Deleting Your Pokémon GO Progress: A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’re looking to wipe the slate clean and start your Pokémon GO journey anew? Or perhaps you’re ready to bid farewell to the game altogether. Regardless of your reasons, deleting your Pokémon GO progress is a permanent action with significant implications. There are technically no direct options to restart or reset your game from within the app, you need to delete your account. This guide will walk you through the process and explore all the related considerations.
The most direct method to effectively delete your Pokémon GO progress is to request deletion of your entire account. This permanently removes all your game data. Here’s how you can initiate the process:
1. Through the Pokémon GO App (Android):
- Open the Pokémon GO app on your Android device.
- Tap the Poké Ball icon at the bottom center of the screen.
- Navigate to Settings (usually found in the top right corner).
- Scroll down to “Get Help.”
- Tap the message icon on the top-right corner.
- Type “Delete My Account”
- Select “How do I delete my account”
2. Through the Pokémon Trainer Club Account (If Applicable):
If you use a Pokémon Trainer Club account:
- Log in to your Pokémon Trainer Club account at www.pokemon.com.
- From your Profile page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Request Data Deletion.
- Enter your account username and password, and then click Delete.
- Click the Delete Account button in the email you receive.
Important Considerations Before Deleting:
- Irreversible Action: Account deletion is permanent. All your Pokémon, items, progress, and achievements will be lost forever.
- Think Twice: Ensure you are absolutely certain about your decision before proceeding. There is no going back.
- Alternative: Starting a New Account: If you simply want to start over, consider creating a new account using a different email address instead of deleting your existing one. This allows you to retain your original account if you ever wish to return to it.
- Unlinking Accounts: If you want to use the same email address on a new account, you’ll need to unlink the email from your current account before deleting it (if you use it for any other Niantic game). This typically requires contacting Niantic support.
- Data Privacy: Deleting your account should also remove your personal data from Niantic’s servers, aligning with data privacy regulations.
Understanding the Options: Account Deletion vs. Other Actions
It’s essential to understand the difference between account deletion and other actions you might consider:
- Uninstalling the App: Uninstalling the Pokémon GO app does not delete your progress. Your data is stored on Niantic’s servers.
- Clearing Cache/Data: Clearing the cache or app data on your device removes temporary files but does not affect your account or game progress.
- Changing Your Nickname: Changing your Trainer Nickname simply alters your in-game identity; it doesn’t reset your progress. You can manage this in Settings, then Account, then selecting the pencil icon to change your Nickname.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Pokémon GO Account Deletion
Here are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about deleting your Pokémon GO progress, covering various aspects of account management and data removal.
How do I delete my Pokémon Trainer Club account?
Log in to your Pokémon Trainer Club account at www.pokemon.com. From your Profile page, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Request Data Deletion. Enter your account username and password, and then click Delete. Click the Delete Account button in the email you receive.
Can I clear Pokémon GO data without deleting my account?
Yes, you can clear the cached data for Pokémon GO on your Android device. Open device Settings, and select Apps. Find the Pokémon GO app, tap it, and select Storage. Tap Clear cache to delete all cached data. This will not affect your progress or account.
Will deleting Pokémon GO delete my progress?
Yes, deleting your Pokémon GO account will delete your progress. Uninstalling the app alone won’t delete your progress. Your game progress is stored online, so you will need to contact “Delete my account” by submitting a request form in settings.
How do I delete my child’s Pokemon Go account?
Visit the Niantic Kids Parent Portal and select your child’s account. Click the Edit Profile button. At the bottom of the page, click the Delete child’s profile link. This assumes the child’s account was created through Niantic Kids.
Can I change my Pokémon GO Gmail account?
Yes, you may update any of your login providers (e.g. change the Facebook, Google, or Apple account to which you are connected) at any time, by unlinking the account you no longer want, and re-linking your desired account. This can be done within the app settings.
Can I have 2 Pokémon GO accounts?
Technically, having multiple accounts is against Niantic’s Terms of Service. While some communities may tolerate it, it’s generally not allowed.
Can I merge two Pokémon GO accounts?
Sadly, Niantic doesn’t offer account merging. Any progress will remain separate on the two accounts.
Can you restart Pokemon?
When you restart a Pokémon game by deleting the save file on your Nintendo Switch, it will delete all your current data, including your team, items, and progress, to start a new adventure. This is useful if you want to experience the story again or try out different strategies.
Why can’t I log into Pokémon GO?
You may receive “failed to log in” or “unable to authenticate” error messages if Niantic’s servers are experiencing a temporary issue or your network connectivity is poor. Check your internet connection and try again.
Can you buy PokeCoins with a Google Play gift card?
Yes, in the game, simply navigate to the Shop. Then select the amount of PokeCoins you’d like to buy. During checkout, pick Google Play Balance as your payment method. On the next screen, select the ‘Redeem code’ option and enter your Google Play gift card number.
What is the age limit for Pokemon Go?
Yes, you need to be over the age of 13 to set up an account.
Is there a Pokemon Go for kids?
Tap on the Niantic Kids option to create a child account. Children will need to provide their parent’s or legal guardian’s email address so that Niantic can get their permission before they can play the game. To learn more about the Niantic Kids platform and its parental controls, please visit Niantic’s help center.
How do I delete game progress on Play Games?
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Play Games app . At the top of the screen, tap More. Settings. Tap Delete Play Games account & data. Under “Delete individual game data,” find the game data you want to remove and tap Delete.
Should I restart Pokémon?
If you are more into the competitive scene and want all the stuff unlocked to stay as such, then you might not want to restart. But if that isn’t what you’re into and you want to replay the story then that’s what you should do.
How do you redeem Pokémon GO codes?
All you need to do is: Open the Pokemon Go app. Tap the menu button (the PokeBall icon). Tap ‘Shop’. Swipe to the bottom. You’ll find a space to enter the code and get your items there.
Final Thoughts
Deleting your Pokémon GO account is a significant decision, so ensure you’ve considered all the implications before taking the plunge. Weigh the pros and cons, explore alternative options like starting a new account, and remember that once your account is gone, it’s gone for good.
The world of gaming and learning is constantly evolving, and organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are at the forefront of exploring how games can be used for educational purposes and to enhance cognitive skills.