[2026 Guide] How to Fix Failed to Detect Location 13 in Pokémon Go
The Failed To Detect Location 13 Pokémon Go error typically surfaces for trainers when they try to log in via their Pokémon Trainer Club accounts. However, that’s not inclusive. Some deeper, technical location-based misconfigurations, conflicts, or issues can also cause the Pokémon Go Location Error 13.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to fix “Failed to Detect Location 13” in Pokémon Go. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Part 1. 5 Ways to Fix Failed to Detect Location 13 in Pokémon Go
The “Failed to Detect Location 13” Pokémon Go error is one of the most common GPS-related issues Android trainers face. It usually means the game can’t properly read your phone’s real-time location.
Below are five proven ways that can prove helpful if you’re stuck with the Pokémon Go GPS signal not found issue.
- Number
- Method
- Action Steps
- 1
- Disable Mock Locations
- Settings → Developer options → Select mock location app → Nothing
- 2
- Enable Location Accuracy
- Settings → Location → Location Services → Google Location Accuracy
- 3
- Reset Permissions & Cache
- Settings → Apps → Pokémon GO → Allow Location (Always) & Clear Cache
- 4
- Toggle Airplane Mode
- Swipe down notification panel → Toggle On (10s) then Off
- 5
- Check System Conflicts
- Settings → Security → Turn off "Find My Device"
Way 1: Disable "Mock Locations" on Your Phone
Mock Location is a developer feature that allows fake GPS locations. Even if you’re not using it intentionally, having it enabled can trigger Failed to Detect Location Pokémon Go errors.
- Go to Settings → Developer Options
- Find the Select mock location app option
- Set it to None
- Restart your phone
Way 2: Enable "Google Location Accuracy"
Pokémon Go relies heavily on Google’s location services. If accuracy is limited, the game fails to read your position correctly.
- Open Settings → Location
- Tap Location Services
- Enable Google Location Accuracy
- Set location mode to High Accuracy
Way 3: Reset Pokémon Go Permissions & Cache
If Pokémon Go doesn’t have permission to access your location, Android won’t let it read your GPS. Corrupted cache files can also cause GPS-related issues.
- Go to Settings → Apps → Pokémon Go
- Tap Permissions and allow Location (Always), Storage, and Camera
- Tap Storage → Clear Cache (not data)
Way 4: Toggle Airplane Mode & Refresh Signal
A simple trick that often helps with GPS problems is toggling Airplane Mode. This refreshes all network connections, including GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile data.
- Swipe down your notification panel.
- Turn on Airplane Mode for 5–10 seconds.
- Turn it off again and wait for your phone to reconnect to networks.
- Open Pokémon Go and see if your location appears correctly.
Way 5: Check "Find My Device" Conflicts
Some Android devices have features like Find My Device or similar system-level location trackers that can interfere with how games read your GPS. If these system features and Pokémon Go fight over your location data, it can cause errors.
- Try temporarily turning off features like Find My Device or any other tracking/location services.
- You can usually find these under Settings → Security & Location.
- After that, restart Pokémon Go to see if the Failed to Detect Location 13 Pokémon Go issue goes away.
Part 2. Pokémon Go Location Errors: Error 11 vs Error 12 vs Error 13
Pokémon Go relies heavily on GPS and location settings to place your avatar on the map, show nearby PokéStops, and make events work correctly. When the app can’t read this data, it shows codes like Error 11, Error 12, or Error 13, each with a slightly different meaning.
Below is a quick comparison of these location errors so you can spot the difference fast.
- Error Code
- Error Text
- Main Culprit
- Severity
- 11
- GPS Signal Not Found
- Weak or no GPS signal
- Medium
- 12
- Failed to Detect Location 12
- GPS mismatch, spoofing, or mock location
- High
- 13
- Failed To Detect Location 13
- No usable location data
- Very High
Here is a brief introduction to each error code:
- Error 11 : Your device cannot find a GPS signal, usually caused by being indoors, in a basement, or having location services turned off.
- Error 12 : The game detects that location data is being blocked or manipulated, often triggered by "Mock Locations" settings or the use of GPS spoofing tools.
- Error 13 : A temporary communication error where the game loses track of your movement, often due to poor cellular data or minor signal interference.
Why Pokémon Go Failed to Detect Location 13 on Android?
Unlike Error 11 or 12, the “Failed to Detect Location 13” Pokémon Go error points to deeper system issues. Here are the common reasons behind Pokémon Go location 13 error on Android devices:
- Mock Locations are Enabled : If mock locations are turned on, even without active spoofing, Pokémon Go may block GPS access.
- Lack of "Precise Location" Permission : Android now separates location into Approximate and Precise. If Pokémon Go only has approximate access, it won’t read your real-time position correctly.
- Google Location Accuracy is Disabled : For Android phones, turning off Google’s high-accuracy location mode means Pokémon Go gets rough or incomplete GPS data, resulting in errors.
- Root or Play Integrity Failure : Rooted devices or phones often fail the Google Play Integrity (formerly SafetyNet). If the system integrity check fails, Pokémon Go limits or completely blocks the location data
- App "Hibernation" or Battery Optimization : Battery saver apps and Android’s built-in optimization can freeze Pokémon Go in the background. When this happens, GPS updates stop, leading to the Failed to Detect Location 13 Pokémon Go error.
Part 3. More Authentic Pokémon Go Android Spoofing — PoGoskill
Whether you encounter Pokémon Go errors 11, 12, or 13, these issues typically stem from location services, app conflicts, or system permissions. While troubleshooting these errors manually can be frustrating, using a specialized tool like PoGoskill provides a seamless spoofing experience without these interruptions.
PoGoskill is Pokémon Go GPS spoofer app. PoGoskill helps avoid Pokémon Go errors 11, 12, and 13 by creating a stable, highaccuracy virtual location layer that bypasses mocklocation detection while keeping GPS, permissions, and routing consistent with Niantic’s checks for genuine movement.
Key features include:
-
Joystick Mode : On-screen joystick lets you simulate your virtual movements naturally in 360-degree freedom!
-
Android Compatibility : PoGoskill supports all Android versions, including the latest Android 16 devices.
-
No Root Required : You don’t need to jailbreak or root your device to use PoGoskill.
How to Use:
-
Step 1Click on the Download button above and install PoGoskill.
-
Step 2Connect Your Device to the Computer. PoGoskill Location Changer offers two ways to connect: using a USB data cable or through Wi-Fi.
-
Step 3Select modded version of Pokémon GO on your device.
-
Step 4After downloading and Logging in, you can select different movement modes at the top right to manually control your character no matter where in the world it is. Set the walking and running speed before you start roaming.
FAQs about Failed to Detect Location 13 in Pokémon Go
How To Get Rid of a Soft Ban in Pokémon Go?
A soft ban usually lasts a few hours and usually happens when Pokémon Go detects suspicious movement or location changes. Stop playing and avoid jumping locations. Once your GPS behavior looks normal, the game will return to normal.
Can Weather Affect Pokémon Go GPS?
Yes. Heavy rain, storms, or dense cloud cover can weaken GPS signals, even sometimes causing Pokémon Go GPS Signal Not Found issues or temporary Failed to Detect Location Pokémon Go errors.
Can I Trick Pokémon Go into Thinking I'm Walking?
Trying to trick movement or spoof location recklessly can indeed trigger errors like the Failed to Detect Location 13 Pokémon Go error. However, when done right using PoGoskill, nothing happens, and your account stays safe and secure.
How To Glitch Pokémon Go Location?
Without reliable GPS spoofers like PoGoskill, there’s no guaranteed way to glitch Pokémon Go location. Location glitches naturally result from unstable GPS, battery optimization, or background app restrictions.
Why Is Pokémon Go Not Tracking My Location?
This happens when GPS is off, precise location is disabled, necessary permissions are missing, or battery optimization blocks background activity
Is VPN Allowed in Pokémon Go?
A VPN alone normally doesn’t cause problems, but combining VPNs with GPS spoofing tools can trigger the Pokémon Go Location Error 13 error or other security flags. Always use your real, accurate device location while playing.
Final Thoughts
As seen above, the Failed to Detect Location 13 Pokémon Go error usually appears when your device can’t provide accurate or trusted GPS data to the game. The good news is that most causes are simple to fix with basic phone settings.
If you want to continue spoofing your location in the game but in a way that doesn’t result in any of the above location errors, then use PoGoskill Location Changer to get a more streamlined Pokémon Go Android spoofing experience!
The Best GPS Location Spoofer
- 1-Click to change GPS location without jailbreak
- Joystick to simulate GPS movement, customize routes
- Import/Export GPX file to create your own routes.
- 1-Click to change GPS location without jailbreak
- Works well with all Location-Based Social App and AR Games.
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