PUBG Mobile was once the most popular mobile game in India, with millions of daily players and a huge esports community. But when it was banned by the Indian government in 2020, it left fans wondering — when will PUBG be unbanned in India?
Even though the original version of PUBG Mobile remains banned, a localized version called Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) has made a partial return. In this article, we’ll explore why PUBG was banned, what the current situation is, and whether the global version might ever make a comeback.
The Original Ban on PUBG Mobile in India
The Government of India banned PUBG Mobile on 2 September 2020 under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Reason for the Ban:
The game was linked to Tencent Games, a Chinese company, raising concerns about data privacy and national security.
Authorities believed that user data from Indian players might be shared with servers located in China.
The ban was part of a larger digital security initiative that also restricted several other Chinese apps.
PUBG Mobile was removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store immediately after the announcement.
The Launch of BGMI – India’s Own Version of PUBG
After the ban, the South Korean developer Krafton Inc. (the parent company of PUBG) worked to bring the game back under a new name: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI).
Key Differences Between PUBG and BGMI:
The game’s servers were shifted to India and Singapore to ensure data safety.
Krafton removed all connections with Chinese companies, including Tencent.
In-game features were modified to comply with Indian regulations — for example, reduced blood effects and playtime limits for minors.
BGMI was launched officially on 2 July 2021 for Android and later for iOS.
For a while, it seemed like PUBG had returned in a new avatar, completely approved for Indian users.
BGMI Ban and Return
However, in July 2022, the Indian government again asked for BGMI’s removal from app stores, citing similar concerns over user data and links to previously banned entities.
Timeline of BGMI Ban and Return:
28 July 2022: BGMI removed from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
September 2022 – April 2023: Krafton engaged in talks with the Indian government to address compliance issues.
May 2023: BGMI was allowed to return under a three-month trial approval, with stricter rules on playtime and content moderation.
29 May 2023: Game officially reappeared on both Android and iOS platforms.
Today, BGMI is available to play in India, while the original PUBG Mobile (global version) remains banned.
Is PUBG Mobile Still Banned in India?
Yes, as of 2025, the global version of PUBG Mobile is still banned in India.
Players cannot legally download or play the global version through app stores in India. The government has not issued any new notification lifting the ban.
Those who play the global version using VPNs or APK downloads are doing so at their own risk — it’s considered a violation of government regulations and can lead to account or device bans.
Reasons PUBG Is Still Banned
The original PUBG Mobile remains banned because:
It was published by Tencent Games, a Chinese company blacklisted in India during the 2020 app bans.
There are unresolved data-sharing concerns, including where player information is stored.
The Indian government continues to maintain a strict stance on digital sovereignty and user privacy.
Krafton’s focus has shifted to BGMI, which was designed specifically for Indian regulations.
Until the government officially clears the global version, it will remain blocked.
When Will PUBG Be Unbanned in India?
As of 2025, there is no official announcement or timeline for the unban of PUBG Mobile (global version) in India.
However, the return of BGMI suggests that the government is open to games that meet national security and data compliance norms. If Krafton or another company submits a new version of PUBG that passes these standards, it may eventually get approval.
But for now, PUBG Mobile (Global) continues to remain banned, and only Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) is officially available to play.
Government’s View on PUBG’s Ban
The Indian government’s decision to ban PUBG wasn’t about gaming addiction alone. It was primarily a data protection and national security issue.
Authorities stated that:
“Certain apps were found to be collecting and transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers located outside India.”
The government aims to ensure that foreign applications comply with Indian data laws, especially those with ties to China.
Krafton’s decision to create BGMI with Indian servers and new data policies was seen as a positive step toward compliance.
Krafton’s Response
Krafton, the South Korean developer, has repeatedly emphasized that it respects India’s laws.
It cut all business ties with Tencent for BGMI.
It invested heavily in local esports, creating jobs and tournaments for Indian players.
Krafton also introduced parental controls and time limits to address gaming addiction concerns.
The company continues to maintain close communication with Indian authorities to ensure full compliance and prevent any future bans.
Current Status of PUBG and BGMI in India (2025)
| Game | Status in India | Reason/Remarks |
| PUBG Mobile (Global) | ❌ Banned | Linked to Tencent and Chinese servers |
| PUBG Mobile Lite | ❌ Banned | Same reason as global version |
| BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) | ✅ Available | Indian version approved under local regulations |
| PUBG: New State (Krafton) | ✅ Available | Separate futuristic game with global access |
So while PUBG Mobile itself hasn’t been unbanned, Indian gamers have legal alternatives that deliver nearly the same experience.
Future Possibility of PUBG’s Unban
The unbanning of PUBG Mobile depends on several factors:
Government approval after complete compliance with data and security norms.
Public demand and esports growth influencing discussions.
Krafton’s negotiations for new versions built specifically for India.
Given the success of BGMI’s limited comeback, it’s possible that the original PUBG Mobile may return someday — but under strict conditions and a new regulatory framework.
Conclusion
As of 2025, PUBG Mobile remains banned in India, while its localized version, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), is officially available for Indian players. The ban was imposed due to data security and privacy concerns, and the government has not yet announced any plans for its reversal.
For gamers, BGMI serves as the closest legal alternative to PUBG Mobile, offering similar gameplay, maps, and updates — but fully compliant with Indian law.
Until the government officially lifts the ban, the PUBG global version will remain unavailable in India.
FAQs
Why was PUBG banned in India?
PUBG Mobile was banned on 2 September 2020 under the IT Act’s Section 69A due to national security and data privacy concerns. The government found that the app’s Chinese publisher, Tencent Games, may have shared Indian users’ data with unauthorized servers outside the country, violating privacy norms.
Is PUBG unbanned in India in 2025?
No, the global version of PUBG Mobile is still banned in India as of 2025. The Indian government has not issued any official statement lifting the ban. However, its rebranded version, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has been relaunched and is available to play legally.
What is the difference between PUBG and BGMI?
PUBG Mobile was the global version linked to Tencent, while BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) is its localized Indian edition developed by Krafton Inc. BGMI has Indian servers, new privacy policies, and stricter parental controls, making it compliant with Indian government data regulations.
When did BGMI return to India?
Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) was officially relaunched in May 2023 after nearly a year-long suspension. Krafton implemented stricter data security measures, time limits for young players, and moderation policies before receiving government approval to bring the game back to app stores.
Will PUBG Mobile ever be unbanned in India?
There’s no confirmed timeline for PUBG Mobile’s unban. If Krafton or another publisher gains government approval by ensuring complete data compliance and separation from banned entities, the game could potentially return. Until then, BGMI remains the official and legal version available to Indian players.
