Conquer the Soft Ban in Pokémon Go: Play Without Limits!

Posted by Megan Brooks on Feb 11, 2025 6:35 PM • Category: Change Location
3 mins read

When I was trying to catch Pokemon at the lost stop I do for work, all Pokémon began fleeing after the second shake, suggesting a soft ban. What can I do to solve this issue? -- From Reddit

A Pokémon Go soft ban can be a frustrating experience, preventing you from catching Pokémon, spinning PokéStops, or battling in Gyms. Whether it's caused by GPS spoofing, fast travel, or account sharing, a soft ban in Pokémon Go can disrupt your gameplay. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid getting banned and even lift restrictions quickly. In this article, we'll explore what triggers a soft ban, how long it lasts, and the best methods to get unbanned fast so you can get back to enjoying the game without limits!

pokemon go soft ban

Part 1: What Is a Soft Ban on Pokémon Go?

A soft ban in Pokémon Go is a temporary restriction imposed on players who engage in suspicious activities, such as GPS spoofing, fast traveling between locations, or using unauthorized third-party apps. When soft-banned, players experience the following limitations:

  • Pokémon flee instantly when trying to catch them.
  • PokéStops don't drop items when spun.
  • Gyms cannot be interacted with (battles and rewards are disabled).

Part 2: How Long Does a Soft Ban Last?

The duration of a soft ban in Pokémon Go depends on the severity of the player's actions. Minor infractions, such as playing while in a moving vehicle, may result in short-term restrictions. However, more serious violations, such as GPS spoofing, using raid finders, or account sharing, can extend the ban duration up to 120 minutes.

Total Distance Traveled Waiting Period Total Distance Traveled Waiting Period
1 km 1 minute 125 km 33 minutes
2 km 1 minute 150 km 36 minutes
4 km 2 minutes 180 km 39 minutes
10 km 8 minutes 200 km 42 minutes
15 km 11 minutes 300 km 50 minutes
25 km 15 minutes 500 km 64 minutes
30 km 18 minutes 600 km 72 minutes
40 km 22 minutes 700 km 80 minutes
45 km 23 minutes 800 km 86 minutes
60 km 25 minutes 1000 km 100 minutes
80 km 27 minutes 1250 km 118 minutes
100 km 30 minutes 1266+ km 120+ minutes
Important Note:

If you repeatedly receive soft bans, Niantic may enforce stricter penalties. On average, accumulating three soft bans can lead to a permanent account ban.

Part 3: Actions That Lead to a Pokémon Go Soft Ban

Niantic introduced the soft ban as a way to discourage playing Pokémon Go while driving. Unlike a strike on your account, a soft ban is temporary, and multiple soft bans won't count as your first strike. During a soft ban, any Pokémon you attempt to catch will instantly flee, no matter what ball or berries you use. Additionally, you won't be able to win gym battles or collect items from PokéStops.

Here are the key actions to avoid when teleporting to a new location to prevent a soft ban:

  • Attempting to catch a wild Pokémon
  • Feeding a wild Pokémon a berry (applies to raids as well)
  • Accidentally dropping a ball on the encounter screen (this also applies to raids)
  • Spinning a PokéStop with the "Try Again" message due to the spin limit
  • Placing a Pokémon in a gym
  • Spinning a Team Rocket PokéStop
  • Feeding a gym defender while within the radar screen
  • Using a Gotcha device to spin and catch Pokémon
  • Encountering a fleeing Pokémon due to the catching limit

Avoiding these actions can help you prevent triggering a soft ban and keep your Pokémon Go experience smooth.

Part 4: How to Remove a Soft Ban Pokémon Go?

You can try the following tricks to get rid of soft ban in Pokémon Go.

Way 1: Wait It Out

The ban usually lifts automatically after some time. If you're looking for the most cautious approach to resolve a Pokémon Go soft ban, the best option is simply to wait it out. The ban typically lasts only a few hours, so take a break from the game and focus on other things while the restriction is lifted naturally. It's a small sacrifice that's easy to manage.

Way 2: Create a New Pokémon Go Account

If you prefer a quicker solution, you can try creating a new Pokémon Go account. Uninstall and reinstall the app, then log back in using your original account. Many players have found this method to be effective, so it’s worth giving it a shot.

create a new pokemon go account

Way 3: Spin a PokéStop 40-50 times

Another potential fix is to visit nearby PokéStops and spin them at least 40 times. While it won't provide any items, this trick has worked for some players to lift the soft ban. The exact reasoning behind it isn't clear, but it's a quick option worth trying if you don't want to wait for the ban to expire.

spin a pokestop

Part 5: How to Spoof Pokémon Go Without Being Banned?

Using TunesKit Location Changer, you can spoof your location in Pokémon Go safely by mimicking natural movement patterns and avoiding detection by Niantic's anti-cheat system. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including the latest iPhone and Android smartphones. It offers Teleport, Two-Spot, and Multi-Spot Modes to simulate real movement, reducing detection risks. And it lets users control walking, cycling, or driving speeds to mimic natural travel in the game.

No jailbreak or root your device required, TunesKit Location Changer can always ensure your device security. It can be used for AR games, social media apps, and navigation tools beyond Pokémon Go.

loction changer

Key Highlights of TunesKit Location Changer

  • Spoof your iOS & Android devices' GPS location in one click
  • Change location on Bumble in one click
  • Turn off location tracking on iPhone
  • Simulates GPS movement with customizable routes and adjustable speeds
  • Works with a wide range of iOS & Android system version
  • Compatible with location-based apps like Pokémon GO, Mobile Hunter, Life360
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Try It Free safe 600,000+ Downloads

How to spoof Pokémon Go location without being banned? Follow these steps.

Step 1 Connect Your Device

Download the software for Windows or Mac. Install and launch the program on your computer. Use a USB cable to connect your Android or iOS device to your computer. Tap "Trust This Computer" on your phone (if prompted).

connect device

Step 2 Choose a Spoofing Mode

TunesKit offers different modes to simulate real movement and avoid detection:

  • Jump Teleport (Instantly jump to a new location)
  • Two-Spot Movement (Simulate walking between two points)
  • Multi-Spot Movement (Create a custom walking route)

To avoid bans, use Two-Spot or Multi-Spot Movement to mimic real-world movement.

select multi spot movement

Step 3 Select and Adjust Your Location

Enter a desired location in the search bar or select a spot on the map. Adjust the speed settings (walking, cycling, or driving) to appear natural. Click "Start Moving" to begin simulating movement.

start multispot movement

Tips to Avoid Detection & Bans

  • Move at realistic speeds – Avoid teleporting large distances instantly.
  • Take breaks between location changes – Wait the required cooldown time before changing locations.
  • Avoid frequent long-distance jumps – Stay within reasonable distances when traveling.
  • Don't use multiple devices or accounts – Niantic detects suspicious login activity.

By following these steps and precautions, you can safely spoof your location in Pokémon Go using TunesKit Location Changer while reducing the risk of getting a soft ban or permanent account ban.

Conclusion

A soft ban in Pokémon Go can be frustrating, but by understanding its causes and applying the right solutions, you can get back to playing without restrictions. For those looking to explore new locations without getting banned, TunesKit Location Changer offers a reliable solution. With its realistic movement simulation, adjustable speeds, and multiple spoofing modes, you can safely change your location while minimizing detection risks.

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