How to Know if Your Pokémon GO Account is Shadow Banned

Think you’ve been unfairly targeted by Niantic? A shadow ban in Pokémon GO, while not a full-fledged ban, significantly limits your gameplay experience. Essentially, your account is quietly flagged, restricting your interactions with the game world. The frustrating part? You’re often left in the dark about why it’s happening. So, how can you tell if you’ve fallen victim to a Pokémon GO shadow ban? The most reliable indicators are:

• Limited Pokémon Spawns: You’ll notice a drastic reduction in the number of Pokémon appearing around you, especially common ones. It feels like the game world has suddenly become barren.
• Inability to See Certain Pokémon Others Can See: If you’re playing with friends, and they can see Pokémon spawning that you can’t, this is a major red flag. This is often the most definitive sign.
• Pokémon GO Plus Oddities: Your Pokémon GO Plus might connect and attempt to catch Pokémon, but these Pokémon will be invisible. You’ll get the notification that something was caught (or fled), but no Pokémon appear on your screen.
• Extended Wait Times in Raids: The Raid system may be slow to load and when you do get into a raid you may have longer than normal wait times when trying to form a team.
• Check Your Journal: Sometimes, the only trace of a ‘caught’ Pokémon by your Go Plus might be in your journal. Look for entries where ‘Pokemon fled’ is repeated constantly.
• No Rare Spawns: If you usually see rare Pokémon from time to time and they suddenly are no longer spawning on your account, this is cause for concern.

If you observe several of these symptoms concurrently, there’s a high probability your account is shadow banned. Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to further clarify this frustrating situation.

Pokémon GO Shadow Ban FAQs

Shadow bans can be confusing and frustrating for players. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about shadow bans in Pokémon GO, along with detailed answers to help you understand the situation and what you can do about it.

1. What exactly is a shadow ban in Pokémon GO?

A shadow ban in Pokémon GO is a temporary restriction placed on your account, limiting your ability to interact with the game world. Unlike a permanent ban, a shadow ban doesn’t completely block you from playing, but it significantly hinders your gameplay experience by reducing Pokémon spawns and restricting certain interactions.

2. How long does a Pokémon GO shadow ban typically last?

The duration of a shadow ban is usually around 7-14 days. This timeframe can vary, and some players have reported longer periods. However, the general consensus is that it’s a temporary measure designed to deter certain behaviors. An important note is that there is a 7-day warning that may go into effect.

3. What activities can trigger a shadow ban in Pokémon GO?

Several actions can lead to a shadow ban, including:

• Using third-party apps or bots: Any unauthorized software that automates gameplay or provides an unfair advantage is a major no-no.
• Spoofing your location: Manipulating your GPS location to access Pokémon or gyms in different areas violates the game’s terms of service. When you spoof, only your GPS coordinate is changed, your IP address is not.
• Excessive or rapid gameplay: Catching an unusually high number of Pokémon or spinning an unreasonable number of PokéStops in a short period can raise red flags. I got BANNED Playing Pokemon GO in Zaragoza While Spinning Pokestops
• Violating the game’s terms of service: Any behavior that goes against the game’s rules and guidelines can result in a shadow ban.

4. Is there a way to appeal a shadow ban?

While Niantic doesn’t explicitly offer a formal “appeal” process for shadow bans, you can contact Niantic Support through the Pokémon GO app or website. Explain your situation and provide any evidence that you haven’t violated the game’s terms of service. While there’s no guarantee, it’s worth trying.

5. Will Niantic notify me if I’ve been shadow banned?

Typically, Niantic does not directly notify players when they’ve been shadow banned. This is what makes it so frustrating. You’ll have to rely on observing the symptoms mentioned earlier to determine if you’ve been affected.

6. Can a shadow ban escalate into a permanent ban?

Yes, absolutely. If you continue engaging in the behaviors that triggered the initial shadow ban, Niantic can escalate the punishment to a permanent account ban. It’s crucial to correct your behavior and avoid any further violations to prevent this from happening. If you do not remedy your behavior within or after the 7 day period, you will advance to the next strike.

7. If I am shadow banned, can I still see other players in the game?

Yes, generally you will still be able to see other trainers walking around. However, if you find yourself in a lobby where you are shadow banned a mid-game shadow-ban can be indicated by a sudden server disconnection for no apparent reason.

8. How do I prevent getting shadow banned in Pokémon GO?

The best way to avoid a shadow ban is to play the game legitimately. This means:

• Avoiding third-party apps and bots.
• Refraining from spoofing your location.
• Playing responsibly and within reasonable limits.
• Adhering to the game’s terms of service.

9. Will using a VPN get me shadow banned in Pokémon GO?

Using a VPN can potentially increase your risk of a shadow ban, especially if it’s used to mask your location in a way that appears like spoofing. While using a VPN for privacy reasons might be acceptable, it’s best to avoid using it in a way that could be interpreted as violating the game’s terms of service.

10. Can I still participate in raids if I’m shadow banned?

Yes, you can usually still participate in raids while shadow banned, but you might experience delays in finding lobbies and you may have longer than normal wait times when trying to form a team.

11. If I think I am shadow banned, should I stop playing?

Yes, if you suspect you’ve been shadow banned, it’s a good idea to stop playing for a few days. This can help to signal to Niantic that you’re not engaging in any malicious activity. Remember to engage with everyone manually.

12. Will deleting and reinstalling Pokémon GO remove a shadow ban?

No, deleting and reinstalling the app will not remove a shadow ban. The ban is linked to your account, not the app installation.

13. What happens to my Pokémon if I get permanently banned?

If your account is permanently banned, you will lose access to all your Pokémon, items, and progress. It’s a significant loss, which is why it’s so important to play fairly and avoid violating the game’s rules.

14. How can I check my account status with Niantic?

Niantic doesn’t provide a direct way to check your account’s status for shadow bans. The best approach is to monitor your gameplay for the symptoms mentioned earlier and, if you suspect a ban, contact Niantic Support.

15. Are shadow bans automatic?

Yes, Shadow bans are automatic and have nothing to do with you cheating, Once youre shadow banned your account is done.

While shadow bans can be frustrating, understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential solutions can help you navigate the situation effectively. Remember to play fairly, adhere to the game’s terms of service, and contact Niantic Support if you believe you’ve been unfairly targeted.

This commitment to understanding how games impact our lives goes hand in hand with the research being conducted at organizations like the Games Learning Society, dedicated to studying the intersection of games, learning, and society. You can learn more about their valuable work at GamesLearningSociety.org.

By understanding the rules of the game, both the explicit and implicit, you can ensure a positive and enjoyable Pokémon GO experience for yourself and the entire community.