[2025 Guide] Pokémon GO Keeps Crashing? Top 7 Fixes to Try

Lock-ups, random error codes, or a frozen white screen — if you play Pokémon GO often, these crashes probably feel like part of the daily routine.

Many players have noticed that the Pokémon GO crashing problem is getting worse lately, especially after recent Android and iOS updates. Crashes hit hard when you enter a Showcase from a PokéStop, open gifts, or in Raids.

The good news is most of these issues have clear fixes, and this guide will walk you through them.

Pokémon GO crashing has been a persistent issue for years, but things really escalated after Niantic rolled out the graphics and map overhaul with new avatar models. Players across the globe agree: the updated avatars are among the biggest culprits behind the constant game instability.

Pokémon GO has poor memory management, and the new models chew through RAM at an alarming rate. On older devices, the game simply can't handle loading multiple avatars, leading to sudden lock-ups, freezes, or app closures. Even on newer phones, crashes spike during memory-heavy actions like raids, friend interactions, or gift exchanges.

Until Niantic introduces something like an "ultra-low graphics mode", players are stuck with workarounds and quick fixes. Luckily, most crashes can be managed if you know when and why they're happening.

There are many types of crashes in Pokémon GO. Some happen right after opening the game, others appear mid-battle, and some occur randomly every 20 minutes or during timed research tasks. Whatever your case, the following fixes are worth trying before giving up.

#	Fix Method	Difficulty	Success Rate
1	Update Pokémon GO to the latest version
2	Clear cache and app data
3	Disable "Analyze on-screen text" to free up storage
4	Disable screen overlays and conflicting apps
5	Restart before every Raid
6	Don’t switch to camera app while playing
7	Test Pokémon GO on a different network

1 Update Pokémon GO to the latest version

The very first thing you should do is check for updates. Niantic regularly releases patches that address stability issues, so running an outdated version can leave you exposed to known bugs. Even if your crashes feel unrelated, a quick update often solves hidden compatibility issues.

2 Clear cache and app data

Pokémon GO has always struggled with memory management. Many players believe the app has a long-standing memory leak problem—after a few hours, even high-end phones with 12GB of RAM start lagging until the game is restarted.

For Android players, clearing the app's cache and data gives the game a fresh start, removing corrupted or bloated files that may be clogging performance. iOS players can achieve the same effect by reinstalling the app.

Unfortunately, the game's codebase has a history of persistent bugs (like the infamous "gyms under construction" glitch). While Niantic may not fix these overnight, you can at least clear the mess on your end.

3 Disable "Analyze on-screen text" to free up storage

On many Android devices, there's a background feature that constantly takes screenshots to analyze text on your screen. This eats up RAM and storage, two things Pokémon GO desperately needs to run smoothly. Here's how to disable it:

• Go to Settings → Apps → Choose default apps → Digital assistant app.
• Select Google as the default assistant.
• Turn Analyze on screen text off.

4 Disable screen overlays and conflicting apps

Screen overlays from apps like Calcy IV, PokeGenie, or other floating widgets often clash with Pokémon GO. These overlays sit on top of the game and consume processing resources, which can lead to sudden crashes or freezes.

By disabling them before launching Pokémon GO, you give the app full access to your screen and memory, reducing conflicts and improving stability.

6 Restart before every Raid

If you crash during or right after a Raid, it's usually due to Pokémon GO's ongoing memory leak issue. The longer the app runs, the more sluggish and crash-prone it becomes.

By manually closing and reopening the game before joining a raid, you clear that memory buildup and give the app a clean slate. This simple habit drastically lowers the chance of crashing mid-raid, saving you from losing remote passes and missing rare Pokémon.

7 Don't switch to camera app while playing

Pokémon GO is already a memory-heavy app, and opening the camera or taking a screenshot while playing puts extra strain on your phone. This overload can easily cause the game to crash.

If you want to capture a moment, use Pokémon GO's built-in snapshot feature—it's optimized to work without disrupting gameplay. For rare encounters like incense or lure spawns, avoiding the camera app could be the difference between catching a shiny and losing it forever.

5 Test Pokémon GO on a different network

Sometimes the issue isn't your device at all but your internet connection. Weak Wi-Fi signals, strict firewalls, or unstable mobile data can interrupt communication with Niantic's servers, which may cause the app to crash.

Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data or testing on a more reliable network helps you figure out if your crashes are tied to connectivity issues rather than the game itself.

Crashes during raids are one of the most frustrating issues in Pokémon GO. You've already spent a pass, you're on the clock, and boom, the app freezes or kicks you out.

Below is a field-tested survival guide that players have pieced together to reduce the risk and salvage raids when things go wrong.

1 Restart Before Raiding

If your device is prone to crashing (especially older iPhones and Androids), restart the game before you join a raid.

As mentioned above, this clears memory buildup and lowers the chance of freezing mid-battle. Some players even time their restart during the 100-second lobby countdown so they can load back in fresh right as the battle begins.

2 Join With Time to Spare

Avoid hopping into raids with less than 7 minutes left on the timer. If your game crashes near the end, you may not have time to reload and rejoin. Remote raids are especially risky when the clock is low—better safe than sorry.

3 How to Rejoin After a Crash

• In-person raids: If you're still at the gym, you can usually tap the gym again after restarting, and it will let you rejoin or go straight to the catch screen.
• Remote raids: Tap the brown/orange invite button after relaunching. It may look like the game is charging another pass, but don't worry—it's the same one.
• Caution: None of these methods work if the raid has fully ended or despawned.

4 Don't Let the Lobby Beat You

Animations in the lobby (trainers, confetti, lures, spawns) are notorious crash triggers. To reduce strain:

• Have premade battle parties ready.
• Stick to the items or party selection menu during the countdown.
• Keep your actions minimal between loading in and starting the raid.

5 Know When You're Out of Luck

• If you crash before using your pass (never enter the fight), the pass won't be consumed.
• If you crash after the pass is used but before the raid ends, you can usually rejoin.
• If you crash after the raid despawns, the pass is gone, and there's no way back.

6 When to Ask Niantic for Help

Niantic occasionally refunds raid passes, but results vary. Tips:

• Always take a screenshot of your journal showing raid participation.
• Submit your request under purchase issues, not "raid issues" (many players report denials there).
• Keep expectations realistic: Niantic refunds passes but generally won't restore lost raid boss encounters.

7 Final Player Wisdom

• Don't raid from your friend list if crashes are common—you can't rejoin that way.
• Always restart if you notice lag building up.
• If crashes happen too often on your device, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Many players with older phones have had to make that tough call.

If you need to spoof because you live somewhere with few raids and PokéStops, AnyTo is a practical tool that aims to make the game more accessible.

I'll be blunt: no tool is 100% risk-free. But AnyTo focuses on stability and conservative design rather than aggressive tricks, and that matters when you want to avoid crashes and minimize account issues.

AnyTo's Key Features

• Controls your phone via a PC over Bluetooth, which avoids direct system-level tampering and is widely regarded as a lower-risk method in 2025.
• A dedicated game mode reduces conflicts with other apps and offers various tools to enhance your gameplay.
• Smooth, low-drift GPS output so your avatar doesn't jump around, reducing both crash risk and suspicious location spikes.
• Plan walking routes or use a Pokémon GO joystick with realistic speeds.
• Control iOS and Android devices from one PC. Handy if you run multiple accounts for family members.
• Active Discord where you can get troubleshooting help, setup tips, and timely responses from the support team or experienced users.

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AnyTo is built to help trainers who need travel flexibility, but it's best used conservatively. If you combine stable spoofing tools with sensible habits (short sessions, realistic movement, and modest teleport use), you'll reduce crashes and lower the chance of account issues while still enjoying more of Pokémon GO.

Pokémon GO crashing has become a common frustration, especially after the recent avatar and graphics updates. Most crashes are linked to memory overload, network instability, or conflicts with other apps.

The good news is that many issues can be resolved with practical steps like updating the app, clearing cache, managing network connections, or restarting before raids.

For trainers who need extra stability or mobility, tools like AnyTo can help reduce crashes safely. By combining these fixes and careful gameplay, you can enjoy Pokémon GO with fewer interruptions and smoother sessions.

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Article by Ryan Miles

Ryan Miles is a seasoned gamer and mobile strategy writer with over 5 years of hands-on experience in Pokémon GO spoofing and GPS-based games. Known for breaking down complex location tricks into beginner-friendly guides, Ryan’s mission is simple: help you explore more, catch faster, and play smarter without ever leaving home.