Table of Contents
Introduction
Pokémon GO is one of the most popular mobile games with millions of active players worldwide. However, Niantic enforces strict rules and regularly bans accounts that violate the Terms of Service. Getting banned can be frustrating, especially if you’ve invested significant time and effort building up your account.
The good news is that you can appeal a ban and potentially get your account reinstated. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about appealing a ban in Pokémon GO.
Understanding Ban Types
There are several types of bans in Pokémon GO:
- Soft bans – Temporarily restrict gameplay for a few hours. These are triggered by suspicious gameplay like GPS spoofing.
- Shadow bans – You can play but rare Pokémon won’t appear. These target botting and cheating.
- Temporary bans – Block access for 30 days to a year. Issued for serious or repeated violations.
- Permanent bans – Fully terminate access to your account. Handed for egregious and persistent violations.
Appeal Process
If you receive a ban, you can appeal to Niantic support to review your case. Here are the steps:
- Submit Ban Appeal Form – Go to Niantic’s help site and fill out the web form.
- Provide Details – Explain why you don’t deserve the ban and attach any evidence that supports your case.
- Wait for Review – Niantic support will review your appeal and make a final determination. This can take weeks.
- Check Status – Frequently check back on the status of your appeal by logging into your Niantic support account.
Tips for Successful Appeals
Here are some tips to improve your chances of overturning a wrongful ban:
- Be honest and admit any accidental violations
- Politely ask for leniency and a second chance
- Highlight your clean history as a fair player
- Provide any evidence that you did not intentionally cheat
- Suggest additional security steps you will take
Preventing Bans
Here are some tips to avoid getting banned in the first place:
- Never use third-party apps, bots, or spoof your GPS
- Don’t share accounts or break the ToS
- Play fairly and steer clear of cheating behaviors
- Avoid suspicious gameplay patterns
- Maintain device integrity with no unauthorized software
Conclusion
Getting banned from Pokémon GO can be extremely frustrating. However, you can appeal a ban if you believe it was made in error. Be honest in your appeal, provide supporting evidence, and promise to play by the rules going forward. With some luck and a solid case, you just may get a second chance.
References
[1] https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/135-submitting-a-ban-appeal/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/pokemongo/comments/otmpoz/how_does_pokemon_go_not_ban_spoofers_but/?rdt=35354
