Pokémon GO took the world by storm when it was released in 2016, combining the love for Pokémon with an augmented reality experience. However, one of the most frustrating issues encountered by players is when their GPS fails to work properly, disrupting their ability to catch Pokémon and participate in various in-game activities. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why your Pokémon GO GPS may not be working and provide troubleshooting tips to help you get back on track and continue your Pokémon journey.
Checking For GPS Settings And Permissions
When your Pokémon GO GPS is not working, the first thing you should do is check your GPS settings and permissions. Start by going to your device’s settings and verify that your GPS is turned on. Additionally, ensure that Pokémon GO has the necessary permissions to access your location.
To check the GPS settings on an iPhone, go to “Settings” > “Privacy” > “Location Services” and make sure it is enabled. On Android devices, go to “Settings” > “Location” and ensure that it is turned on.
Once you have confirmed that your GPS is turned on, check the permissions granted to Pokémon GO. On both iPhone and Android devices, go to the respective app settings and make sure that Pokémon GO has permission to access your location.
By verifying and properly configuring the GPS settings and permissions, you can eliminate any potential issues related to the app’s access to your device’s GPS, ensuring a more accurate and reliable Pokémon GO experience.
Ensuring A Stable Internet Connection
When it comes to playing Pokémon GO, a stable internet connection is crucial. Without a reliable connection, your GPS may not be able to function properly, leading to issues with the game.
To ensure a stable internet connection, first, make sure that you are connected to a Wi-Fi network or have a strong cellular data signal. If you are on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to the router to improve the signal strength.
If you are using cellular data, check if you have a stable reception by looking at the signal bars on your device. Consider turning on Airplane Mode for a few seconds and then turning it off to reset the cellular connection. Additionally, you can try toggling Wi-Fi on and off to see if that helps.
If you are still experiencing issues, try restarting your device and then reconnecting to the internet. This simple step can often resolve connectivity problems and help get your GPS back on track in Pokémon GO.
Remember, a stable internet connection is crucial for an optimal Pokémon GO experience, so take the time to troubleshoot any issues with your connection before moving on to other troubleshooting steps.
Resetting Network Settings On Your Device
When your Pokémon GO GPS is not working despite having a stable internet connection, resetting network settings on your device can often resolve the issue. This process can fix any network-related glitches that may be affecting the GPS functionality of the app.
To reset network settings on an iPhone, go to “Settings,” then tap on “General” followed by “Reset.” Next, select “Reset Network Settings” and enter your passcode if prompted. Confirm the action, and your device will restart.
If you are using an Android device, the process might vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and operating system version. Generally, you can find the “Network settings reset” option in the “Settings” menu under “System” or “System updates.”
It’s important to note that resetting network settings will remove saved Wi-Fi networks, VPN configurations, and Bluetooth pairings. However, it does not delete any personal data or apps from your device.
After resetting, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network, and launch Pokémon GO to see if the GPS function is working properly. This troubleshooting step often resolves GPS-related issues and improves overall app performance.
Updating Pokémon GO App And Operating System
Updating the Pokémon GO app and your device’s operating system can often fix GPS issues. Developers are constantly working to improve their apps and fix any bugs or glitches that may be affecting the GPS functionality. Similarly, operating system updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can enhance the overall performance of your device’s GPS.
To update the Pokémon GO app, go to your respective app store (App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android) and check for any available updates. If an update is available, download and install it.
To update your device’s operating system, go to your device’s settings and look for the “Software Update” or “System Update” option. If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it.
Updating both the app and operating system can ensure that you have the latest features and bug fixes, which can help resolve any GPS-related issues you may be experiencing with Pokémon GO.
Calibrating And Resetting Location Services
Calibrating and resetting the location services on your device can often resolve GPS issues with Pokémon GO. Here’s a step-by-step guide to calibrate and reset location services:
1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Privacy” or “Location”.
3. Tap on “Location Services” and ensure that it is enabled.
4. Scroll down and select “System Services”.
5. Toggle on “Compass Calibration” if it is disabled.
6. Toggle off and on “Location-Based Alerts” and “Significant Locations”.
7. Restart your device to apply the changes.
If the calibration and resetting of location services didn’t solve the problem, try resetting the network settings as mentioned in another subheading. This step can also help improve GPS accuracy, as it resets the network connections that assist in determining your location.
Remember, Pokémon GO relies heavily on accurate GPS location data, so it’s crucial to ensure that your device’s location services are properly calibrated and functioning. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshooting GPS issues and continue exploring the world of Pokémon GO seamlessly.
Clearing Cache And Data Of Pokémon GO App
When your Pokémon GO GPS is not working, clearing the cache and data of the app can often resolve the issue. Over time, the cache can become overloaded and cause conflicts with the GPS functionality. By clearing the cache and data, you are essentially starting fresh with the app, which can help eliminate any glitches or conflicts that may be affecting the GPS.
To clear the cache and data, go to your device’s settings and find the applications or apps manager section. From there, locate Pokémon GO in the list of installed apps and select it. You will then have the option to clear the cache and data.
Keep in mind that clearing the data will remove any progress or login information associated with the app. However, your Pokémon collection and game progress are typically stored on the Pokémon GO servers, so you should be able to log back in and retrieve your progress after clearing the cache and data.
After clearing the cache and data, restart your device and relaunch Pokémon GO. This will give the app a clean slate to work with and might just solve your GPS issue.
Contacting Pokémon GO Support For Further Assistance
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting tips mentioned above and your Pokémon GO GPS is still not working, it may be time to reach out to Pokémon GO support for further assistance. The game developers have a dedicated support team that can help resolve any technical issues you may be experiencing.
To contact Pokémon GO support, you can visit the official Pokémon GO website and navigate to the support section. Here, you will find a variety of helpful resources, including FAQs, known issues, and a way to submit a support ticket.
When submitting a support ticket, make sure to provide as much detail as possible about the issue you are facing. Include information such as the type of device you are using, the version of the operating system, and any error messages you have encountered. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for the support team to diagnose and fix the problem.
Keep in mind that the support team may take some time to respond, especially during busy periods. However, they are knowledgeable and dedicated to helping players, so be patient and trust that they will assist you in resolving your GPS issues.
FAQ
1. Why is my GPS not working in Pokémon GO?
There could be multiple reasons behind your GPS not working in Pokémon GO. It could be due to a weak or unstable GPS signal, problems with your device’s GPS hardware, or issues with the Pokémon GO app itself.
2. How can I check if my GPS signal is weak or unstable?
To check the strength of your GPS signal, you can use various GPS testing apps available on the app stores. These apps provide information about the number of satellites your device is connected to and the signal strength. If you have a low number of satellites or a weak signal, this could be the cause of your GPS issues.
3. What can I do if my GPS signal is weak or unstable?
If your GPS signal is weak or unstable, you can try the following troubleshooting tips:
– Ensure that you have a clear view of the sky and there are no obstructions blocking the GPS signal.
– Disable any power-saving mode or battery optimizations that may be affecting the GPS capabilities of your device.
– Restart your device and try again, as this can sometimes resolve temporary GPS issues.
– Update your device’s operating system and Pokémon GO app to the latest versions, as these updates often include bug fixes and improvements related to GPS functionality.
4. Is there anything I can do if my GPS hardware is faulty?
If you suspect that your device’s GPS hardware is faulty, you can try the following steps:
– Check if your device’s GPS works properly in other mapping or navigation apps. If it doesn’t, it’s likely a hardware issue and you may need to get it repaired or replaced.
– If your device is under warranty, contact the manufacturer or your service provider for support and assistance with the faulty GPS hardware.
– Consider using an external GPS device or an app that utilizes Wi-Fi and cellular network information for location services, as an alternative to relying solely on your device’s built-in GPS.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, when faced with GPS issues in Pokémon GO, there are several troubleshooting tips that can help resolve the problem. Ensuring that the app has the necessary permissions, checking for software updates, toggling location services on and off, and even trying alternative GPS apps are all potential solutions. Ultimately, with a bit of patience and experimentation, players can often restore their GPS functionality and continue their Pokémon GO adventures.