How to delete your Pokémon GO account
You can delete your Pokémon GO account through Niantic's account management website. The process takes about five minutes and permanently removes your account, your Pokémon, your items, and your progress. Once deleted, you cannot recover the account or any of its data.
Deleting your Pokémon GO account is separate from deleting the app from your phone. Removing the app alone does not delete your account — it just removes the software. If you want the account gone entirely, you must go through Niantic's website.
Key Takeaways
- You must delete your account through Niantic's website, not through the Pokémon GO app itself.
- Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone — your Pokémon, items, and progress are gone forever.
- You will need to sign in with the email or login method you used to create the account.
- After deletion, you can create a new account with the same email address after 30 days.
Steps to delete your account on a computer
Go to niantic.helpshift.com in your web browser. Look for the "Delete Account" option, usually found in the account settings or help section. You may need to scroll down or search the page to find it.
Click on "Delete Account" and sign in with the email address or login credentials you use for Pokémon GO. Niantic will ask you to confirm your identity — this might mean entering a code sent to your email or answering security questions you set up when you created the account.
Read the warning message carefully. Niantic will tell you exactly what will be deleted: your account, all Pokémon, all items, your Poké Coins, your progress, and any data linked to that account. Click the button to confirm deletion. The account is then deleted when ready.
Steps to delete your account on a phone
Open the Pokémon GO app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down to find "Settings" and tap it. Look for an option labeled "Delete Account" or "Account Deletion" — this is usually near the bottom of the settings menu.
Tap "Delete Account" and the app will open a web page in your phone's browser. You will be taken to the same Niantic account deletion page as on a computer. Sign in, confirm your identity, read the warning, and click to confirm deletion.
If you cannot find the delete option in the app, you can also go directly to niantic.helpshift.com using your phone's browser and follow the computer steps above.
What happens to your data after deletion
Your account and all associated data are removed from Niantic's servers. You will no longer be able to log into Pokémon GO, and anyone who had your friend code will no longer see you in their friends list. Your username becomes available for other players to use.
If you had linked your Pokémon GO account to other services — such as a Google account, Facebook account, or Apple ID — those accounts themselves are not deleted. Only the connection between them and Pokémon GO is removed. You can still use those accounts to sign into other apps and services.
Creating a new account after deletion
You can create a new Pokémon GO account when ready after deletion, but you cannot use the same email address right away. Niantic requires a 30-day waiting period before you can create a new account with that email. If you want to play again sooner, you will need to use a different email address.
When you create the new account, you will start from the beginning with no Pokémon, no items, and no progress. There is no way to transfer data from your old account to the new one.
If you cannot find the delete option
Some older accounts or accounts created through specific login methods may not show a delete option in the app. If you cannot find "Delete Account" in your settings, go directly to niantic.helpshift.com using a web browser on any device. The website version always has the delete option available.
If you still cannot locate it after checking the website, you can contact Niantic support through their help portal. Click "Contact Us" on the Niantic website and describe what you are trying to do. Support staff can walk you through the process or delete the account for you if there is a technical issue.
Difference between deleting and deactivating
Pokémon GO does not offer a temporary deactivation option. You can only delete your account permanently or stop playing by straightforward not opening the app. If you think you might want to return to the game later, you may want to just leave the app uninstalled rather than delete the account.
If you delete the account and change your mind within 30 days, you cannot recover it. After 30 days, you can create a new account with the same email, but it will be a completely fresh start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my account after I delete it?
No. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Once you confirm deletion, your account and all data are gone forever. You cannot recover Pokémon, items, progress, or any other information associated with that account.
Will deleting the app delete my account?
No. Removing the Pokémon GO app from your phone only removes the software. Your account remains active on Niantic's servers, and anyone with your login credentials can still access it. You must use Niantic's website to delete the account itself.
Can I use the same email for a new account right after deletion?
No. Niantic requires a 30-day waiting period after deletion before you can create a new account with the same email address. If you want to play again when ready, you will need to use a different email.
What happens to my Poké Coins when I delete my account?
Any Poké Coins in your account are deleted along with everything else. They cannot be transferred, refunded, or recovered. If you have unused Poké Coins, they will be lost when you delete the account.
Do I need to unlink my Google or Facebook account before deleting Pokémon GO?
No. Deleting your Pokémon GO account automatically removes the connection to any linked accounts. Your Google, Facebook, or Apple ID accounts themselves are not affected and remain active for other uses.