Hey guys, lately I've seen a few more people start to get into PGSharp and spoofing on Pokémon Go here at clraik, so I thought I would compile this guide for those new to the scene in hopes that it helps you all avoid any soft (or in the worst case, hard) bans while doing so. More on soft/hard bans later.
First things first, what is PGSharp?
For those of you who are unaware of what PGSharp is, if you own an Android device, there is good news for you! PGSharp is a 3rd party version of the app Pokemon Go that allows you to use GPS spoofing and a joystick for walking to essentially 'travel' all around the world without needing to root your device to do so. You can also utilise some other functions, such as auto-hatching eggs, auto-transfer Pokémon after catching, shiny Pokémon 'scanner' and the list goes on. You can find it (you need an account to see links). There are two different versions, the free one and the paid one. The free version gives you access to the basic functions and allows you to 'try before you buy' some of the cool features. Obviously the paid version has a lot more functionality to it. See below for a comprehensive list of free vs. paid functions.
What is a cooldown?
Now, one of the key reasons people find themselves ending up with an potential ban is due to the fact that they have no idea how the cooldown period works. For example, you're using the app whilst chilling in the heart of New York and you check your 100IV feed to find that there is an epic rare Pokémon in Australia. You then 'teleport' or 'fly' to said Pokémon and catch it...this will then trigger a cooldown period.
The game uses your location to determine where you are at all times. It uses this information to track steps and to show you where Pokéstops and Pokémon are. Because users of PGSharp are able to move quickly from one area to the next, they have implemented a cooldown function. If you move a certain distance at any given time, you will be unable to spin Pokéstops or catch Pokémon until the cooldown stops. If you continue to attempt to do those actions within the cooldown period, you run the risk of your account getting banned. Respecting the cooldown is the easiest way to minimise your account getting flagged or banned. It's always best to err on the side of caution when teleporting and dealing with cooldowns.
Here is a list of how long you have to wait given the distance you are teleporting from and to, as well as a list of actions that may trigger a cooldown.
What does getting soft-banned mean?
There are different methods the game developers use to stop people from playing the game how it was not intended to be played (cheating, essentially). A soft ban means that you account isn't permanently banned and you are still able to play the game but won't be able to do certain functions for a certain time, such as spinning Pokéstops or catching Pokémon. Any Pokémon you encounter will always flee and Pokestops will give the Try Again Later message.
What does getting hard-banned mean?
Niantic uses a 3-strike rule. If you cheat or otherwise break their game policies you get 2 temporary restrictions or bans before your account is permanently banned. You can read more about the actions they take during those restrictions (you need an account to see links).
PGSharp has added a cooldown timer function as a way to show you how long you need to wait before you can catch Pokémon or spin Pokéstops after a teleport or an action that triggers a cooldown. Sometimes moving quickly if you're walking or running will give you a small timer as well. The best way to not get account restrictions is to use this tool and be respectful of it. Too many occasions of disrespecting the cooldown will get your account potentially banned.
Personally, I have been using PGSharp for over 2.5 years now without one single soft or hard ban notice. As long as you follow the cooldown rules religiously, you should be golden! If you have any further queries about how to use certain functions of the app or any concerns on what to do in general while using it, post below and I will do my best to help out
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