Using third-party software violates the rules of Pokémon GO. Users of certain IV calculators can be banned for this.
Are you using an IV calculator to calculate your Pokémon’s values? If you use the wrong software, you could be penalized for it. That’s what happened to a Trainer who reported his shadowban on Reddit. He didn’t use any bots or spoofing software, just an IV calculator that became his downfall.
IV Calculator Led to Ban
On Reddit, user littlehawn1 writes that his shadowban has since been lifted. The ban lasted for “seven or eight days” according to his own statement and was issued for using the IV calculator IVFly. He claims he used neither bots nor spoofing. So only IVFly is a possible reason for the ban.
He noticed his account had received a shadow ban when he was out hunting monsters with a friend. A Larvitar appeared on his friend’s phone, but it did not show up on littlehawn1’s phone and was not indicated on the radar. However, he was still able to purchase items in the shop, which suggests different ban variations in Pokémon GO.
Another user on Reddit confirmed that he also used IVFly and is currently under a shadowban. You should refrain from using this software.
Interestingly: Cheaters do not see rare Pokémon in the game and Fraudsters do not see items in the shop
IV Calculators – Which Ones Are Prohibited?
In the community, trainers are unsure which software leads to bans and which tools are allowed. It has been unclear whether IV calculators can also lead to a ban. However, these reports now seem to confirm that.
In general, you should avoid third-party software where you need to enter your “Pokémon GO” account information (name and password). This applies not only to IV calculators but to all types of software. The example of IVFly clearly shows that programs that use the Google Authenticator code can also lead to a ban.
Players assume that software which works offline and does not interact with the Pokémon GO servers is not affected by bans. In this context, GoIV (not to be confused with IVGo!) and CalcyIV are mentioned, which are considered “safe” among trainers.
We refrain from recommending any IV calculators at this point.
Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile are no longer available in the 5KM eggs of Pokémon GO
