Experiencing a "GPS not found" error in Pokémon GO on your Android device can be incredibly frustrating. It prevents you from playing the game, hindering your quest to become a Pokémon Master. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common causes and effective solutions to get you back in the game quickly. We'll cover everything from simple fixes to more advanced troubleshooting steps.
Why is My GPS Not Found in Pokémon GO Android?
This error message usually indicates a problem with your phone's ability to connect to and accurately receive location data. This can stem from several sources:
1. Location Services Disabled or Restricted:
This is the most frequent culprit. Pokémon GO requires access to your device's location services to function. If these are turned off or restricted for the app, you'll encounter the "GPS not found" error.
Solution: Check your Android settings. Navigate to Settings > Location and ensure location services are enabled. Then, go to Settings > Apps > Pokémon GO > Permissions and verify that Pokémon GO has permission to access your location. Often, granting "Precise location" (versus "Approximate location") is necessary for optimal performance.
2. Poor GPS Signal:
A weak or nonexistent GPS signal can prevent Pokémon GO from accurately determining your location. This is common in areas with poor cellular or Wi-Fi reception, inside buildings, or in areas with heavy foliage.
Solution: Move to an open area with a clear view of the sky. Try restarting your phone. Ensure your phone isn't experiencing network connectivity issues. Sometimes simply waiting a few minutes can resolve the problem as the GPS signal improves.
3. GPS Hardware or Software Issues:
In some cases, the problem lies with the phone's GPS hardware or software itself. This could be due to a malfunctioning GPS chip, outdated system software, or software conflicts.
Solution:
- Restart your phone: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
- Check for Android updates: Ensure your Android operating system is up-to-date. Outdated software can sometimes cause GPS problems.
- Check for Pokémon GO updates: Make sure you're running the latest version of the Pokémon GO app.
4. Battery Saver Mode:
Battery saver mode often restricts background app activity, including location services. If activated, it might prevent Pokémon GO from accessing your location accurately.
Solution: Temporarily disable battery saver mode or ensure that Pokémon GO is explicitly excluded from battery saving restrictions within your device's battery optimization settings.
5. Third-Party Apps Interfering:
Some third-party apps might interfere with Pokémon GO's access to location services. These apps could be VPNs, location spoofers (which violate Pokémon GO's terms of service and are strongly discouraged), or other applications affecting GPS functionality.
Solution: Temporarily disable any recently installed apps or known GPS-related applications to see if they are causing a conflict. If you identify a culprit, consider uninstalling it.
6. Incorrect Date and Time Settings:
Incorrect date and time settings on your phone can sometimes disrupt GPS functionality.
Solution: Verify that your phone's date and time are set automatically using your network provider's time or a reliable internet source.
Still Having Problems? Further Troubleshooting Steps
If the above solutions haven't worked, consider these more advanced steps:
7. Clearing Pokémon GO's Cache and Data:
Clearing the app's cache and data can sometimes resolve software conflicts. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Pokémon GO and look for options to clear cache and data. Be aware that this will delete your game data, so only do this as a last resort.
8. Reinstalling Pokémon GO:
If clearing cache and data doesn't work, uninstalling and reinstalling Pokémon GO might resolve the issue. This can often fix corrupted app files.
9. Contact Niantic Support:
If all else fails, contact Niantic Support (Pokémon GO's developer) for further assistance. They may have specific troubleshooting steps based on your device and the error message you're receiving.
By systematically working through these steps, you should be able to resolve the "GPS not found" error and get back to catching Pokémon! Remember to always play responsibly and respect your surroundings.
