Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go: How to Get, Catch Limits, & Full Guide 2026

by Jerry Cook Updated on 2026-08-13 18:20:27 / Update for Pokemon iOS

Till now, we have all been using third-party hardware Pokémon Go auto-catcher accessories, such as Pokémon Go Plus, to auto-catch Pokémons and auto-spin PokéStops. However, Niantic just turned the tables with the introduction of the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go.

If you don't know about it yet, don't worry. In this article, we'll tell you what is Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go as well as how to get Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go.

Part 1. What is the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go?
Part 2. How to Get and Activate the Explorer Gadget?
Part 3. Key Rules & Daily Limits of the Explorer Gadget
Part 4. Explorer Gadget vs. Pokémon Go Plus +: Which Is Better?
Part 5. Pro-Tip: How to Maximize Explorer Gadget Catch Rates Remotely?
FAQ about Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go

Part 1. What is the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go?

The Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go is a new in-game feature that works like a virtual auto-catcher. Once activated, it automatically throws regular Poké Balls at nearby Pokémon and spins nearby PokéStops while Pokémon Go is closed or not actively open on your device.

This means you can keep collecting Pokémon and supplies while walking around without constantly looking at your phone. Unlike accessories such as the Pokémon Go Plus+, the Explorer Gadget is built directly into the game.

Therefore, you don't need to buy extra hardware, connect a device through Bluetooth, or keep another gadget charged. However, you still need to carry your phone and physically explore for it to work properly. You can find it in the Key Items section of your Item Bag and activate it directly from the game.

Part 2. How to Get and Activate the Explorer Gadget?

If you are wondering how to get Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go, thankfully, there is currently no special Research task or shop purchase required. The feature is being released through a phased rollout, which means only eligible Trainers Lvl 20+ will see it for now.

Once the feature becomes available for your account, you can access and activate it directly from the Pokémon Go app, as explained below.

Where to Check for Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go?

Open Pokémon Go and check the top-right corner of the Map View for the Explorer Gadget icon. You can also open your Item Bag and look under the Key Items section.

If you cannot find it, the feature may not have reached your account yet because it is still in a phased rollout. Also, keep in mind that the Map View icon will not appear while an accessory device is paired. So, if you use Pokémon Go Plus or Pokémon Go Plus+, disconnect it before using the Explorer Gadget.

How to Use Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go? [Step-by-Step Instructions]

Step 1. Find the Gadget : Open Pokémon GO and tap the Explorer Gadget icon on the Map View. Alternatively, go to Item Bag > Key Items > Explorer Gadget.
Step 2. Turn It On : Open the Explorer Gadget window and tap Use to activate it.
Step 3. Set Your Filters : At present, Niantic has not officially listed any manual Pokémon or PokéStop filters for the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go. The feature automatically decides what it can interact with. However, the Gadget will not attempt to catch certain Pokémon, including species not yet registered in your Pokédex.
Step 4. Lock and Explore : You can now close Pokémon Go or leave it running in the background. Carry your phone and continue walking normally. The Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go will automatically attempt catches and spin nearby PokéStops until its daily limits are reached. You can also pause or resume it from the Explorer Gadget icon.

Part 3. Key Rules & Daily Limits of the Explorer Gadget

Before using the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go, you should know that it comes with several restrictions. It is designed to make exploring easier, but it does not provide unlimited catching or PokéStop spinning.

Here are the main rules you should keep in mind.

1 Daily Limits & Account Variations

The Explorer Gadget has a daily limit for both catching Pokémon and spinning PokéStops. Once you reach the limit, it stops working for the rest of the day.

Niantic does not currently list one fixed Explorer Gadget daily catch limit on its support page. During early testing, players reported different limits, ranging from 40 to 80 actions.

2 Ball Restrictions

The Gadget automatically uses regular Poké Balls for catching. If you have no Poké Balls when activating it, the game can provide some to get you started.

If you later run out, catching stops and an alert appears. Therefore, keep an eye on your Explorer Gadget Pokéball limit and available supply.

3 Storage Rules

You need free space in both your Pokémon Storage and Item Bag. If either becomes full, the Explorer Gadget will show an alert and won't operate normally.

4 Background Performance & App Status

The Gadget can catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops while Pokémon GO is closed or running in the background.

However, you still need to carry your phone and move around for it to work fully.

5 Hardware & Accessory Conflicts

The Explorer Gadget cannot be used while a Pokémon Go Plus, GO Plus+, or another accessory is actively connected.

Any paired accessory must be disconnected before the in-game Gadget can operate.

Part 4. Explorer Gadget vs. Pokémon Go Plus +: Which Is Better?

The Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go and Pokémon GO Plus + have the same basic goal: helping you catch Pokémon and collect items without constantly using your phone.

However, the Explorer Gadget is a free in-game feature with daily limits, while the Pokémon Go Plus + is a physical accessory with more features and fewer usage restrictions. Here are some important differences between them.

Feature
Explorer Gadget
Pokémon GO Plus +

Type
Built-in Key Item
Physical Bluetooth accessory

Extra hardware needed
No
Yes

Auto-catch Pokémon
Yes
Yes

Auto-spin PokéStops
Yes
Yes

Auto-catch ball
Regular Poké Balls
Regular Poké Balls

Great/Ultra Ball support
No
Yes, with button-throw

Catch uncaught Pokémon
Does not automatically attempt certain uncaught Pokémon
Auto-throw cannot catch them, but you can press the button to attempt a catch

Daily catch/spin limit
Yes; amount can vary by account
No Explorer Gadget-style daily limit

Background use
Yes
Yes

Sleep tracking
No
Yes

Charging Required
No separate device
Yes

Best for
Simple, hardware-free auto-catching
More features and greater control

So, does Explorer Gadget replace Go Plus? Not completely. It covers the main Pokémon Go auto catcher functions for free inside the game, but Pokémon GO Plus + still offers extra controls and features that the Explorer Gadget currently lacks.

Part 5. Pro-Tip: How to Maximize Explorer Gadget Catch Rates Remotely?

The Explorer Gadget Pokémon Go feature makes auto-catching easier, but it still has one major limitation. In that, you must physically explore the real world. This can make it difficult to get the most from the Gadget if you cannot travel or live in an area with fewer spawns.

This is where PoGoskill provides a more flexible option.

PoGoskill is a Pokémon GO location changer that lets you change your GPS location with a single click and simulate movement to virtually explore Pokémon-rich locations from home. It includes Teleport, Joystick, Single-Spot, and Multi-Spot movement modes.

More importantly, PoGoskill also provides its own Pokémon Go auto catcher feature. Its GO Plus Mode combines virtual movement with automatic Pokémon catching and PokéStop spinning. Just select a route and let the AutoCatch feature collect Pokémon and PokéStop items while you are not actively playing.

Key Features of PoGoskill

Joystick Mode : Lets you explore your virtual coordinates in 360-degree freedom.
Auto-catch Pokémon : Catches Pokémon for you with great accuracy and that, too, without limits!
Auto-spin PokeStops : Collects useful items from nearby PokeStops without limits!
No Jailbreak : You don't need to jailbreak or root your device to use PoGoskill.

How to Use PoGoskill

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step 1 Download and install PoGoskill on your Windows PC or Mac. Open the program and click the "Start" button to begin setting up your Pokémon GO location.
step 2 Connect your iPhone or Android device to the computer. You can use either a USB cable or the Wi-Fi connection option for quick setup.
step 3 Choose Game Mode to use PoGoskill with Pokémon GO. This mode helps players join raids and change locations more smoothly during events.
step 4 On the PoGo map, look up the location where you want to spoof your GPS coordinates and hit Teleport. Start moving around your fake location using the on-screen joystick controls.

FAQ about Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go

Q1: Why Can't I See the Explorer Gadget Icon on My Map?

This feature might not be unlocked for your account yet, or a paired device such as Pokémon GO Plus + is actively hiding the icon. Check your game settings and connection status to resolve this issue.

Q2: Does The Explorer Gadget Consume My Great Balls or Ultra Balls?

No. The Explorer Gadget exclusively uses standard Poké Balls for automatic catching attempts. It will not consume your Great Balls or Ultra Balls, so make sure you keep a healthy supply of regular Poké Balls available.

Q3: Can The Explorer Gadget Catch Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Go?

Yes, the Explorer Gadget can encounter and attempt to catch eligible Shiny Pokémon. However, success is not guaranteed because wild Pokémon can still flee after a single catch attempt made by the gadget.

Conclusion

The Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go makes catching Pokémon and collecting PokéStop items much easier without requiring extra hardware. While its daily limits and regular Poké Ball restriction may not suit heavy players, it is a useful free alternative for casual Trainers.

To work around its restrictions, use the PoGoskill location spoofer tool. It provides all the features present in Explorer Gadget, plus many more, and that, too, without any restrictions!