eSAFETY GUIDE
Pokemon Go logo

Pokémon Go

13+
Minimum age to create an account
13+ Minimum age to create an account

What is Pokémon Go?

Pokémon Go is a monster hunting game that uses your phone's GPS and camera to create an augmented reality (AR) world inhabited by Pokémon (Pocket Monsters) that you must catch to advance through the game. You navigate by moving through the physical world and your device shows you where the Pokémon are in relation to your actual location. You can also 'battle' other teams to win control of important locations called 'Pokémon Gyms'. These are usually located in public meeting spots like parks or landmarks.

You create a player profile using Facebook or Google, or the Pokémon Trainer Club (suitable for parents registering younger players). Your account details are not displayed. Instead, you choose a nickname for the game. You can also add other players as friends by using a QR-enabled player code or importing them from Facebook. You can exchange gifts with friends (they’ll see your location when you send the gift) or swap Pokémon you’ve caught (this requires you to be located next to each other).

Website: pokemongolive.com

Apps: Android app, Apple iOS

How do people use Pokémon Go?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use online games like Pokémon Go.

Pokémon Go is used for: gaming, in-app purchasing, location sharing and screen capture. 

Pokémon Go does not have in-app communication, but many players use other apps to chat and send online messages. These secondary apps are used for messaging/online chat, online relationships and photo/video sharing.

How can you report online abuse, ask for content to be removed or block someone?

These links are provided by Pokémon Go:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Pokémon Go:

Key safety links

These links are provided by Pokémon Go:

  • Safety and security
    Offers a range of general help, safety and security information.
  • Friends, gifting, and trading
    Learn how to access these social features of Pokémon Go.
  • Safety FAQs
    Common questions new players have about using the app and outdoor exploration.
  • Privacy policy
    The privacy policy of Niantic, the creators of Pokémon Go, covers the information they collect and how they use this information.

Last updated: 04/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.