When it was first released in July 2016, Pokémon Go took the gaming world by storm. While it remains very popular to this day, it can leave a lot to be desired depending on where you live. If you live in a remote or less populated area, unique Pokémon may be few and there are no PokeStops in sight. What’s more, the game may not even be available in your country.
In this guide, we’ll outline how you can overcome these restrictions on your device so you can unlock a treasure trove of Pokémon adventures as soon as possible.
How to avoid a ban in Pokémon Go
Millions of gamers around the world have been affected by restrictions placed on their gaming apps, and it’s no different for Pokémon fans. For example, both China and Iran have imposed bans on Pokémon Go, citing security risks. The good news is that you don’t have to miss out on all the fun just because of your location. By using a secure and reliable VPN service, such as ExpressVPNyou can bypass these similar bans and limitations and experience the full scope of the Pokémon phenomenon.
How a VPN works
A VPN ensures that your information remains secure when you connect to the Internet. Protects your privacy by disguising your IP address, which may reveal your personal data and information about your online activity. With a VPN, before you connect to a website, you first go through a special server that acts as a shield between you and third parties. This additional layer of security also changes your device’s location data, so it not only increases privacy protection but also gives you access to restricted content. When you want to use a VPN for gaming, it is useful to pair it with a phishing app. This way, third parties will have trouble realizing that you have your hands on a game that was previously unavailable.
Wearing ExpressVPN and a GPS spoofing app lets you simultaneously choose your Pokémon Go location. If you only rely on a VPN to change your location, you run the risk of Pokemon Go detecting that your IP address information doesn’t align with your device’s GPS coordinates. This may result in a ban or suspension. For this reason, phishing apps combined with a VPN service are a good solution to changing your digital location.
Fortunately, this is possible for both Android and iOS devices.
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How to change your Pokémon Go location on an Android device
If you’ve been eager to get into Pokémon hunting, it’s relatively easy to adjust your location on an Android device. To do so, follow these steps:
- Decide on a VPN service and sign up for it. Our recommendation is ExpressVPN.
- Find express vpn in the Google Play store.
- Download and install it on your Android device.
- Go back to the Google Play Store and download a GPS spoofing app. One of those applications is Simulated locationsbut you can always do your research and choose an app that you think will work best for you.
- Go to your Android settings and choose “About phone”.
- Scroll down and quickly click “Build Number” seven times to activate developer mode.
- Go back to settings and select “System.” Now tap on “Advanced” and enter “Developer Options”.
- Choose the “Apply Mock Locations” option.
- What you will now need to obtain and install is a “Simulated locations”Module, so that Pokemon Go cannot detect that you have your simulated location activated. Download, install and power on the module.
- Activate your mobile VPN and select a location where you would like to search for Pokémon.
- Verify that the phishing app is running and choose the same location so that the VPN and app coordinates match.
And you’re all set, Android users! Open Pokémon Go and catch them all.
How to change your Pokémon Go location on an iOS device
This process is somewhat similar to what we had in the previous ps, but there are some key differences, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully:
- Decide on a VPN service and sign up for it. Our recommendation is ExpressVPN.
- Find express vpn in the app store. Download and install it on your iOS device.
- Now you will need to jailbreak your device. This means that you will be able to download third-party apps, which are normally not available due to Apple restrictions. To jailbreak your device, follow this Twitgoo guide.
- Now that you have a jailbroken device, you need a place to find the right software for those devices. Use Cydia for this.
- Download and install tsProtector, an app that will prevent Pokémon Go from seeing that you are using a jailbroken device.
- Also on Cydia, download the Location Spoofer app.
- Make sure both “Location Spoofer” and tsProtector are activated and select your location in the Spoofer app.
- Turn on your mobile VPN and choose a location that aligns with the area you placed in the Spoofer app.
It’s never been easier to start your journey to becoming a Pokémon champion!
Common warnings and prohibitions in Pokémon Go
While a VPN reduces the chances of your account being flagged, it’s always good to know some of the most common warnings and bans in Pokémon Go. The game uses a three strikes policy to prevent cheating. While the policy rules are not yet completely clear, the following summary of warnings and prohibitions will help you navigate the game more carefully:
Third party application warning
This warning appears when the system identifies a blacklisted app on your device. Don’t worry. It doesn’t affect your gameplay because it doesn’t target location spoofing apps. Instead, it points out bots and online trackers.
Soft ban
A soft ban occurs when the system suspects that you are using a location spoofer. It can happen when you move too fast, that is, even if you are simply riding in a moving vehicle. If you’ve been soft-banned, you’ll lose the ability to catch Pokémon or access PokeStops. It’s not a hard ban and you can wait it out. The time limit is about two hours.
While you are softbanned, a circle will form around you based on the location of your last completed action in the game. While you won’t be able to play outside the circle area, moving inside the circle should work and undo the ban. Alternatively, be patient. After two hours, the circle will shrink on its own and you can resume the game as usual. Before switching to a new location through your VPN, wait about two hours so that the system does not prompt you.
Shadow ban
With a soft ban, you won’t see rare Pokémon, but you’ll still be able to catch normal Pokémon. If you have been shadow banned, a “Warning Notification” will appear when you log in and you will need to confirm that you received the notice. It usually occurs when the system detects third-party applications, but can also be caused by the use of GPS spoofing software.
As this is a more serious ban, it lasts at least one week. To prevent this situation from evolving into more severe limitations, players should sit back and wait while enjoying the aspects of the game that are still available to them. It is usually issued as a strike action.
Temporary ban
A temporary ban occurs for the same reasons as a shadow ban, but the punishment is longer and more severe. You are blocked from accessing your account for one or two months. When this period passes, you will be able to access your account again. It counts as a strike two action. If the system suspects your activity for the third time, the ban will be permanent.
Permanent ban
A permanent ban means you will lose all access to your account. You can appeal this ban on Niantic’s official website, but they have stated that they void a small number of terminations.
These bans sound ominous, but remember that a combination of personal responsibility and a secure VPN will help you finish each game unscathed.
Combining ExpressVPN with a location spoofer makes everything easier
While no plan is foolproof, the winning combination of a good VPN and a reliable impersonator is the best way to experience vivid, rich gameplay of Pokémon, PokeStops, and rare gyms. Whether you’re traveling abroad or looking to challenge yourself by collecting Pokémon in a different location, none of this will hinder your progress. So, choose your VPN wisely and keep gaming worry-free, knowing that your information is safely stored thanks to thousands of hard-working and up-to-date servers. For Pokémon Go, ExpressVPN It’s the perfect fit.
Try it and tell us if it helped you catch all the Pokémon.
