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Is Pokémon GO safe to use?

Safe

Yes, with common sense. The game tracks your location, and the real risks are physical: traffic and unfamiliar places.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Scopely (games business bought from Niantic in 2025)
Based in
Culver City, USA
Encryption
Standard encryption in transit.
Data it collects
Precise location while playing, account and gameplay data.
Minimum age
Under-13s need a parent's account

What keeps you safe

  • Parental accounts for children through Pokémon Trainer Club.
  • Location sharing only while the game is open (by default).

Risks to know about

  • Accidents and trespassing while watching the screen.
  • Location data is collected continuously during play.

Scams to watch for on Pokémon GO

  • Sellers of hacked accounts and location-spoofing apps that get accounts banned.

Is Pokémon GO legit?

Pokémon GO is legit; Scopely took over the game from Niantic in May 2025.

Is it safe for kids?

Play with children and agree on safe areas.

How to use Pokémon GO safely

  1. Turn on Adventure Sync only if you want background tracking.

  2. Never use spoofing apps.

Where Pokémon GO is restricted

Does a VPN make Pokémon GO safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop Pokémon GO collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (with the protocol on Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is Pokémon GO safe to use?

Yes, with common sense. The game tracks your location, and the real risks are physical: traffic and unfamiliar places.

Is Pokémon GO legit?

Pokémon GO is legit; Scopely took over the game from Niantic in May 2025.

Is Pokémon GO encrypted?

Standard encryption in transit.

What data does Pokémon GO collect?

Precise location while playing, account and gameplay data.

Is Pokémon GO safe for kids?

Play with children and agree on safe areas.

Does a VPN make Pokémon GO safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on Pokémon GO. It does not stop Pokémon GO itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources