Changing Your Email on Pokémon GO: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to change the email address associated with your Pokémon GO account? Whether you’ve outgrown an old email or just want to consolidate your accounts, it’s a common question. Here’s the breakdown:

The short answer is: It depends on how you initially created your Pokémon GO account. If you used a Pokémon Trainer Club (PTC) account, then yes, you can change the email address through the PTC website. However, if you created your account using a Google account, the email is directly tied to that Google account, and you cannot change it within Pokémon GO.

Let’s delve deeper into the specifics and explore alternative solutions.

Understanding Your Pokémon GO Login Methods

Pokémon GO offers two primary methods for account creation and login:

• Pokémon Trainer Club (PTC) Account: This is a dedicated account specifically for Pokémon-related services, including Pokémon GO.

• Google Account: This uses your existing Google email address to create and access your Pokémon GO account.

The method you used determines your options for changing the associated email.

Changing Your Email Address if You Use a Pokémon Trainer Club (PTC) Account

If you signed up using a PTC account, the process is relatively straightforward:

1. Log in to your Pokémon Trainer Club account on the Pokémon website (pokemon.com).
2. Navigate to your profile settings.
3. Look for an option like “Change Email Address” or “Edit Email.”
4. You’ll typically need to enter your current password, your new email address, and then confirm the new email address.
5. Check your new email inbox for a verification link and click it to finalize the change.

Important Considerations:

• Make sure the new email address is valid and one you can access.
• Double-check the spelling of your new email address to avoid errors.
• Be patient; it may take a few minutes for the changes to propagate.

What to Do if You Use a Google Account

Unfortunately, if you created your Pokémon GO account using your Google email address, there is no direct way to change the email associated with the account. The email address is inherently linked to your Google account.

However, there are a couple of workarounds, though they involve some degree of effort and planning:

1. Link a Different Login Provider: Pokémon GO allows you to link multiple login providers to your account. You could link a PTC account (create one if you don’t have one already) and then potentially unlink your Google account. This would essentially shift your primary login to the PTC account.

   • Important Note: Unlinking your Google account entirely might not be possible and comes with risks. You might lose access to your account if the linking/unlinking process is not done carefully. Research thoroughly before attempting this.

2. Create a New Account and Transfer Pokémon (Unofficially): This is not recommended by Niantic and may violate their Terms of Service (TOS). It involves creating a new Pokémon GO account with the desired email address and then trading Pokémon from your old account to the new one.

   • Risks: Trading is limited, and rare or special Pokémon can’t always be traded. You’d also have to restart your progress on the new account. Moreover, using multiple accounts is a violation of the TOS and could result in a ban.

The Best Course of Action:

Given the limitations and risks, the best course of action if you’re using a Google account is often to simply continue using your existing Google account to access Pokémon GO. While it may not be ideal, it’s the safest and most reliable way to avoid potential account issues.

Security and Best Practices

Regardless of which login method you use, keep these security tips in mind:

• Use a strong, unique password for your Pokémon Trainer Club account.
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible for added security.
• Be wary of phishing scams that attempt to steal your login credentials.
• Never share your account information with anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to managing your Pokémon GO account and email addresses:

1. Can I unlink my email from Pokémon GO?

You can’t directly unlink your Google email if that was the original login method. However, if you’ve linked other login providers like Facebook or PTC, you may be able to unlink them, but proceed with caution as it can cause issues.

2. How do I delete a linked account on Pokémon GO?

To delete your Pokémon GO account entirely, go to the in-game settings, select “Advance Settings,” and choose “Delete Account.” Niantic will send a confirmation email to the registered email address with a deletion code. Reply with the code to complete the process.

3. Can I merge two Pokémon GO accounts?

No, Niantic does not allow merging of two Pokémon GO accounts. Each account is treated separately, and progress cannot be combined.

4. Can I transfer my Pokémon GO account to another Google account?

Directly transferring isn’t possible. You can try linking a PTC account and then unlinking the Google account, but this is risky and not officially supported. Proceed with extreme caution.

5. What happens if you link 2 Pokémon GO accounts to one device?

While you can log in to multiple accounts on the same device, Niantic’s TOS prohibits the use of multiple accounts, classifying it as a form of cheating. While bans are not always enforced for this, it’s still a violation and could result in penalties.

6. Can you unlink a Pokémon GO account from Pokémon HOME?

Yes, you can unlink a Pokémon GO account from a Nintendo Account linked to Pokémon HOME. You can then link a different Nintendo Account to change the Pokémon HOME account you transfer to.

7. Does deleting the Pokémon GO app delete your account?

No, deleting the app does not delete your account. Your account data is stored on Niantic’s servers. To delete your account, you must follow the deletion process within the game settings.

8. How do I unlink my Google account from a game?

To unlink your Google account from a third-party app, go to your Google Account settings, find the section for “Connected apps & sites,” and remove the connection for the specific app. This will not change the email on a Pokemon Go account.

9. How do I transfer my Pokémon GO account to a new phone?

Download the Pokémon GO app on your new phone and log in using your existing login credentials (either your PTC account or your Google account). Your progress and Pokémon will be transferred automatically.

10. How many accounts can be linked to Pokémon HOME?

Each Pokémon HOME account can be linked to one Nintendo Account at a time. However, the same Nintendo Account can be linked to both the Nintendo Switch and mobile versions of Pokémon HOME.

11. What happens to my Pokémon in Pokémon HOME if I cancel my subscription?

If you cancel your Pokémon HOME subscription, you’ll only be able to access the first 30 Pokémon you deposited. The rest will be inaccessible until you renew your premium plan.

12. Can I delete my linked account and create a new one?

Creating a new Pokémon GO account is possible, but you cannot transfer progress from your old account. You’ll have to start over from scratch.

13. Can you use the same Pokémon GO account on two phones at the same time?

No, you cannot use the same Pokémon GO account simultaneously on two phones. The game is designed for single-device use per account.

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

Yes, using multiple accounts violates Niantic’s Terms of Service and could result in a ban, although enforcement varies.

15. Can two people use the same Pokémon HOME?

No, Pokémon HOME can only be linked to one Nintendo Account at a time.

Remember, always prioritize the security of your account and adhere to Niantic’s Terms of Service. While changing your email on Pokémon GO can be tricky depending on your login method, understanding your options and following best practices can help you manage your account effectively. Learn more about the impact of games on society and education at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.