Troubleshooting Pokémon Go GPS Issues: Common Causes and Solutions

Have you ever struggled with Pokémon Go's GPS not working properly? You're not alone. Here, we'll explore some of the most common issues and provide practical solutions to help you get your Pokémon Go experience back on track.

1. Location Services Turned Off

The most frequent cause of Pokémon Go's GPS issues is disabling location services on your device. While this might seem like a simple oversight, ensuring that location services are enabled is crucial for the app to function correctly. Here's how to check and fix this:

Open your device's Settings app. Locate and tap on Location Services or a similar option. Toggle Location Services to On if it's currently off. Ensure that Pokémon Go has location access. Scroll down and find the app in the list, tap on it, and confirm that Location Services is enabled for Pokémon Go.

2. Pokémon GO App Permissions

Even if location services are enabled on your device, Pokémon GO might still struggle to locate your position. This is because the app requires specific permission to access your location. Follow these steps to ensure Pokémon GO has the necessary permissions:

Open the Settings app on your device. Find and tap on Pokémon GO under the Apps section. Scroll down and tap on Permissions. Make sure that Location Services is set to Allow. If it's not, tap on it, and select While Using the App or Always depending on your preference.

3. Weak GPS Signal

GPS performance can vary depending on your surroundings. If you're indoors or in an area with tall buildings or underground, your GPS signal might be weak. Try these tips to improve the signal:

Move to a more open area with a clear view of the sky. Ensure that your device is within close proximity to GPS satellites.

4. Airplane Mode On

Airplane mode disables all wireless communication, including GPS. To use Pokémon GO, ensure that Airplane mode is off. Follow these steps to disable Airplane mode:

Locate the Airplane Mode switch on your device, usually found on the side or top edge. Turn Airplane mode off.

Other Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some additional steps you can try if the previous solutions don't resolve the issue:

Restart Your Phone: A simple restart can fix glitches that might be preventing GPS from working properly. Enable Enhanced Accuracy: This setting improves GPS accuracy by using Wi-Fi and mobile network data in addition to GPS satellites. You can usually find this option in your device's Settings > Location. Disable Mock Location: If you have developer options enabled, make sure to turn off Allow Mock Location. This can interfere with Pokémon GO's ability to use your GPS. To do this, go to Settings > Developer Options > Allow Mock Location and toggle it off.

By following these comprehensive steps, you should be able to resolve most GPS issues you encounter with Pokémon GO. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to the official Pokémon GO support forum or contacting the developers for further assistance.