Is PUBG Mobile safe? Privacy, scams and legit check (2026)

Quick facts

Owned by: Tencent, under licence from Krafton
Based in: China and South Korea
Encryption: Chats are not end-to-end encrypted.
Data it collects: Account, device, gameplay and voice chat data.
Minimum age: Rated for older teens

What keeps you safe

Official versions have account security and anti-cheat.

Risks to know about

India banned it in 2020 citing data security; BGMI is the licensed local version.
Voice chat with strangers.

Scams to watch for on PUBG Mobile

"Free UC" sites that steal logins.
Hacked accounts sold cheaply.

Is PUBG Mobile legit?

PUBG Mobile is legit when installed from official app stores.

Is it safe for kids?

Limit voice chat and set screen-time limits.

How to use PUBG Mobile safely

Link a secure email and enable login protection.
Never enter your login on UC sites.

Where PUBG Mobile is restricted

Does a VPN make PUBG Mobile safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop PUBG Mobile 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

ExpressVPN

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

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

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

NordVPN

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

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

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 PUBG Mobile safe to use?

Safe to play from official stores, though India banned it in 2020 over data concerns and fake UC offers are everywhere.

Is PUBG Mobile legit?

PUBG Mobile is legit when installed from official app stores.

Is PUBG Mobile encrypted?

Chats are not end-to-end encrypted.

What data does PUBG Mobile collect?

Account, device, gameplay and voice chat data.

Is PUBG Mobile safe for kids?

Limit voice chat and set screen-time limits.

Does a VPN make PUBG Mobile 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 PUBG Mobile. It does not stop PUBG Mobile itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.