Pokémon Go Not Working on Android? 15 Best Ways to Fix It Quickly!
Every time I visit Pokémon Go forums, I see trainers seeking solutions for issues like Pokémon Go not working on Android, Pokémon Go not opening, Pokémon Go lagging Android, and more.
Therefore, I’ve decided to make an ultimate guide on these issues by putting together all the available solutions here so that you won’t have to spend all day visiting endless sites just to, let’s say, find a Pokémon Go lag fix.
Part 1. How Pokémon Go Shows Not Working on Android?
When Pokémon Go is not working on Android, the game usually shows clear signs that something is wrong.
Knowing how each issue looks helps you understand what particular issue you are facing on your Android device.
- Pokémon Go Not Loading : Pokémon Go is not working on Android is when the game gets stuck on the loading screen. The app stays frozen forever or restarts itself.
- Pokémon Go App Won't Open : Sometimes Pokémon Go doesn’t open at all. When you tap the app, nothing happens, or it closes immediately after trying to start.
- Pokémon Go Crashes or Freezes : Crashes are when the game suddenly shuts down, and freezes are when it stops responding during play.
- Pokémon Go Won't Update : If Pokémon Go won’t update on your Android device, it forces itself to stay on old files that cause bugs.
- Pokémon Go GPS Signal Not Found : This error appears when the game can’t read your location. As such, the “GPS signal not found” error stops the game from loading the map correctly.
Part 2. Why Is Pokémon Go Not Working on Android?
If Pokémon Go is not working on Android, there are several common reasons behind it.
Understanding these causes helps you know why is Pokémon Go not working on Android and prepares you to find the right fix.
- Unsupported Older 32-bit Android Devices : Niantic has ended support for older 32-bit hardware, which is a primary reason why you might find the Pokémon Go App Won't Open on your device.
- Pokémon Go Detects Rooted or Modified Phones : Strict security protocols prevent the game from running on rooted devices, often resulting in Pokémon Go Not Opening due to safety concerns.
- Issues With GPS or Internet : Weak GPS signals or unstable internet connections are frequent culprits behind Pokémon Go Not Loading Map and Pokémon Go Not Working on Data.
- Corrupted Files or App Bugs : Damaged cache files or temporary data are often responsible for freezing issues and Pokémon Go Lagging Android.
- Outdated Operating System/App Version : Using an obsolete Android version or game update is frequently Why Is the Pokémon App Not Working or crashing upon launch.
- Server-Side Problems : Unexpected server outages or scheduled maintenance can temporarily prevent connection, resulting in Pokémon Go Not Working on Android for many players.
Part 3. How to Fix Pokémon Go Not Working on Android? 15 Fast Hacks!
Now that we know how and why is Pokémon Go not working on Android, it’s about time we explore all the available Pokémon Go not working on Android fixes.
- No.
- Solutions to Fix Pokémon Go Not Working on Android
- Solution 1
- Check Device Compatibility
- Solution 2
- Update Pokémon Go
- Solution 3
- Clear Cache and Data
- Solution 4
- Check Internet Connection
- Solution 5
- Check Device GPS & Location Settings
- Solution 6
- Restart Your Device
- Solution 7
- Reinstall Pokémon Go
- Solution 8
- Check Google Play Services
- Solution 9
- Disable Battery Optimization
- Solution 10
- Check Niantic Server Status
- Solution 11
- Switch Google Account
- Solution 12
- Check for Third-Party App Conflicts
- Solution 13
- Force Device GPU Rendering
- Solution 14
- Avoid Unofficial APKs
- Solution 15
- Contact Niantic Support
Solution 1: Check Device Compatibility
First, make sure your phone is actually supported. Niantic has ended support for some older Android versions and 32-bit devices.
- Go to Settings > About phone.
- Check your Android version. Pokémon Go now needs at least Android 8+ on many devices.
- If your phone is very old, this may be the main reason why is the Pokémon App not working for you.
Solution 2: Update Pokémon Go
Running an old app version often causes Pokémon Go not loading on Android issues. Niantic also recommends using the latest version of the game always.
- Open Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile > Manage apps & device.
- Find Pokémon Go and tap Update.
Solution 3: Clear Cache and Data
Corrupted cache is a top reason for Pokémon Go not loading map or random freezes.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Pokémon Go.
- Tap Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache. If issues stay, also tap Clear storage / Clear data.
Solution 4: Check Internet Connection
If Pokémon Go is not working on data or Wi-Fi, the game will not load the map or gyms. So make sure your connection is stable. Among many things, you can:
- Try switching between mobile data and Wi-Fi.
- Ensure airplane mode is off.
- Check that your data plan is active and not restricted for Pokémon Go.
Solution 5: Check Device GPS & Location Settings
Pokémon Go needs accurate GPS data to show your avatar. If GPS is bad, you’ll see Pokémon Go not loading map or “GPS signal not found” errors.
- Turn on Location in Quick Settings.
- Go to Settings > Location > Location services and enable Improve accuracy / High accuracy.
Solution 6: Restart Your Device
A simple restart can fix many small bugs that cause Pokémon Go lagging on Android.
- Hold the Power button.
- Tap Restart (or Power off, then turn it on again).
- Open Pokémon Go and try again.
Solution 7: Reinstall Pokémon Go
If nothing works yet, reinstalling can remove corrupted game files.
- Long-press the Pokémon Go icon and choose Uninstall.
- Restart your phone.
- Open the Google Play Store and install Pokémon Go again.
- Log in with the same account as before.
Solution 8: Check Google Play Services
Pokémon Go relies on Google Play services for login and location features. If it’s outdated, the game may crash or fail to load.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play services.
- Tap Storage & cache > Clear cache.
- Make sure Google Play services is updated in your system settings.
Solution 9: Disable Battery Optimization
Battery saving can break the GPS in the background and cause Pokémon Go not loading map properly.
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery optimization.
- Find Pokémon Go and/or Google Play services.
- Set them to Not Optimized.
Solution 10: Check Niantic Server Status
Sometimes when Pokémon Go is not working on Android, it might be not your fault at all; Niantic’s servers could be down as well. To check:
- Search online for “Pokémon Go server status” or check community sites and social media.
- If many players report problems, the only option is to wait until servers are back to normal.
Solution 11: Switch Google Account
Login issues can make the Pokémon Go app won’t open or stuck on the sign-in page.
- Open Pokémon Go.
- On the login screen, choose a different Google account or sign in with Trainer Club / Facebook if linked.
- If the new account works, your original account connection may need to be refreshed later.
Solution 12: Check for Third-Party App Conflicts
Some apps, like VPNs or fake GPS tools, can break the game’s connection or location.
- Temporarily disable VPN, firewall apps, and any GPS spoofing tools.
- Close other heavy apps running in the background.
- Relaunch Pokémon Go and test again.
Solution 13: Force Device GPU Rendering
On some older phones, forcing GPU rendering can help reduce lag, though it’s optional.
- Go to Settings > System > Developer options.
- Enable Force GPU rendering (names may differ by brand).
- Restart the phone and test if this improves Pokémon Go lagging on Android.
Solution 14: Avoid Unofficial APKs
Sideloaded or modified Pokémon Go APKs can cause crashes, security errors, or bans. They are a common reason why is the Pokémon app not working for you.
- If you used an unofficial APK, uninstall it.
- Install only from Google Play or the official store for your device.
Solution 15: Contact Niantic Support
If all else fails, talk to Niantic directly.
- Open the Pokémon Go Help Center in your browser.
- Go to Contact Us.
- Explain your device model, Android version, and the exact error (like Pokémon Go not loading or Pokémon Go not working on data).
- Niantic will soon contact back, providing solutions for your specific device.
Bonus Tip: Avoid Pokémon Go Android GPS Signal Not Found by PoGoskill
When Pokémon Go is not working on Android, it’s almost always due to a weak or unstable GPS signal. This network instability is usually caused by using unreliable GPS spoofers to spoof your in-game coordinates.To fix these issues, we recommend using PoGoskill.
PoGoskill is a Pokémon Go location spoofer app that spoofs your GPS coordinates in the most natural and seamless way, practically eliminating any risk of detection by Niantic.
Key Features include
- Ban Protection : Advanced algorithms spoof your GPS location naturally, perfectly bypassing any detection risk.
- Joystick Mode : On-screen virtual joystick lets you simulate your spoofed coordinates in 360-degree freedom!
- Multi-Spot Mode : Multi-Spot mode lets you create custom routes with varying walking speeds for longer gameplay sessions.
How to Use PoGoskill
-
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 Pokémon Go Not Working
Why Is Pokémon Go No Longer Compatible with Android?
Pokémon Go has dropped support for older Android versions and 32-bit devices to improve security, performance, and support modern game features.
Why Is Pokémon Go Disabled in China?
The game is restricted primarily due to national security concerns regarding geographic data. Its reliance on Google Maps and real-time GPS coordinates conflicts with China's strict regulations on surveying and mapping information.
How Do I Know If I'm Banned on Pokémon Go?
Banned players typically experience login failures or receive "Three Strike" warnings. Signs include an empty map, inability to spin PokéStops, Pokémon constantly fleeing, or a complete loss of access to your account profile.
Does Pokémon Go Track IP Addresses?
Yes, Niantic monitors IP addresses and device information to identify suspicious activity. This tracking helps detect location spoofing, account sharing, or unauthorized third-party software, ensuring a fair and secure environment for all trainers.
Why Can't I Log into Pokémon Go Today?
Login problems usually happen due to server outages, maintenance, bad internet, Google account issues, or temporary bugs after updates.
Conclusion
Dealing with Pokémon Go not working on Android issues can be frustrating, especially when the game refuses to open, lags badly, or won’t load the map. Thankfully, most problems have simple fixes.
Since most of these problems occur as a result of unreliable spoofing tools, we recommend using PoGoskill Location Changer to ensure a smooth spoofing experience while also avoiding running into errors.
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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