The Pokemon Go game has players from around the world catching Pokemon and training them. There are an estimated 150 million players, and at its peak, there were around 220 million! If you’re one of the many who have enjoyed this game that lets you play on the go, you’re in good company.
Jump ahead to these sections:
There might come a time, however, when you’re ready to be done with the game. If this is the case, deleting your account, rather than letting it sit idle, is always a good idea. Thankfully, deleting your account, or the account of a deceased loved one is a simple process. Here’s everything you need to know.
How to Delete Your Own Pokemon Go Account
The steps to delete your own Pokemon Go account are simple and straightforward, though it might take some time to get the process completed.
Gather information together
In order to close your account, the customer support department will need your trainer name (this is your username) and the email address associated with your account. Without these two pieces of information, the support department is unable to delete your account.
Submit a support ticket
If you want to delete your account, there’s only one way to do it. You can’t email, call, or chat with customer service. Instead, you’re required to submit a support ticket through their help center. Complete the following steps when filling out your support ticket.
Enter your username
Your username is also your trainer nickname. This is whatever name you go by when you’re talking or playing in-game.
Enter your email address
Enter the email address associated with your Pokemon Go account. If you don’t have this information, you’re unable to delete your account.
Select category
You’ll next see a drop-down category list. Select the proper category, in this case, “Delete My Account.”
Describe your problem
In the next box, you’re asked to describe your problem. You can simply reiterate that you wish to delete your account.
Add files
This step is optional and you don’t need to add files if you’re closing your own account.
Select preferred language
There are several languages to choose from, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Choose whichever language you’re most comfortable communicating in.
Submit ticket
After you’ve filled out the information listed above, click submit.
Watch and wait
As noted on the Pokemon Go support website, account deletion requests can take several weeks to process. So, keep an eye on your email inbox and wait for account closure. In the meantime, you can continue to use your account to play.
Check your email
Check the email associated with your account periodically. You should receive an account deletion confirmation email once the company has processed your request. Once you receive the email, your account will be fully deleted. All game data associated with your Pokemon Go account will also be deleted, including rankings, prizes, scores, and any other in-game information.
How to Delete a Deceased Loved One’s Pokemon Go Account
If you’re working through a list of what to do when someone dies because you are a loved one’s executor, deleting digital accounts is an important step to take. If your loved one had a Pokemon Go account, follow these steps to permanently close their account.
Collect supporting documents
In order to close your loved one’s account, you’ll need to provide proof that you can act on the estate’s behalf. You’ll also need information related to their account. Collect the following items for an account closure request.
Account username
The account username is also the “Trainer” name that your loved one used while playing. This is a critical piece of the puzzle and without it, the company won’t be able to close your loved one’s account.
Account email
You’ll also need the email associated with their account. If you’re unsure of what it is, do a quick search through the email accounts you have access to. Search Pokemon Go, and whichever email inbox has support tickets or billing information is likely the email associated with their account.
If you can find email correspondence, you can also check to see if they use a password manager. Look for a Pokemon Go account in their manager and open it to see which email they used.
Requests for account deletion that are missing the email they used to set up their account might not get processed.
Death certificate
Next, you’ll need a copy of their death certificate. This is to prove that the person is deceased and their account should be closed.
Getting a death certificate copy is straightforward and can be done in one of two ways.
- You can ask the funeral director you work with to order several copies at once.
- You can order copies through your state’s Vital Records office.
Copies of death certificates typically cost around $5-$20 depending on the state you’re in. You’ll need multiple copies of your loved one’s death certificate for closing accounts, accessing bank accounts, and carrying out your executor duties, so it’s a good idea to order around five or more copies when you’re starting out.
Proof of executorship
In addition to providing proof of your relative’s death, you’ll also need to provide proof that you can act on the estate’s behalf. This means you’ll need to show proof of your executorship. What types of proof can you provide? You can use a:
- Letter of testamentary
- Letter of representation
- Letter of administration
- Letter of appointment
- A copy of your loved one’s will
Proof of ID
To show that you are who you say you are, you’ll need proof of your identification. This can take several forms including:
- A birth certificate
- A valid driver’s license
- A valid passport
- A valid green card
- A valid military ID
The key to providing a form of ID that proves who you are is that it must be valid—that means ID that is current, up-to-date, and not expired.
Submit a support ticket
Once you have the above documentation, you’re ready to submit a support ticket. This is similar to the process written about above.
Access the help center
You’ll first want to access the help center. From here, you can submit a support ticket with the information you’ve gathered. Be sure to follow these steps exactly; otherwise, the deletion request won’t get processed.
Submit your loved one’s username
Make sure it’s your loved one’s username you enter here, not your own. Since you’re requesting the account deletion for your loved one, all information needs to be related to their account.
Submit your loved one’s email address
Next, enter your loved one’s email address associated with their Pokemon Go account. Again, this should be their email address, not your own. This is how the account support personnel will look up your loved one’s account to delete it.
Select issue category
From the Issue Category drop-down menu, select “Delete my account.” This is the only option to choose for any account deletion requests.
Describe your problem
In this section, you’ll want to write that you are the executor of your late loved one’s estate and that you need to close down their Pokemon Go account.
Attach files
Attach digital copies of all the documents you collected. You can upload as many files as needed, so be sure to attach:
- Your loved one’s death certificate
- Proof of your executorship
- Proof of your ID
Choose language
Select your preferred communication language from English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese. This is the language they will use to communicate with you regarding the account deletion request.
Submit support ticket
Once the above steps have been taken, click submit. You’ll next see a screen that confirms your submission.
Watch your loved one’s email
Though it may take several weeks for the account deletion request to process, keep an eye on your loved one’s email. Once their account is deleted, a deletion confirmation will be sent to the email address on file. Communication will also be sent to your loved one’s email address if you’re missing any documentation or if they require any extra steps.
Confirm account deletion
Once their account is deleted, all Pokemon Go data will be deleted. Check to make sure you can no longer sign in to the account and the deletion is completed.
Taking Care of Digital Accounts
Cleaning up your loved one’s digital accounts is an important step in keeping their digital legacy neat and tidy. Thankfully, with just a few steps and some important paperwork, you’ll be able to check this off your to-do list in no time.
Source:
- “How do I delete my PokemonGo Account?” Account and Sign-In, Support, 2021. niantic.helpshift.com