Where Does Pokémon GO Store Data on Your Phone?
Trainer level, catches and items live on the game's servers. Only cache and login state sit on your phone, so reinstalls are usually safe.
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Your Pokédex, your catches and every item in your bag live on the game's servers. The phone holds a login session, downloaded models and map data, and whatever cache builds up during events. That is why reinstalling almost never costs you anything once you have signed in.
What does live on the phone: AR snapshots go straight to your photo library rather than the app folder. Everything else sits in app private storage, where normal file managers cannot reach it on Android 11 and later. Treat the login, not the files, as your backup.
Where Pokémon GO stores this, by platform
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.nianticlabs.pokemongo
Cache, downloaded assets and login state. Hidden from file managers on Android 11 and later, and often shows empty even over a cable. Clearing the app data logs you out, so make sure you know the login before doing it.
/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/<guid>/Documents
One container per install, and the GUID changes with every reinstall. Out of reach without a jailbreak. Full device backups include it, but signing in is what actually restores progress.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move Pokémon GO to a new phone?
Install the game, then sign in with the same Google, Apple, Facebook or Pokémon Trainer Club account. Everything returns from the servers. There is no save file to copy, and two separate accounts never merge, so use the login your progress was made on.
I cleared the app data and my progress vanished. Can I get it back?
Only if the account was signed in to something you still control. Guest progress that was never linked to a login is effectively gone, and support usually cannot restore it. Check which login the account used before assuming the worst.
Why does Pokémon GO take up so much space?
The game caches maps, 3D models and event assets, and the pile grows with every season. The settings menu has a downloads section where you can drop the asset packs you no longer need and reclaim the space without touching your account.
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