Remember summer 2016? Parks filled with individuals, heads bent, swiping wildly at their screens. Pokémon GO was the craze. You walked miles and miles, hatched eggs, fought at gyms, and caught Dragonite. Flash-forward, and things happen, or other games caught your attention.
Now, an obvious question comes to mind: is your Pokémon Go account collecting virtual dust, or worse of all, about to be deleted?
It's a valid concern, after all; we invest time, effort, and sometimes even money into our GO accounts, and the idea of losing all that progress because we haven't logged in for a while isn’t ideal. So, let's clear the air. Does Pokémon GO purge inactive accounts?
Do Pokémon GO Accounts Get Deleted for Being Inactive?
Breathe easy, as your inactive account is likely safe, waiting for your return. Currently, the developers do not delete Pokémon GO accounts solely due to periods of inactivity.
Examining the game’s terms reveals that account termination is triggered by violations of its Terms of Service or Privacy Policy. Think cheating, GPS spoofing, and using unauthorized third-party software. Essentially, they want people to play the game as intended, and an account that merely sits dormant usually falls into this category.
While there have been occasional murmurs of possible account purges of inactive accounts floating around forums or social media, the developers haven't enacted any such policy on Pokémon GO.
Unlike some internet services and games that remove old, unused accounts to reclaim usernames or server space, Pokémon GO has permitted trainers to return after taking a break.
Therefore, your login information, whether it's a Pokémon Trainer Club, Facebook, or Google account, should still allow you to log in.
When Can a Pokémon GO Account Get Deleted?
So, if lying dormant isn't lethal, what can lead to the termination of your account?
Violating the Rules
This is the big one. Pokémon GO takes its Terms of Service seriously, and actions such as falsifying location, using modified or unofficial software, and sharing accounts can result in suspension.
User Request
You, the trainer, hold the power to delete your own Pokémon GO account. If you decide you genuinely want to hang up your trainer hat for good, you can submit a request through the Niantic Help Center. Remember, however, that this process is permanent, and once your account data is deleted, it will be gone forever.
Recovering Your Pokémon GO Account
Feeling the itch to explore, catch, and battle again after a hiatus? Getting back into your Pokémon GO account is usually straightforward.
Log In: Download the app and attempt to log in using the original method you used to sign up (Google, Facebook, Pokémon Trainer Club). Double-check you're using the correct username and account password.
Account Recovery: If you've forgotten your password, use the recovery options provided by your login provider (e.g., Google, Facebook). For the Pokémon Trainer Club, you can usually recover your details via their website.
Niantic Support: If you are certain you are using the correct credentials and still cannot log in, and you know your account was not deleted due to a Terms of Service violation or your request, your next step is to contact Niantic Support. Please provide as much detail as possible about your account, including your trainer nickname, approximate last login date, and associated email address.
Remember, patience might be needed, especially if it's been years since you last played, but in most cases, reuniting with your Pokémon is just a login screen away.
Keeping Your Account Secure Even During Breaks
Whether you're playing daily or taking a break, keeping your Pokémon GO account secure is vital.
Strong Authentication: Use a strong, unique password for your login method, especially for Pokémon Trainer Club, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Beware Third-Party Apps: Be extremely cautious about granting access to your Pokémon account to third-party apps or websites, as many could compromise your account security.
Don't Share: Never share your account password or login details with anyone.
Verify Emails: Be cautious of phishing emails requesting your account details.
Your Pokémon account ultimately stands as a testament to hours of gaming and discovery, and keeping it secure guarantees that when you do return, your Pokémon and trainer will stand ready and awaiting!
