The Pokémon Center website is the go-to place for fans of the longstanding franchise to purchase exclusive merchandise, collector’s items, apparel, and more. However, running into error messages while browsing or attempting to place orders can be frustrating. One of the most commonly reported issues is Error 17, which prevents users from completing their purchases or accessing certain parts of the site.
Too long, didn’t read (TLDR): Error 17 on Pokémon Center typically occurs due to issues related to geolocation, VPN usage, site overload, or browser settings. To resolve it, disable any VPN or proxy services, clear browser cache and cookies, and ensure your IP address is from a region supported by Pokémon Center. Using another browser or switching your device may also help identify whether the problem is local. If the issue persists, contacting Pokémon Center’s customer support can provide a more direct resolution.
What is Pokémon Center Error 17?
Error 17 is a generic error code users may encounter when trying to access or perform certain actions on the Pokémon Center website, such as adding items to a cart, completing a purchase, or loading specific product pages. This error can disrupt user experience significantly and often leads to confusion because the message provides minimal context for what’s gone wrong.
Understanding the root causes of this error is key to solving it efficiently. Below are several common triggers and how to address them systematically.
Common Causes of Error 17
- VPN or Proxy Use: Pokémon Center limits access based on geographical location. Using a VPN or proxy often results in being flagged and blocked.
- Unsupported Region: If you’re trying to access the site from outside supported countries (most notably the United States), you’ll likely encounter errors, including Error 17.
- Browser Issues: Outdated browsers, incorrect settings, or problematic extensions/cookies may interfere with site operations.
- High Site Traffic: During releases of limited-edition items or popular drops, the Pokémon Center website may experience server strain, resulting in temporary access errors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Error 17 on Pokémon Center
1. Disable VPN or Proxy Services
If you’re using a VPN or proxy service, start by turning it off. Pokémon Center’s servers often block access from known VPN IP addresses as a way to prevent scripted shopping bots and access from unsupported regions.
- Identify whether a VPN or proxy is running on your device.
- Disable the VPN within the application or through your system network settings.
- Refresh the Pokémon Center page and try your action again.
2. Confirm Your Region is Supported
As of now, the Pokémon Center storefront is officially available only in the United States for physical product orders. Users outside this geographical area may not be able to access certain features or make purchases.
If you’re located outside the US, you may see Error 17 when attempting to make a purchase. In this case, browsing the site without shopping functionality is typically the only option unless you use a trusted US-based shipping partner or address service.
3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Sometimes corrupted or outdated browser data can cause access issues. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can help eliminate these conflicts.
- Open your browser’s settings.
- Navigate to the Privacy & Security section.
- Select Clear browsing data, making sure to check the boxes for cache and cookies.
- Restart the browser and revisit Pokémon Center.
4. Try a Different Browser or Device
If clearing cache and cookies fails to resolve Error 17, try accessing Pokémon Center on a different browser (like Safari, Chrome, Firefox) or another device completely. This can help determine if the issue is localized to your current environment.
5. Wait and Retry
During high-traffic events like product drops, the Pokémon Center servers may rate-limit or block certain sessions to maintain stability. In such cases, waiting 30 minutes to an hour before trying again is advisable.
6. Contact Pokémon Center Customer Support
If you’ve tried all the above and are still encountering Error 17, it may be best to reach out directly to Pokémon Center’s support team.
- Visit the official Pokémon Center Support Page.
- Use the appropriate form to submit a ticket outlining the error message and all steps you’ve taken.
- Include any relevant screenshots (if possible) for better context.
Preventing Future Error 17 Issues
To avoid encountering Error 17 again, consider taking these preventive actions:
- Always access Pokémon Center from a supported region.
- Keep your browser updated and periodically clear cookies.
- Avoid using public or shared VPN services that might flag your IP as suspicious.
- Stay informed about site maintenance or known issues via Pokémon Center’s official social channels.
FAQ: Pokémon Center Error 17
- What does Error 17 mean on Pokémon Center?
- It generally indicates that access has been restricted due to region, connection type, or site conditions.
- Can I use a VPN to bypass regional restrictions?
- Technically possible, but not recommended. Pokémon Center actively blocks VPN-related traffic which can lead to errors like Error 17 or even a temporary ban.
- Does Error 17 mean my account is suspended?
- No, Error 17 is more related to access issues rather than account suspensions or bans.
- How long does Error 17 usually last?
- The duration varies. If it’s related to site traffic, it may resolve within minutes. If tied to regional access or persistent browser settings, it will persist until those issues are corrected.
- Will switching devices help with Error 17?
- Yes, sometimes a fresh session on a different device or browser can eliminate local network or browser conflicts.
Final Thoughts
Error 17 on Pokémon Center may seem mysterious at first, but in most cases, it comes down to location, connection method, and temporary server conditions. By methodically checking your VPN usage, browser settings, and device, fans can usually resolve the issue swiftly and go back to catching (or buying) them all.
If all else fails, the Pokémon Center support team is equipped to help frustrated Trainers navigate through the glitch and continue shopping with ease.