Pokémon Go for iOS update addresses Google account privacy issue, here’s how to fix it

Update 7/13: Version 1.0.2 fixes an issue many users saw with Trainer Club logins.

Pokémon GO has just received an update on iOS that will hopefully address some of the biggest complaints it has received in the past week. Today’s update puts a focus on improving the account process for users including fixing the Google full account access scope issue. Users should also no longer have to re-enter their credentials after they’ve been forcefully logged out, and the some issues with crashes should be resolved as well. Full release notes can be read after the jump.

Previously when connecting a Google account to Pokémon GO, users were not presented with dialogs that indicated the application would have full access to the user’s account. This troubled many for privacy concerns because Google’s own support documentation indicated this type of account access would allow the application to “…see and modify  nearly all information in your Google Account”.  Today’s update remedies the situation when logging into the application with a Google account. Users are now presented with a view that clearly defines what enabling the account access does. The access requests the ability to know who the user is through their Google account, to view the email address, and nothing else. This should help alleviate some of the security concerns brought up in the past few days.

Downgrade Pokémon GO’s Google account access

Step 1: Head to Google’s My Account page

Step 2: Select the Sign-in & Security option 

Step 3: Select Connected apps & sites

Step 4: Select Manage Apps in the Apps connected to your account pane

Step 5: Find Pokemon Go Release, and click it

Step 6: Select Remove in the expanded pane to revoke Pokémon GO’s full account access

Step 7: Launch Pokémon GO (You may be presented with a login error message, if that occurs select Login with a different account)

Step 8: Select Google as the account login option

Step 9: Sign back in using your Google account credentials

Step 10: Select Allow on the presented dialog

Step 11: All done!

Note: During this process I was able to revoke the access and log back in with my Google account, and not lose any of my game’s progress.

Double-check the account access downgrade

Step 1: Find the Pokemon Go Release pane under the Google Connected apps & sites page again, and click it

Step 2: The pane should indicate that Pokémon GO now only has access to your basic account info versus full access

If you have any question about the process, please let us know in the comments below.

Today’s full release notes for the update can be found below:

What’s New in Version 1.0.1

WHAT’S NEW on 1.0.1

Thank you for your incredible response and support of Pokémon GO! We are working hard to improve the experience for everyone. This update focuses on making Pokémon GO more stable with the following improvements:

– Trainers do not to have to enter their username and password repeatedly after a force log out
– Added stability to Pokémon Trainer Club account log-in process
– Resolved issues causing crashes
– Fixed Google account scope

For future updates and latest news, check out our official site at http://pokemongolive.com/ and follow our social channels at:

Twitter: twitter.com/PokemonGOApp
Facebook: facebook.com/PokemonGO

Again, we are humbled by the overwhelming response. Thank you!

Niantic Team

Pokémon GO is available from the iOS App Store for free, with optional in-app purchases ranging from $0.99 to $99.99.

Update 07/19/2016 1:18 PM PDT: Updated text to clarify that users were not presented with a dialog indicating the application would have full Google account access.