Pokémon GO Not Working? 2025 Guide to Fix 11 Common Issues

Pokémon GO not working? That's nothing new. Despite being one of the most popular mobile games, Pokémon GO is also one of the buggiest apps out there.

In fact, Electronics Hub found that in 2024, the game averaged 153.5 bug mentions for every 1,000 reviews. From login failures to GPS glitches and random crashes, the problems feel endless.

This 2025 troubleshooting guide breaks down the most common issues, quick fixes, and reliable solutions to get you back to catching Pokémon.

Pokémon GO is fun, but it's also notorious for being buggy and resource-hungry. The app itself takes up nearly 3GB of storage once installed and does a poor job at memory management. Niantic's system rarely frees up RAM properly, so after a few minutes of switching between your friend list, quests, Pokémon storage, and walking around, the game starts eating up memory like crazy.

The situation only worsened after Niantic rolled out new avatar models, graphics updates, and map overhauls, which now demand even more processing power. Simply put, the game isn't well-optimized, and older or mid-range devices struggle to keep up.

But memory bloat isn't the only reason Pokémon GO stops working. Other common culprits include:

• Niantic server outages – Sometimes it's not you, it's them. Check the official Pokémon GO status page or Niantic's Twitter to confirm.
• Operating system updates – If you update iOS or Android before Niantic pushes a compatibility patch, the game may temporarily break.
• Cache overloads – Corrupted or bloated cache files can cause crashes or failed startups.
• Third-party apps – Spoofing tools like iSpoofer, screen overlays like PokeGenie, or other RAM-hungry apps running in the background often conflict with Pokémon GO.

Before panicking, it's worth trying these basic troubleshooting steps. You'd be surprised how often they solve the issue:

• Restart the app or your device – Clears temporary bugs and resets memory.
• Update Pokémon GO and your system software – Keeps everything compatible and bug-free.
• Clear cache/data (Android) or reinstall the app (iOS) – Helps fix corrupted files and refreshes the app.
• Check your network connection – Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see which is more stable.
• Verify GPS and location permissions – Without these, Pokémon GO won't track your movement at all.

If the general fixes above don't work, it is still too early to freak out. Find your case below and try the specific solutions.

1 Stuck on the Loading Screen

Nothing kills the excitement faster than getting stuck on Pokémon GO's loading screen. This usually happens when the game struggles to verify your account due to network hiccups or server lag.

For a more detailed troubleshooting guide, see [Fixed] Pokémon GO Stuck on Loading Screen? 8 Proven Fixes

2 Login Issues: Can't Sign In to Pokémon GO

Struggling to get past the login screen? It happens. Here are the most common Pokémon GO login issues, their reasons, and quick fixes:

Case	Picture	Reason	Fix
Pokémon GO Error 15		IP banned for frequent logins on the same device, especially with PTC account	1. Use VPN to fake your phone IP 2. Unlink your PTC account
Failed to Sign In or Authenticate		Server-side issues or the cloud services	Try a different account
Pokémon Trainer Club won't load for login		Browser settings or cached data	1. Switch your default to Chrome 2. Clear cache
Can't sign in with Google / Apple account		You set your age below the legal requirement	Delete Pokémon GO's app data, relaunch, and set your birth year to 2007 or earlier.
Pokémon GO account doesn't exist		Your account is hacked	Contact Niantic Support directly

For a more detailed troubleshooting guide, see Pokémon GO Login Issues 2025: Reasons & How to Fix It

3 GPS Signal Not Found (Error 11)

Pokémon GO needs constant GPS access to place you in the real world. When Error 11 appears, it means your phone isn't providing accurate location data. This error can usually be solved with a few quick tweaks.

For a more detailed troubleshooting guide, see Pokémon GO GPS Signal Not Found: Full Guide for Android/iOS

4 Failed to Detect Location (Error 12)

While it may sound like a simple GPS glitch, Pokémon GO Error 12 is often tied to third-party GPS spoofing apps, which Niantic's anti-cheat system quickly flags. Let's look at what triggers this error and how to resolve it.

For a more detailed troubleshooting guide, see Pokémon GO Error 12 Fix: Tested Ways to Fix & Avoid [2025]

5 Pokémon GO Crashing or Freezing

Mid-battle crashes or loading freezes often stem from memory overload or conflicting background apps. By trimming down what's running on your device and prepping before heavy gameplay, you can greatly reduce random crashes.

For a more detailed troubleshooting guide, see [2025 Guide] Pokémon GO Keeps Crashing? Top 7 Fixes to Try

6 Adventure Sync & Step Tracking Issues

Adventure Sync is perfect for counting steps while the app is closed, but it doesn't always work smoothly. A few adjustments usually bring it back on track.

For a more detailed troubleshooting guide, see Pokémon GO Adventure Sync Not Working? 9 Fixes & Reasons

7 Routes Not Working

Routes add exploration to the game, but sometimes they fail to track properly or stall at the loading screen. These hiccups usually come from conflicts with Adventure Sync or weak connections.

8 Incense Not Working

This glitch can stem from movement detection issues, time conflicts, or interference from Pokémon GO auto-catchers. With a few timing tricks and reset steps, you can usually get your incense flowing again.

9 Lure Modules Not Working

If Pokémon don't spawn after placing a Lure Module, the problem is often simpler than it looks. Either you're too far from the PokéStop or the game's time sync has slipped.

10 AR Mode Not Working

Not all phones can handle AR Mode. If your screen stays black when entering AR, it usually means your device doesn't support ARKit (iOS) or ARCore (Android).

11 Snapshot Not Working

Taking a Snapshot isn't the same as taking a screenshot. A Snapshot is a built-in game feature that uses AR Mode, so make sure you've enabled the AR Mode. You can start a GO Snapshot in the following 3 ways:

• During a wild Pokémon encounter
• From your Pokémon collection
• While playing with your Buddy Pokémon

If your Snapshot isn't registering for a research task, it may be due to a delay or because it was taken the wrong way.

Sometimes, even when the app is working fine, the challenge isn't technical—it's physical. A bad weather, a busy schedule, or mobility limitations can stop you from heading outside to explore.

But that doesn't mean you should miss out on the fun. With a reliable Pokémon GO GPS spoofer like AnyTo, you can still enjoy the full Pokémon GO experience from the comfort of home. It's all about making sure everyone can access it, regardless of where they are or what limitations they face.

Why Trainers Choose AnyTo

• Stable GPS simulation – Your in-game movement stays smooth and consistent, without random jumps.
• Smart tools for trainers – Features like route generating for auto-walk, maps to find Raids and PokéStops, and flexible joystick make gameplay feel natural.
• Safe and trusted – Designed with protective measures like Bluetooth connection and cooldown timer to reduce risks of detection.
• Always up-to-date – The app gets frequent updates to stay compatible with the latest OS and Pokémon GO patches.
• Responsive Discord support – Got stuck? The team and community are quick to help with practical fixes.
• Compatible with both iOS and Android – Whether you're on iPhone or Android, AnyTo works seamlessly across devices.

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Pokémon GO is a fun but complex game, and 'Pokémon GO not working' issues can strike for many reasons. Most of them can be resolved with careful troubleshooting: updating the app, clearing cache, adjusting location settings, or checking linked fitness apps.

For persistent challenges or limitations, tools like AnyTo offer a safe, stable way to keep playing without stepping outside, while still enjoying core features like catching Pokémon, hatching eggs, and earning buddy candy.

By combining these practical fixes with smart tools, you can minimize disruptions, protect your account, and continue exploring the Pokémon world smoothly—no matter where you are or what device you use.

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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.