Getting shadowbanned in Pokémon GO can be frustrating, but don’t worry – there are several ways to get back to normal gameplay. Let me walk you through what this means and how to fix it.
Understanding Your Shadowban
First, let’s be clear about what’s happening. A shadowban in Pokémon GO means you can only see common Pokémon, while rare ones remain hidden. It’s Niantic’s way of flagging accounts they suspect of breaking the rules, usually from using third-party apps or modified versions of the game.
How to Confirm You’re Shadowbanned
The easiest way to check is by comparing your game with a friend’s. If they can see rare Pokémon that aren’t showing up for you in the same location, you’re likely shadowbanned. You might also notice that you’re only encountering basic Pokémon like Pidgey and Rattata.
Steps to Remove Your Shadowban
1. Remove Suspicious Apps
The first thing you’ll want to do is uninstall any third-party Pokémon GO apps from your device. This includes IV checkers, map tools, or anything that accesses your Pokémon GO account.
2. Change Your Password
Go ahead and change your Pokémon GO account password. This helps prove to Niantic that you’ve secured your account from any unauthorized access.
3. Play Legitimately
Here’s the part that requires patience – you’ll need to play the game normally for about 7-14 days. During this time, stick to the official app only.
Additional Tips for Success
– Make sure your game and operating system are up to date
– Clear your game cache and data
– Log out and back into your account
– Submit an appeal to Niantic Support if needed
Preventing Future Shadowbans
Once you’re back in the clear, you’ll want to avoid another shadowban. Stick to these guidelines:
– Only use the official Pokémon GO app
– Avoid sharing your account with others
– Don’t use GPS spoofing tools
– Be cautious with any third-party apps, even if they seem harmless
Remember, it’s better to play it safe and enjoy the game as intended rather than risk losing access to rare Pokémon again. The shadowban typically lifts within two weeks if you follow these steps, though sometimes it can take a bit longer depending on your situation.
Have you tried any of these methods already? I’d love to hear about your experience in dealing with a shadowban. Remember, patience is key here – there’s no instant fix, but following these steps will get you back to catching ’em all in no time!
