Are you a Pokémon GO trainer frustrated by the dreaded "GPS signal not found" error message on your Android device? This frustrating issue can prevent you from catching Pokémon, spinning PokéStops, and participating in raids. Don't worry, you're not alone! This comprehensive guide will help you troubleshoot this problem and get back to catching 'em all.
Why is my Pokémon GO GPS not working?
This error message usually stems from the game's inability to accurately pinpoint your location. Several factors can contribute to this, ranging from simple software glitches to more complex hardware or network problems.
1. Location Services are Disabled or Restricted
The most common culprit? Pokémon GO needs permission to access your device's location services. Make sure location is enabled, and that the app has the necessary permissions.
- Check your Android settings: Go to your phone's settings, find "Location," and ensure it's turned ON. Some devices might use terms like "Location services" or "GPS."
- Grant Pokémon GO location access: Navigate to your phone's app settings, find Pokémon GO, and verify that it has permission to use your location. You might need to grant access to both "precise location" and "approximate location" depending on your Android version.
2. Poor GPS Signal or Network Connectivity
A weak GPS signal or unstable internet connection can significantly impact Pokémon GO's ability to determine your location.
- Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. A weak or intermittent connection can cause location issues. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if that helps.
- Improve your GPS signal: Move to an area with a clearer view of the sky. Tall buildings, dense foliage, and even bad weather can interfere with GPS signals. Try restarting your device.
3. Background App Restrictions
Some Android devices aggressively manage background processes to conserve battery life. If Pokémon GO is restricted from running in the background, it might lose its location data.
- Check battery optimization settings: Navigate to your phone's battery settings. Find Pokémon GO in the list of apps and ensure it's excluded from any battery optimization or background restrictions. The exact settings may vary based on your Android version and phone manufacturer.
4. Outdated Pokémon GO App or Android OS
Running an outdated version of the Pokémon GO app or your Android operating system can lead to compatibility issues and GPS problems.
- Update Pokémon GO: Open the Google Play Store, search for Pokémon GO, and check for updates. Install any available updates.
- Update your Android OS: Check for Android OS updates in your phone's settings. Updating your OS often includes bug fixes and improvements that can resolve GPS issues.
5. GPS Spoofing or Third-Party Apps
Using GPS spoofing apps or other third-party tools that alter your device's location can lead to a ban from Pokémon GO and cause GPS errors. Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, actively combats location spoofing.
- Uninstall any GPS spoofing apps: If you've used any such apps, uninstall them immediately. Continuing to use them risks a permanent ban from the game.
6. Hardware Issues
In rare cases, hardware problems with your phone's GPS chip or antenna can cause persistent location errors.
- Restart your phone: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
- Contact your phone's manufacturer: If the problem persists after trying all other troubleshooting steps, there might be a hardware issue requiring professional attention.
Still Having Problems? Further Steps
If none of the above solutions work, consider these additional steps:
- Clear Pokémon GO's cache and data: In your Android's app settings, find Pokémon GO, and clear its cache and data. This will reset the app to its default settings. Note: This will erase any game progress stored locally on your device; your progress linked to your Niantic account should remain unaffected.
- Reinstall Pokémon GO: Uninstall the app completely and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
- Contact Pokémon GO Support: If you've exhausted all other options, reach out to Pokémon GO's customer support for further assistance.
By systematically addressing these potential causes, you'll significantly increase your chances of resolving the "GPS signal not found" error and getting back into the exciting world of Pokémon GO! Remember to always play responsibly and follow the game's terms of service.
