How to Play Pokémon Go in Canada

Pokémon Go launched to incredible fanfare this month. The numbers are blowing up and Nintendo is cool again.

But wait—it’s not available everywhere yet. To spare their servers, developer Niantic restricted the initial launch to the US, Australia, and New Zealand. What about Europe and Canada?

They have to wait. Unless they don’t want to.

Fortunately for Pokémon players in Canada, dodging the system is fairly straightforward. Here’s how.

Android Users

Android users have to install an Android application package on their phone. It’s risky, though, because APKs can potentially carry malware, but it’s also worked successfully for millions of users so far.

Simply Google “Pokémon Go APK” and you’ll run into dozens of options. Just remember that if something looks suspicious, it probably is.

iOS Users

There’s no similar way to get through Apple’s wall, but iOS users have a much safer path. From your phone, follow these steps.

  1. Open your app store.
  2. Scroll to the bottom, tap your Apple ID, and sign out.
  3. Find Pokémon Go in the app store (without being logged into an Apple ID).
  4. Tap to download the game. You will be prompted to sign in to your Apple ID or create one.
  5. Don’t sign in to your Canadian Apple ID. Instead, create a new account. Set it in the US.
  6. You’ll need to use a real email (to verify) but the rest can be faked. Insert a random US address.
  7. Skip the payment information step (Pokémon Go is a free download). Now go catch some Pokémon!

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