Can You Get Free Pokémon GO Accounts?

Since its release almost a decade ago, Pokémon GO has been one of the most popular mobile games worldwide, and interest in free Pokémon GO accounts has only grown. Pushing players out of their homes to explore the streets and landscapes of the real world in order to grow their collection of Pokémon and catch them all, as the catchphrase goes.

However, if you’re jumping into Pokémon GO more recently, chances are that you feel pretty left behind. That might have you looking at ways to get your hands on high-level, free Pokémon GO accounts which already hold some of the best Pokémon out there.

This article will explore whether this is possible, and what your options are.

Are Free Pokémon GO Accounts Available?

In short, yes, free Pokémon GO accounts do exist, but getting your hands on high-level accounts for free is not an easy task, as there are many risks involved. After all, getting highly sought-after Pokémon for free seems unlikely.

Giveaways and Contests

Streamers and influencers in the Pokémon GO community sometimes host giveaways or contests that include free accounts. These might feature high-level profiles or rare Pokémon, depending on the event. Keep an eye on creators you trust so you don’t miss out. You can also find discussions about these giveaways on platforms like Reddit.

Account Sharing from Friends or Family

If you have family or friends who have previously played Pokémon GO, you can reach out to them to see if you can share the account with them. While they might take some convincing, it will likely turn out best for you both.

After all, you will gain access to their existing collection but you will also grow their collection. Meaning that you both will end up better off!

Abandoned Accounts

Some players with multiple accounts end up abandoning one or more of them. Occasionally, they’ll offer these accounts for free. You might find them shared in gaming forums or community groups, but be careful, as some of these offers could be scams.

Sample Free Pokémon GO Accounts

These samples demonstrate the kind of content used in scams. Do NOT attempt to log in. These are for educational use only.

These are shared to raise awareness about ongoing scams and help you recognize red flags.

Risks of Using Free Pokémon GO Accounts

As with anything free, there’s always the possibility that free accounts are in fact scams. So you should be careful for:

Scams and Phishing Attempts

Some websites that claim to offer free Pokémon GO accounts may ask for personal information. Never share details like your email, full name, or anything that could compromise your identity. It’s best to keep communication within trusted apps or platforms, and avoid entering personal information into websites you’re not familiar with.

Violation of Pokémon GO’s Terms of Service

Niantic, Pokémon’s developer, does technically prohibit the selling and trading of accounts in their terms of service. While enforcement is inconsistent, there is always some risk involved when using an account you didn’t create yourself. That said, many accounts available online are cheap and widely used without issue.

Hacked or Stolen Accounts

Some free accounts which seem legitimate, will actually be accounts that have been hacked or stolen. It will be very hard to tell which accounts come from this activity, but they will likely be paid accounts. After all, why would they hack an account to give it away for free?

Alternative Ways to Progress in Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO accounts are inherently free to create. After all, the game is free to play! It’s not even necessary to try and obtain free accounts to begin playing the game. While building your own account is always an option, it’s worth knowing that buying a high-level account is often faster, cheaper, and easier than trying to find a legit free one.

That said, if you do choose to start from scratch, it can be a more secure and satisfying way to progress, especially if you enjoy the grind and enjoying the journey of building your collection.