When it comes to Pokémon Go, one of the critical elements that determine a player’s experience is the GPS functionality. Many enthusiastic trainers have faced the frustration of their GPS not working while trying to catch that elusive Pokémon or engage in a thrilling raid. In this article, we will explore the reasons why your GPS might not be functioning properly in Pokémon Go and provide actionable solutions to get you back on track to becoming a Pokémon Master.
Understanding GPS in Pokémon Go
GPS, or Global Positioning System, plays a pivotal role in the gameplay of Pokémon Go by determining the player’s real-world location, allowing users to explore and interact with Pokémon as they appear in the environment. Issues with GPS can lead to a subpar experience, making it essential to understand how Pokémon Go utilizes GPS and what might cause it to malfunction.
How Pokémon Go Uses GPS
In Pokémon Go, GPS is essential for various gameplay mechanics, including:
- Navigation: Players walk around in the real world, and GPS detects their movement and updates their in-game avatar position accordingly.
- Spawn Mechanics: The game uses GPS data to generate wild Pokémon and PokéStops based on the player’s location.
- AR Features: Augmented Reality features rely on GPS coordinates to place Pokémon in the real world.
Because of its importance in gameplay, any issues with GPS can significantly hinder the user experience.
Common Causes of GPS Not Working in Pokémon Go
There are several factors that can cause GPS issues in Pokémon Go. Understanding these can help players effectively troubleshoot their problems.
1. Location Settings on Your Device
Your device’s location settings are the first to check when experiencing GPS issues. If the permissions are not correctly set up, Pokémon Go may not have access to your location.
How to Check Location Settings
- For iOS:
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
- Ensure that Location Services is toggled on.
Scroll down to Pokémon Go and set it to While Using the App or Always.
For Android:
- Go to Settings > Location.
- Ensure that Location is turned on.
- Open the App permissions and find Pokémon Go—set to Allow location access.
2. Poor GPS Signal
Pokémon Go requires a strong GPS signal to function correctly. If you’re in an area with limited connectivity, you might experience GPS issues.
Identifying Poor Signal Areas
Some common locations where GPS signal may be weak include:
– Dense urban areas with tall buildings
– Inside buildings or underground locations
– Remote or rural areas with limited cell coverage
3. Outdated App or Device Software
Running an outdated version of Pokémon Go or your device’s operating system can lead to compatibility issues and GPS malfunctions.
Updating Your Software
To ensure everything is up to date:
– For Pokémon Go: Check the App Store or Google Play Store for updates.
– For your Device:
– On iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
– On Android: Go to Settings > System > System Update.
Steps to Fix GPS Issues in Pokémon Go
Now that we’ve identified the potential causes of GPS issues, let’s look at some practical solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the problems.
1. Restart Your Device
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Restarting your device can reset your GPS connection and clear any background applications that might be interfering.
2. Toggle Location Services
Temporarily turning off your location services can help re-establish a connection with GPS. Simply toggle location off and on through the settings of your device.
3. Clear the Pokémon Go Cache
Clearing the app cache can resolve various issues, including GPS problems.
Clearing Cache on Android
- Go to Settings > Apps > Pokémon Go.
- Tap on Storage and select Clear Cache.
4. Reinstall Pokémon Go
If all else fails, removing and reinstalling the app can often restore functionality. Make sure to back up your account information before doing this.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If you’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps and your GPS is still not functioning, consider deeper issues that might require more advanced solutions.
1. Use a GPS Tool
Some players find it helpful to use a GPS test app to check the accuracy of their GPS signal and to see if it’s functioning correctly outside of Pokémon Go. This can help determine if the problem lies with the app or the GPS system on your device.
2. Check for App Conflicts
Other applications that utilize GPS can sometimes interfere with Pokémon Go. Applications such as GPS spoofers or apps that modify your location can cause GPS functionality issues.
Identifying Conflicted Apps
If you have any of the following types of applications, consider uninstalling them:
– Mock location apps
– VPN services that alter your location
– Other location-based games or applications
3. Adjust Battery Optimization Settings
Sometimes, aggressive battery optimization settings on Android devices can limit GPS access to apps when they are in the background.
Disabling Battery Optimization for Pokémon Go
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization.
- Find Pokémon Go in the list and set it to Not optimized.
Maintaining GPS Performance in Pokémon Go
Once you’ve resolved your GPS issues, it’s essential to maintain optimal performance to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
1. Use High-Accuracy Mode
On Android devices, choosing the high-accuracy mode in your location settings can improve GPS performance in Pokémon Go.
Enabling High-Accuracy Mode
- Go to Settings > Location.
- Under Mode, select High accuracy.
2. Stay Connected to Wi-Fi (When Possible)
While GPS works based on satellite signals, having a stable internet connection can improve location accuracy, especially in urban areas.
3. Regularly Update the Game
Niantic frequently releases updates that fix bugs and improve performance. Regularly check for game updates to get the best experience.
Conclusion
Experiencing GPS issues while playing Pokémon Go can be frustrating, especially when it affects your ability to catch Pokémon or participate in raids. However, by understanding how GPS works within the app and identifying common causes for malfunction, you’ll be well-equipped to troubleshoot and resolve issues effectively. Taking the basic and advanced steps outlined above can help restore your GPS functionality and get you back to your Pokémon adventure. Remember, maintaining your device and the app while staying informed about any new updates or changes is key to a seamless Pokémon Go experience. Happy hunting!
What should I do if my GPS signal is weak in Pokémon Go?
If you’re experiencing a weak GPS signal while playing Pokémon Go, the first step is to ensure that your device’s location settings are configured correctly. Check that your device’s location services are enabled and set to allow Pokémon Go to access your location. You may also want to toggle these settings off and on again to refresh the connection. Additionally, consider switching to “High Accuracy” mode if your device has varying location settings.
Another option is to move to an area with better visibility to the sky, as urban environments or dense buildings can obstruct GPS signals. Sometimes, simply moving a few steps or getting to a higher elevation can significantly improve your signal. Avoid being indoors or in areas with poor reception, and keep an eye on the number of satellites your device is connecting to for optimal gameplay.
Why does my Pokémon Go app keep saying “GPS signal not found”?
The “GPS signal not found” error typically indicates that your device is having trouble connecting to GPS satellites. This can occur for various reasons, including poor location settings, erroneous app cache, or incompatibility between the app and your device. First, check if other location-based apps are functioning correctly to determine if the issue is specific to Pokémon Go or your device as a whole.
If the problem persists, you may need to clear the app’s cache or reinstall the application. Restarting your phone can also help resolve temporary glitches. Ensure that you have the latest version of Pokémon Go and that your device’s operating system is up to date. If none of these solutions work, consider checking for troubleshooting information specific to your device model or contacting support.
How can I improve GPS accuracy in Pokémon Go?
Improving GPS accuracy in Pokémon Go involves several steps. First, ensure that your device is set to “High Accuracy” mode in the location settings. This mode uses GPS as well as Wi-Fi and mobile network data to pinpoint your location more accurately. Additionally, allowing the app to continually use location services in the background can further enhance accuracy, but be mindful of battery usage.
Another strategy is to calibrate your compass within the game. You can do this by following the in-game prompts to rotate your device in a figure-eight motion. Moreover, periodically checking for updates to your device’s operating system and the Pokémon Go app can help ensure optimal performance. Lastly, playing outside during clear weather can also boost your GPS connectivity and accuracy.
Why does my location keep jumping around in Pokémon Go?
If your location is jumping around while playing Pokémon Go, this is often related to poor GPS signal reception or interference. Your device may be struggling to maintain a stable connection due to nearby obstructions, like tall buildings, trees, or even a poor cellular signal. Moving to an open area can improve connectivity and help the game establish a more accurate location.
Another potential cause could be the app’s use of Wi-Fi and mobile networks to triangulate your location. If you are in an area with a weak network connection or if GPS is attempting to lock on using multiple sources, this can lead to erratic location tracking. Ensure that your network settings are optimal and consider switching between mobile data and Wi-Fi to see if it resolves the jumping issue.
What is “GPS drift” and how can I fix it in Pokémon Go?
“GPS drift” refers to the phenomenon where your in-game character seems to move around erratically or jumps to random locations instead of staying where you are standing. This issue is often caused by fluctuations in the GPS signal or interference from your surroundings. One way to mitigate GPS drift is to ensure that your device has a clear view of the sky and is in a location with a strong satellite signal.
If you are experiencing consistent GPS drift, try recalibrating your device’s compass and ensuring that your location settings are accurate. Restarting the Pokémon Go app or your device can also help resolve any temporary glitches. In some cases, reducing your speed while playing—such as walking instead of running—can improve the app’s ability to track your location more accurately.
Can a VPN affect GPS functionality in Pokémon Go?
Yes, using a VPN can affect GPS functionality in Pokémon Go. VPNs can reroute your internet traffic through different servers, which may influence your location data and cause discrepancies in how the game identifies your position. As a result, this can lead to issues such as the app not being able to pinpoint your actual location accurately or experiencing delays in location updates.
If you’re using a VPN and facing GPS issues, the best solution is to disable the VPN while playing Pokémon Go. Doing so will allow the app unrestricted access to your actual location. Furthermore, check that your device’s settings do not have any location restrictions set that may conflict with the GPS function.
How do I fix GPS-related issues after a smartphone update?
Sometimes, issues with GPS in Pokémon Go can arise after a smartphone update due to changes in system settings or incompatibilities. If you are experiencing GPS problems after an update, the first step is to check your location settings. Make sure location services are enabled and that your app permissions are correctly configured to allow Pokémon Go to access your location.
If your settings appear to be correct but problems persist, try a few troubleshooting steps such as resetting your network settings or reinstalling the Pokémon Go app. Additionally, checking for subsequent software updates might help, as the manufacturer may have released a patch to address GPS problems. If issues continue, consulting the device manufacturer’s support resources or forums for additional assistance may be beneficial.
What should I do if other apps are also having GPS issues?
If multiple apps on your device are experiencing GPS issues, this may indicate a more systemic problem rather than an issue specific to Pokémon Go. Start by checking your device’s location settings to ensure that location services are enabled and functioning properly. Additionally, consider testing the GPS functionality of your device using a simple GPS test app to see if it accurately detects your location.
If you find that GPS functionality is impacted across multiple applications, it may be necessary to restart your device. If the problem persists, resetting your network settings or performing a factory reset might be necessary. Before taking drastic measures, always backup important data in case a factory reset is needed. Consulting the support resources for your device may provide more tailored troubleshooting options based on your specific model.