As any Pokémon trainer knows, progress in-game takes time and effort.
But what if you could speed things up? What if you could hold twice the gym power, contribute double the damage in raids, or trade the regionals to yourself?
The idea of using multiple Pokémon GO accounts sounds appealing, doesn't it?
But before you jump into juggling multiple devices or logins on one device, let's talk about whether this is a clever shortcut or a fast track to trouble.
Can You Run Multiple POGO Accounts?
The official word, according to Pokémon GO's devs, is as plain as daylight: one account per player. This is not so much of a polite gesture as it is encoded in Pokémon GO Terms of Service, you know, that rulebook every player signs when they join. So, officially? No, you're not allowed to use multiple accounts.
The game is designed for a single Pokémon GO account per person to encourage exploration, community interaction, and fair play. Using multiple profiles is considered a violation of these principles, as it is seen as gaining an unfair advantage.
Why Players Still Have Multiple GO Accounts?
Despite the rules, the temptation to get multiple Pokémon GO accounts is still there, so why do players consider bending, or outright breaking, the rules?
Raid Dominance: Taking down powerful Raid Bosses often requires a group; however, having a second or third account allows a single player to contribute more damage or even complete lower-tier raids solo.
Gym Control: Holding gyms earns PokéCoins; however, with multiple accounts, a player can load up a gym with their own Pokémon, making it harder for others to take down.
Trading Advantages: This is a big one. Need a specific Pokémon to complete your Pokédex? Having another account allows you to trade Pokémon with yourself. You can target specific Pokémon on the second account, hoping for high IVs or even a Lucky Trade when swapping with your primary Pokémon GO account.
Increased Spawns & Catches: More accounts actively playing means potentially encountering more rare Pokémon. For example, one account might trigger a shiny or a high-IV Pokémon that the other can then catch.
These benefits really showcase accelerated progress and greater control, making the idea of playing multiple accounts very alluring for some trainers aiming to get Pokémon faster.
How Players Attempt Multiple Accounts
Despite the risks, some players continue to attempt to manage multiple Pokémon GO accounts. How do they do it?
The Multiple Device Method
You’ve probably seen the images of players with bundles of phones, running Pokémon GO. This method involves using two devices, such as phones or tablets, with each device running a separate instance of the game, logged into a different account.
The One Device Workaround
On Android, features like Secure Folder or app cloning apps sometimes allow running two Pokémon GO accounts on the same phone; however, this can be unreliable or require complex modifications. On iOS, this is generally much harder without jailbreaking. Of course, switching between accounts by logging out and back in on one device does work, but it’s incredibly tiring, especially for activities that require real-time tasks, such as raids.
Alternatives to Getting Multiple Pokémon GO Accounts
So, multiple Pokémon GO accounts aren't possible, unless you’re willing to go through some pretty tricky workarounds. But, how can you improve your gaming experience and achieve those same goals legitimately? Fortunately, Pokémon GO offers plenty of ways:
Trading and Gifting: Trading Pokémon with friends, or by buying shiny Pokémon online, is the easiest way to fill Pokédex gaps or try for Lucky Pokémon. It’s also worth noting that consistent gifting increases friendship levels, providing XP and item bonuses, and eventually unlocking the Lucky Friend status for guaranteed Lucky Trades.
Optimize Your Account: Rather than getting multiple accounts, focus your resources and strategy on making your main account as strong as possible. To do this, you can learn type matchups, invest Stardust, participate in events, and use features like Remote Raid Passes to join raids anywhere.
To sum up, playing within the rules enables a healthier game environment and protects your investment in your Pokémon GO account.
