Are you constantly seeing “Access Denied – Error 15” when trying to visit PokemonCenter.com? You’re not alone. Thousands of fans encounter this frustrating issue when attempting to browse or purchase official merchandise from the Pokémon Center website.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything about Pokémon Center Error 15, why it happens, and how to fix it across browsers like Firefox, Chrome, and on devices running Windows 10, Windows 11, and even mobile.
What is Pokémon Center Error 15?
When you receive Error 15 on www.pokemoncenter.com, it typically appears with a message like:
Access Denied
Your request was blocked by the security rules.
Error 15
This error is not a glitch on your device or Pokémon’s server but a security measure triggered by the Cloudflare Web Application Firewall (WAF) that Pokémon Center uses to protect its site from suspicious activity.
Why Does Pokémon Center Show Error 15?
There are several reasons why you may see Error 15 when visiting pokemoncenter.com or trying to log into Pokémon GO via a linked browser:
1. IP Address Blocked or Suspicious
If your IP address is flagged as potentially harmful or part of a VPN/proxy service, pokemoncenter.com might automatically block access. This is a common form of IP ban, often temporary.
2. Region Lock or Geo-Restrictions
The Pokémon Center store is available only in certain countries (like the US and Canada). If you’re accessing the site from an unsupported region, it may show an access denied message.
3. Browser-Specific Security Rules
Some browser configurations, extensions, or outdated versions of Firefox, Chrome, or Safari may cause requests to be seen as suspicious. For example, a user recently reported that Firefox on Windows 10 was showing Error 15 while Chrome worked fine.
4. Corrupted Cache or Cookie Data
Browser cache and cookies can sometimes retain outdated security tokens, leading to denied requests by the server. This often happens when you’ve visited the Pokémon Center before and the browser stored older session data.
5. Interference from Antivirus or Firewall Settings
Security software can sometimes interfere with your default browser connection, especially when logging into Pokémon accounts that redirect to the Pokémon website via a browser.
How Pokémon GO is Affected by Error 15
Interestingly, Pokémon GO users may also encounter Error 15 when attempting to log in. This happens because the game redirects you to log in via pokemon.com in your default browser. If that browser is blocked or facing Error 15, the login process breaks.
How to Fix Pokémon Center Error 15
If you’re tired of getting the “Access Denied” error, here are tested solutions to fix it and regain access to PokémonCenter.com.
1. Delete Browser Cookies and Cache
Clearing all stored data can help if corrupted session info is causing the error.
Steps for Firefox:
- Click on the three-bar menu in the top-right.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
- Restart the browser and try accessing pokemoncenter.com again.
Important: After clearing data, you will need to re-log into websites.
2. Try a Different Browser
If Firefox is giving you problems, switch to Chrome, Edge, or Safari. Users have reported that switching browsers fixed the error instantly.
Make the new browser your default temporarily and try logging in via pokemon.com to test.
3. Use a VPN or Disable It
Ironically, both enabling and disabling a VPN can fix Error 15 depending on your situation:
- If you’re in a non-supported region, enable a US-based VPN and retry.
- If you’re using a VPN and still getting denied, try disabling it.
VPNs are frequently blocked if they’re associated with shared IP addresses.
4. Change Your IP Address
If your IP is flagged or rate-limited, restart your router (if on dynamic IP) to get a new one. Alternatively, use your mobile hotspot to access the site from a different IP.
5. Disable Browser Extensions Temporarily
Ad blockers, script blockers, or privacy-focused extensions like uBlock Origin or NoScript may interfere with the security rules on pokemoncenter.com.
Disable all extensions and reload the site. If it works, enable them one by one to find the culprit.
6. Log In Using a Clean Profile
Create a new user profile in your browser and try logging into pokemon.com and pokemoncenter.com. This helps rule out problems caused by custom settings, saved data, or add-ons.
7. Use Incognito or Private Mode
Some users have successfully bypassed Error 15 by opening the Pokémon Center in incognito mode. This skips saved cookies and cached content.
8. Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall
In some rare cases, overzealous antivirus software like Norton or McAfee may interfere with outgoing requests to the Pokémon servers.
Try turning off your security software briefly (ensure you’re on a safe network) and test the website.
Error 15 on Mobile Devices
For users accessing the Pokémon Center on their phones or tablets, switching to another browser like Chrome or Opera Mobile may help. Clear the app cache or try using a VPN based in the United States if the site is region-locked.
Is Pokémon Center Down?
If you’ve tried all solutions and still receive Access Denied, it’s worth checking whether pokemoncenter.com is down or facing widespread server issues.
You can use websites like: Downdetector.
Also check Pokémon’s official Twitter or Reddit channels for status updates.
Can You Bypass Pokémon Center’s Region Lock?
The Pokémon Center website is typically restricted to North America. If you’re outside supported regions, your access will likely be blocked by Cloudflare.
The most reliable method to bypass this is to use a reputable VPN set to a US location. Avoid free VPNs, as they are often blacklisted and may trigger Error 15 instantly.
How to Prevent Error 15 in the Future
Once you regain access, consider these tips to avoid Error 15 coming back:
- Avoid excessive page refreshes or automated scripts that mimic bots.
- Keep your browser and extensions updated.
- Do not use VPNs that rotate IPs frequently.
- Log out of your Pokémon account properly rather than closing the tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pokémon Center Error 15 mean?
It means your request was blocked by Cloudflare’s security filters due to suspicious behavior, blocked IP, or geo-restrictions.
Why is only Firefox affected by Error 15?
Firefox may have stricter privacy defaults or corrupted cookies that conflict with the site’s security system. Try another browser to verify.
Can I still play Pokémon GO if I get Error 15?
Yes, but you might need to change your default browser or fix the issue there to log in properly through Pokémon.com.
How long does Error 15 last?
It can be temporary, lasting a few hours, or persistent if the root cause (like a blocked IP or corrupted cookies) is not resolved.
Conclusion: Solve Pokémon Center Error 15 for Good
If you’ve been locked out of PokemonCenter.com by Error 15, it can feel unfair—especially when you just want to grab some exclusive Pokémon merch. But thankfully, this error is usually fixable with simple changes like clearing cookies, switching browsers, or using a US VPN.
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