You can delete your Pokémon GO account through Niantic's support website, but the process takes time and you cannot undo it
Deleting a Pokémon GO account is permanent. Once you request deletion, Niantic removes your player data, Pokémon, items, and progress from their servers. You cannot recover the account or its contents afterward. The deletion itself takes about 30 days to complete, though your account becomes inaccessible when ready after you submit the request.
The deletion process differs depending on whether you signed in with a Google account, Apple ID, or a Niantic account. Each login method has its own deletion path, and you must use the same method you used to create the account. If you no longer have access to the email or account you used to sign up, you will need to contact Niantic support before you can proceed.
Key Takeaways
- Account deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed, so make sure you want to delete before you start the process.
- You must delete through Niantic's support website, not through the Pokémon GO app itself.
- The deletion takes about 30 days to complete, but your account stops working when ready.
- If you signed in with Google or Apple, you can delete your Pokémon GO account without deleting those accounts.
- Linked social accounts like Facebook or Discord remain active even after your Pokémon GO account is deleted.
How to delete an account linked to Google or Apple
Go to Niantic's account deletion page at support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/hc/en-us/requests/new. Select "Delete my account" from the dropdown menu. You will be asked to sign in with the same Google account or Apple ID you used to create your Pokémon GO account.
After you sign in, Niantic will show you the email address and username associated with the account. Review this information to make sure you are deleting the correct account. Click the button to confirm deletion. You will receive an email confirmation at the address linked to your Google or Apple account. The account becomes inactive when ready, but Niantic takes about 30 days to remove all your data from their servers.
How to delete an account created with a Niantic account
If you created your Pokémon GO account directly through Niantic (not through Google or Apple), go to the same support page and select "Delete my account." You will be asked to enter the email address and password for your Niantic account. Sign in with those credentials.
Niantic will display the account details and ask you to confirm the deletion. Once you confirm, the account is marked for deletion. You will receive a confirmation email. Like all deletions, this process takes about 30 days to fully remove your data, but your account stops working right away.
What happens to your Pokémon and items after deletion
Everything in your account is deleted permanently. Your Pokémon, items, Poké Coins, and progress all disappear. You cannot transfer your Pokémon to another account or to Pokémon Home before deletion. If you want to keep any record of your account, take screenshots of your Pokédex or achievements before you delete.
If you have spent real money on Poké Coins, those purchases cannot be refunded after deletion. Niantic's terms of service state that all in-game purchases are final. If you are deleting because of a billing issue or unauthorized purchase, contact Niantic support before you delete the account — they may be able to help with a refund without requiring deletion.
What happens to linked accounts and social connections
Deleting your Pokémon GO account does not delete your Google account, Apple ID, or Niantic account. It only removes the connection between Pokémon GO and those accounts. If you signed in with Google or Apple, those accounts remain active and you can use them to sign into other apps and services.
If you linked your Pokémon GO account to Facebook, Discord, or other social platforms, those connections are severed when your Pokémon GO account is deleted. Your Facebook or Discord account itself is not affected. You can still use those accounts normally, and you can link them to a new Pokémon GO account later if you create one.
If you no longer have access to your original login method
If you forgot the password to your Niantic account, or you no longer have access to the Google or Apple account you used to sign up, you cannot delete through the automated process. Instead, go to support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/hc/en-us and select "Contact Us." Choose "Delete my account" as the issue type.
Fill out the form with as much information as you remember about the account: your username, the email address you think is linked to it, the approximate date you created it, and the country where you played. Niantic support will verify your identity and process the deletion manually. This route takes longer than the automated process — usually several weeks — but it is the only option if you cannot sign in.
Alternatives to permanent deletion
If you want to stop playing but might return later, consider taking a break instead of deleting. You can straightforward stop opening the app and your account will remain dormant. Your Pokémon and items will be there if you decide to play again, even after months or years away.
If you are concerned about privacy or data collection, you can also request that Niantic provide or delete your personal data under privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA. This is different from deleting your account — it focuses on the personal information Niantic holds about you, not your game progress. You can make this request through the same support page by selecting "Data access and deletion requests."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my account back after I delete it?
No. Deletion is permanent and irreversible. Once the 30-day deletion period ends, Niantic removes all your data and the account cannot be recovered. Do not delete unless you are certain you will not want to play again.
Will deleting my Pokémon GO account delete my Google or Apple account?
No. Deleting your Pokémon GO account only removes the game account and the connection to Google or Apple. Your Google or Apple account remains active and unaffected. You can still use those accounts to sign into other apps and services.
What if I want a refund for Poké Coins I bought?
Niantic does not issue refunds for in-game purchases after deletion. If you believe you were charged incorrectly or made an unauthorized purchase, contact Niantic support before you delete. They may be able to issue a refund or reverse the charge without requiring you to delete your account.
How long does it take for my account to be completely deleted?
Your account becomes inaccessible when ready after you request deletion, but Niantic takes about 30 days to remove all your data from their servers. You cannot use the account during this period, and after 30 days the deletion is final.
Can I delete my account through the Pokémon GO app?
No. There is no delete option in the app itself. You must go to Niantic's support website and use their account deletion form. This is intentional — it prevents accidental deletion and ensures you understand the process is permanent.