How Long Does It REALLY Take for a New PokéStop to Be Approved?

So, you’ve diligently scouted a prime location, snapped the perfect photo, and crafted a compelling description for your PokéStop nomination. Now comes the agonizing part: the wait. The truth is, there’s no single, definitive answer to the question of how long it takes for a new PokéStop to be approved. The timeframe can vary wildly, ranging from a few weeks to several months, and sometimes even longer. This depends on several factors, including your geographic location, the number of reviewers in your area, and whether you use Upgrades to fast-track the process. Let’s dive deeper into what influences the timeline.

Understanding the Approval Process

The journey of a PokéStop nomination is a multi-step process:

1. Submission: You submit your nomination through the Pokémon GO app.
2. Confirmation: You receive an email confirming receipt.
3. Community Evaluation (Wayfarer Review): Your nomination is sent to the Niantic Wayfarer community for review. Real players, known as Wayfarers, evaluate the nomination based on criteria like historical significance, artistic value, safety, and accessibility.
4. Niantic’s Decision: Based on the community’s assessment, Niantic makes the final decision to accept or reject the nomination.
5. In-Game Appearance (Syncing): If accepted, the PokéStop needs to sync with Pokémon GO. This typically happens within 34 hours, but syncing errors can delay the process.

Factors Influencing Approval Time

• Location, Location, Location: Areas with a high density of reviewers tend to process nominations faster. Densely populated urban centers might have faster approval rates than rural or remote areas with fewer reviewers. Think about it, more eyes reviewing equals a faster decision!

• Wayfarer Activity: The number of active Wayfarers in your region plays a significant role. If there’s a backlog of nominations, it will naturally take longer for your submission to be reviewed.

• Quality of Nomination: A well-written description, clear photos, and accurate location data increase your chances of a faster approval. Nominations that are incomplete, poorly presented, or violate the Wayfarer guidelines are more likely to be rejected, adding to the overall processing time.

• Upgrade Usage: Upgrades are a valuable tool for accelerating the process. Earning an Upgrade requires actively reviewing other players’ nominations within the Wayfarer system. When applied, an Upgrade prioritizes your nomination, ensuring it’s reviewed by a larger pool of Wayfarers, leading to a quicker decision.

• Syncing Issues: Even after approval, syncing problems can delay the in-game appearance of your PokéStop. These glitches are often temporary, but they can add frustration to the waiting game.

• Cell Density: Pokémon GO only allows one PokéStop or Gym per Level 17 S2 cell. If your nomination falls within a cell that already contains a PokéStop or Gym, it will not appear in Pokémon GO, even if approved. Unfortunately, there’s no notification about this cell rule.

Speeding Up the Process: Pro Tips

• Craft a Stellar Nomination: Invest time in writing a detailed and compelling description that highlights the unique qualities of the location. Ensure your photos are clear and well-lit, showcasing the nominated object and its surroundings.
• Become a Wayfarer: Actively review other players’ nominations to earn Upgrades. Not only does this speed up your own nominations, but it also contributes to the overall health of the Wayfarer system. The Games Learning Society offers resources and insights into effective learning within gaming environments.
• Nominate in Uncrowded Cells: Research the area to identify locations that are less likely to be in a densely populated Level 17 S2 cell. Use online tools to visualize cell boundaries.
• Be Patient: While it’s tempting to constantly check the status of your nomination, try to be patient. The review process takes time, and constant checking won’t expedite the decision.
• Follow Wayfarer Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the Niantic Wayfarer criteria and guidelines. Nominations that adhere to these guidelines are more likely to be approved quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do Upgrades work in Niantic Wayfarer?

Upgrades prioritize your nomination for review. You earn them by actively reviewing other players’ nominations in the Wayfarer system. Once you have an Upgrade, you can apply it to a nomination, ensuring it’s reviewed by a larger pool of reviewers and reaches a decision faster.

2. What happens if my PokéStop nomination is “In Voting” for a very long time?

A nomination stuck “In Voting” often indicates a backlog of reviews in your area. While frustrating, patience is key. Actively reviewing nominations yourself can help alleviate the backlog and potentially speed up the process.

3. Can I withdraw my PokéStop nomination if it’s taking too long?

Yes, you can withdraw a PokéStop nomination before it reaches a decision. However, consider that withdrawing and re-submitting might not necessarily expedite the process.

4. How do I know if my PokéStop nomination was accepted or rejected?

You’ll receive an email notification from Niantic Wayfarer informing you of the decision. In the Wayfarer website, accepted nominations will display a red and orange sash, while rejected nominations will be marked as “Not Approved.”

5. My PokéStop nomination was accepted, but it’s not showing up in Pokémon GO. Why?

Several factors can cause this. It might be a syncing issue, which typically resolves within 48 hours. More commonly, the nomination might fall within a Level 17 S2 cell that already contains a PokéStop or Gym. Unfortunately, Niantic doesn’t notify you about this.

6. What is a Level 17 S2 cell, and how does it affect PokéStop placement?

Level 17 S2 cells are geographic divisions used by Niantic to control PokéStop density. Pokémon GO only allows one PokéStop or Gym per Level 17 S2 cell. You can use online tools to visualize these cells and determine if your nomination falls within an already occupied cell.

7. How can I find good locations to nominate as PokéStops?

Look for locations with historical significance, artistic value, unique architecture, or community gathering spots. Parks, libraries, museums, public art installations, and local landmarks are often good candidates. Remember to prioritize safety and accessibility.

8. What makes a good PokéStop nomination photo?

Your photo should be clear, well-lit, and accurately represent the nominated object. Avoid blurry, dark, or obstructed photos. Take photos during daylight hours and ensure the object is easily visible.

9. What makes a good PokéStop nomination description?

Your description should be concise, informative, and engaging. Highlight the unique qualities of the location and explain why it would make a good PokéStop. Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors.

10. Is there a limit to the number of PokéStop nominations I can submit?

Yes, there’s a limit to the number of nominations you can submit within a 14-day period. The current limit is typically seven nominations every two weeks.

11. What is the appeal process if my PokéStop nomination is rejected?

Unfortunately, there’s no official appeal process for rejected PokéStop nominations. However, you can re-submit the nomination after addressing the reasons for rejection. Improve the description, photos, or location data based on feedback from the Wayfarer community.

12. Can my house be a PokéStop?

Generally, residential properties are not eligible for PokéStop nominations. PokéStops are typically located at public places or points of interest that are accessible to the community.

13. What happens if a PokéStop I nominated is removed?

PokéStops can be removed if they violate Niantic’s guidelines, become inaccessible, or are deemed unsafe. If a PokéStop you nominated is removed, you’ll typically receive a notification.

14. Can I pay to have a PokéStop placed at my business?

Yes, businesses can partner with Niantic to have PokéStops or Gyms placed at their locations. This involves a commercial agreement and requires meeting specific criteria.

15. How often do PokéStops refresh?

PokéStops refresh every five minutes, allowing players to spin them again and collect items. GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable insights into the learning principles embedded within games and can help you understand the dynamics of game-based evaluation processes.