned solely for using a Go-tcha or Pokémon GO Plus device. These are officially licensed accessories designed to automate some gameplay aspects, but there’s always a slight risk if Niantic changes its stance.

3. Can Niantic ban your phone?

Niantic cannot directly ban your phone. However, they can ban your account, effectively preventing you from playing on that device with the banned account. Furthermore, using a jailbroken or rooted phone with cheating apps increases your ban risk.

4. What triggers a soft ban in Pokémon GO?

Soft bans are temporary restrictions that can be triggered by:

• Excessive travel speed: Moving too fast (e.g., in a car) while interacting with PokéStops or catching Pokémon.
• Account sharing: Logging in from drastically different locations in a short period.

5. How long does a soft ban last in Pokémon GO?

Soft bans typically last from a few minutes to a maximum of two hours.

6. Can you get banned for having multiple Pokémon GO accounts?

Using multiple accounts violates the Niantic TOS, and while bans are rare, they are possible, especially if the accounts are used to gain an unfair advantage in gyms or raids.

7. Is using PGSharp safe?

PGSharp is a spoofing app, and using it carries a significant risk of getting banned. While some users find it convenient, it is against the rules and potentially compromises your account security. If you do use PGSharp, consider using a separate account rather than your main account.

8. Will iPogo get me banned?

Like PGSharp, iPogo is a location spoofer and carries a high risk of getting banned. Use it at your own risk.

9. What is the first warning in Pokémon GO?

The first warning is an in-game message stating that Niantic has detected cheating on your account. You might also experience reduced spawns of rare Pokémon.

10. Can you get banned for sniping in Pokémon GO?

Sniping, which involves teleporting to catch rare Pokémon, can lead to a ban. It uses location spoofing, which is a direct violation of the TOS.

11. What happens if you get caught spoofing in Pokémon GO?

The consequences range from a soft ban to a temporary suspension to a permanent ban, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.

12. Are game bans permanent?

In most cases, game bans are permanent and not removed.

13. How do I get unbanned from Pokémon GO?

You can appeal the ban through Niantic’s support channels, providing any evidence that supports your case. However, reinstatements are rare.

14. Can I get banned for using VPN?

While simply using a VPN to protect your privacy isn’t inherently ban-worthy, doing so in a way that facilitates spoofing or violates the TOS can lead to a ban.

15. Can you get banned for using autocatchers such as the megacom dual catchmon?

Using autocatchers like the megacom dual catchmon increases the risk of getting banned. This is because they can be detected as third-party software that automates gameplay.