Whether you’re stepping away from gaming, switching accounts, or simply want to protect your privacy, knowing how to delete your Pokémon Go account is essential. Unlike uninstalling the app, account deletion is a permanent action that erases your data from Niantic’s servers. This guide explains every step involved in removing your Pokémon Go profile, including what to expect, how long it takes, and what you should do beforehand.
Why Delete Your Pokémon Go Account?
There are several reasons trainers may choose to delete their Pokémon Go account:
You no longer play the game
You want to start over with a new account
You’re concerned about data privacy
You’ve experienced account issues or login problems
You’re managing screen time or focusing on other commitments
Deleting your account means your entire progress—Pokémon, items, medals, PokéCoins, and friends—will be gone permanently.
Things to Know Before Deleting a Pokémon Go Account
Account deletion is a serious step. Here’s what to keep in mind before submitting your request:
Deleting the app does not delete your account
Account deletion is irreversible and permanent
You cannot reuse the same email address for a new Pokémon Go account once deleted
It may take several weeks to complete the deletion process
If you log in after requesting deletion, the process may be canceled
If you simply want a break, consider logging out or uninstalling the app instead.
How to Delete a Pokémon Go Account Using the Niantic Support Center
Niantic, the creator of Pokémon Go, handles account deletions through a dedicated request form.
Open your browser and visit the Niantic Help Center at help.pokemongolive.com
Scroll down and click on the menu icon (three lines), then tap Pokémon Go
Tap the Contact Us button at the bottom
Select the category as “Delete My Account”
Fill in the form with accurate details including:
- Your Trainer Nickname
- Email address linked to the account
- Platform (iOS or Android)
- Subject: Request to delete my Pokémon Go account
- In the message field, type a clear request to delete the account permanently
Once submitted, Niantic will send an automated email confirming the request.
Confirming Your Deletion Request
After submitting the form, you must verify the request through email.
Check your inbox for an email from Niantic Support
Open the email and follow the link provided to confirm your deletion
This step is necessary to prevent unauthorized deletions
If you do not complete this confirmation, your deletion will not be processed.
What Happens After You Delete Your Pokémon Go Account
Once your request is verified and processed:
All in-game progress including Pokémon, medals, and levels is deleted
Your account will be removed from Niantic’s database
You will lose access to any purchases or in-game currency
The account cannot be recovered under any circumstances
You’ll also lose access to other Niantic games linked to the same account, such as Ingress or Pikmin Bloom, if you use the same login credentials.
How Long Does It Take to Delete a Pokémon Go Account?
Niantic states that account deletion can take up to several weeks. In most cases, the process completes in 2 to 3 weeks.
You will not be able to create a new account with the same credentials until the deletion is finalized. Logging into the game during this period will cancel your request.
How to Cancel a Deletion Request
If you change your mind, you must act quickly.
Do not confirm the email link
Or, log back into your account before the process is finalized
Once deletion is complete, it cannot be reversed
Keep in mind that once the request is confirmed and processed, there is no option to recover your account.
Alternatives to Deleting Your Account
Not sure you want to lose all your progress? Here are a few alternatives:
Log out of your account through app settings
Uninstall the app to take a break
Disable notifications to reduce distractions
Revoke app permissions through your phone settings
Use parental controls to limit screen time or access
These steps allow you to step away without losing everything you’ve earned.
Deleting a Child’s Pokémon Go Account (Parent Instructions)
If you manage your child’s Pokémon Go account through Niantic Kids or Pokémon Trainer Club, you must delete it from your parental dashboard.
Log in to the Niantic Kids or Trainer Club parent portal
Select the child’s profile
Locate the account settings or data deletion option
Submit a deletion request from there
The process works similarly, with email confirmation required before deletion.
FAQs About Deleting a Pokémon Go Account
Can I delete my Pokémon Go account directly from the app?
No. You must use the Niantic Support Center via a browser to submit a deletion request. The app does not provide this option.
What happens to my purchases and PokéCoins after account deletion?
They are permanently lost. Niantic does not offer refunds for unused PokéCoins or in-app purchases after account deletion.
Can I create a new account with the same email?
No. Once your account is deleted, your email is tied to that deletion and cannot be reused for a new Pokémon Go account.
How can I take a break from the game without deleting my account?
You can log out, uninstall the app, or mute notifications. This lets you keep your progress while stepping away.
Is it possible to recover a deleted Pokémon Go account?
No. Once deleted and processed, there is no way to recover your account, progress, or purchases.