Can You Have 2 Different Pokémon GO Accounts? The Expert’s Take
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The direct answer is yes, you can technically have two or more Pokémon GO accounts, but it violates Niantic’s Terms of Service (TOS). While enforcement isn’t always consistent or obvious, creating and using multiple accounts is considered a form of cheating, and carries the risk of account suspension or permanent ban. Let’s delve deeper into the complexities surrounding this issue.
The Allure of Multiple Accounts: Why Trainers Do It
Despite the risk, many Pokémon GO players maintain multiple accounts. What drives this behavior? Several factors contribute to the temptation.
- Raid Power: A common reason is to bolster raid teams. Coordinating multiple accounts (often played on multiple phones) allows players to solo or easily defeat higher-level raids, earning valuable rewards and rare Pokémon. A player controlling five or six accounts effectively amplifies their raiding power.
- Resource Management: Some players use alternate accounts as “storage mules” for items or Pokémon. This can alleviate the pressure of limited storage space on their main account, especially during events.
- Team Support: Especially in areas with few active players, alternate accounts can be used to help take down gyms that are controlled by opposing teams.
- Experimentation and Alt-Gameplay: Some trainers just like experimenting with different strategies, and creating a second account allows them to do so without messing up their main progress.
- Starting Over: If you are thinking of starting over on a new account, while maintaining your original account.
The Risks and Realities: Are Bans Common?
Niantic’s stance is clear: one account per person. The TOS explicitly prohibits multi-accounting. However, the reality of enforcement is more nuanced.
- Inconsistent Enforcement: While the TOS prohibits multiple accounts, Niantic has traditionally focused its enforcement efforts on more blatant forms of cheating, like spoofing (falsifying location data) and using third-party apps to automate gameplay (botting). This has created a perception that multi-accounting is a lower-priority concern.
- Detection Difficulties: Detecting multi-accounting can be challenging. Unless players openly boast about their multiple accounts or exhibit suspicious behavior (e.g., multiple accounts simultaneously participating in the same raid in a way that suggests coordinated control), it can be difficult for Niantic to definitively prove a TOS violation.
- Report-Based Bans: The primary detection method seems to rely on reports from other players. If enough players report a trainer for suspected multi-accounting, Niantic may investigate. However, reports alone aren’t always sufficient for a ban.
- Recent Changes: It is important to acknowledge that Niantic’s detection and enforcement methods are constantly evolving. What was true a year ago might not hold true today. Therefore, the risk of getting banned for using multiple accounts could increase in the future.
The Technicalities: How Multiple Accounts Work
- Email and Login: You cannot use the same email address for multiple Pokémon GO accounts. Each account requires a unique email.
- Account Switching: Pokémon GO allows you to easily switch between accounts on the same device. This feature is intended for players who share devices or have multiple accounts for legitimate reasons (e.g., testing purposes, though Niantic doesn’t endorse this), but it can also be used for multi-accounting.
- One Device, Multiple Accounts: It is also possible to run multiple instances of Pokémon GO simultaneously on a single Android device using app cloning or parallel space apps. However, doing so significantly increases the risk of detection.
Pokémon HOME and Multiple Accounts
- Nintendo Account Linking: Pokémon HOME can only be linked to one Nintendo Account at a time. This limits the ability to easily transfer Pokémon between multiple Pokémon GO accounts using Pokémon HOME. You would need separate Nintendo Accounts and navigate transfer limitations.
- Pokémon Transfers: Even with a linked Nintendo Account, there are limitations on the number of Pokémon that can be transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME at once (typically 25).
Selling Accounts: A Grey Area
- TOS Violation: Selling Pokémon GO accounts is a clear violation of Niantic’s TOS.
- Legality: While selling accounts is not typically illegal, it often violates the terms of service of game developers and marketplaces, and could be subject to legal challenges regarding copyright infringement.
- Risk of Ban: Both the seller and the buyer risk having their accounts banned.
Ethical Considerations
Beyond the TOS, there are ethical considerations. Multi-accounting can create an unfair advantage, disrupting the game’s competitive balance and potentially discouraging other players. While some argue that it’s harmless fun, others see it as a form of cheating that undermines the spirit of the game. The Games Learning Society may have interesting insights into this topic. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
Conclusion
While technically possible, having multiple Pokémon GO accounts is a violation of Niantic’s Terms of Service. While enforcement has historically been inconsistent, the risks of suspension or permanent ban remain. Furthermore, there are ethical considerations regarding fairness and the competitive balance of the game. Players should weigh these factors carefully before deciding to create or use multiple accounts. Ultimately, it’s your choice, but be aware of the potential consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you better understand the ins and outs of having 2 different Pokémon GO accounts:
1. Can I get banned for having 2 Pokémon GO accounts?
Yes, you can get banned. While enforcement isn’t always consistent, Niantic considers it a form of cheating and a violation of their TOS. The risk is always present, even if not immediately apparent.
2. How does Niantic detect multiple accounts?
Niantic likely uses a combination of methods, including reports from other players, analysis of gameplay patterns (e.g., multiple accounts participating in the same raid simultaneously), and potentially IP address analysis, although the latter can be unreliable due to shared IP addresses.
3. Can I switch between accounts on Pokémon GO?
Yes, the game has a built-in account-switching feature. This is intended for legitimate use cases (e.g., sharing a device), but can also facilitate multi-accounting.
4. Can I have 2 Pokémon GO accounts on one email?
No, each Pokémon GO account requires a unique email address.
5. Why do people have 2 Pokémon GO accounts?
Common reasons include increasing raid power, acting as storage mules, gym control purposes, and simply enjoying the game from a fresh start.
6. Can I run two Pokémon GO accounts on one phone simultaneously?
Yes, you can using app cloning software. However, this significantly increases the risk of detection and ban.
7. Can 2 switch accounts use the same Pokémon HOME?
No, Pokémon HOME can only be linked to one Nintendo Account at a time. This complicates transferring Pokémon between multiple Pokémon GO accounts.
8. How does Pokémon GO know if I am spoofing?
Pokémon GO can detect spoofing by inconsistencies between your GPS location and other data, such as your IP address, network information, and phone sensors. Drastic jumps in location are also a red flag.
9. Am I allowed to sell Pokémon GO accounts?
Selling accounts violates Niantic’s TOS and may also violate copyright infringement.
10. How many Pokémon GO accounts can I link to switch?
The original “Let’s Go” games on the Switch allowed multiple GO accounts to link to one Switch save file. This is less relevant in modern Pokémon games.
11. How do I know if I am banned from Pokémon GO?
You will see a message indicating your account has been suspended or terminated when you attempt to log in.
12. What can I do to get rid of a 7-day ban in Pokémon GO?
Submit a ban appeal to Niantic through their support channels. Explain your situation and provide any relevant information that might support your case.
13. How many Pokémon can I transfer to HOME at one time?
You can transfer a maximum of 25 Pokémon to HOME at a time.
14. Can I trade Pokémon to myself with Pokémon HOME?
Yes, but it’s cumbersome. You would need a second HOME account and use the GTS (Global Trade System) to trade between your accounts.
15. What happens if Niantic catches me spoofing?
Spoofing results in strikes, temporary suspensions, or permanent bans depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.