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Pokémon GO Stuck on Loading Screen? Become a Troubleshooting Master!

Is your Pokémon GO adventure grinding to a halt before it even begins? That agonizingly slow loading screen, that ever-spinning Poké Ball in the corner – it’s a frustration that every trainer has faced. Fear not! This guide is your comprehensive toolkit for tackling this common problem and getting back to catching ’em all.

The most immediate solution involves a bit of digital trickery: force-closing the app, toggling Airplane Mode to force a connectivity check, and then turning it off. This often kickstarts the app and allows it to properly authenticate and load. If this quick fix doesn’t work, don’t despair! There are several other potential causes and solutions we’ll explore.

Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide: From Basic to Advanced

1. The “Airplane Mode Dance” – A Quick Fix

As mentioned, this is the go-to first attempt.

Completely close Pokémon GO. On iOS, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-click the Home button on older devices) and swipe the Pokémon GO card upwards. On Android, use the app switcher (usually a square or three lines at the bottom of the screen) and swipe the app away.
Enable Airplane Mode.
Reopen Pokémon GO.
Wait until you see a “No internet connectivity” message.
Disable Airplane Mode. The game should attempt to reconnect and, hopefully, load properly.

2. Checking Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is the lifeline of Pokémon GO.

Wi-Fi: Ensure you’re connected to a strong and reliable Wi-Fi network. Try restarting your router if you’re experiencing issues.
Mobile Data: If using mobile data, confirm that you have a strong signal (3G, 4G, or 5G). Also, check your data allowance to ensure you haven’t exceeded your limit.
Test Your Connection: Open a web browser or another app that requires internet access to verify your connection is working.

3. Restarting Your Device

A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches.

iOS: Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. To turn it back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
Android: Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears. Tap “Restart” or “Reboot.” If there’s no restart option, power off your device and then turn it back on.

4. Clearing the App’s Cache and Data

Sometimes, corrupted cached data can interfere with the app’s functionality.

Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Pokémon GO > Storage. Tap “Clear Cache” and then “Clear Data.” Note: Clearing data will reset the app, so you’ll need to log in again. This step will not delete your account or progress.
iOS: iOS doesn’t offer a direct way to clear the cache. You’ll need to offload the app. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Pokémon GO > Offload App. This removes the app but keeps your data. Then, reinstall the app. Alternatively, you can delete the app and re-download it from the App Store.

5. Updating the App

Using an outdated version of Pokémon GO can lead to compatibility issues.

App Store (iOS): Open the App Store, tap your profile icon at the top right, and scroll down to see pending updates. Update Pokémon GO if available.
Google Play Store (Android): Open the Play Store, tap your profile icon at the top right, go to “Manage apps & device,” and check for updates. Update Pokémon GO if available.

6. Checking Server Status

Niantic’s servers occasionally experience issues, causing login problems and loading screen freezes.

Niantic Support Website: Check the official Niantic Support Twitter or website for announcements regarding server outages.
Pokémon GO Communities: Search online forums and social media groups dedicated to Pokémon GO. Players often report server issues in real-time.

7. Ensuring Correct Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can interfere with the app’s connection to the servers.

iOS: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time. Enable “Set Automatically.”
Android: Go to Settings > General management > Date and time. Ensure “Automatic date and time” and “Automatic time zone” are enabled.

8. Closing Background Apps

Running too many apps in the background can strain your device’s resources and affect Pokémon GO’s performance.

Close any unnecessary apps running in the background before launching Pokémon GO.

9. Reinstalling the App

If all else fails, a clean reinstall can often resolve stubborn issues.

Delete Pokémon GO from your device.
Download the latest version from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

10. Checking Device Compatibility

Older devices may struggle to run the latest versions of Pokémon GO.

Refer to the official Pokémon GO website or app store listing to confirm that your device meets the minimum system requirements.

11. Addressing VPN Usage

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can sometimes interfere with Pokémon GO’s connection.

Disable any VPNs you’re using and try launching the game again.

12. Account Issues

While rare, there might be an issue with your specific account.

Try logging in to Pokémon GO on a different device to see if the problem persists. If it does, contact Niantic Support.

13. Battery Saver Mode Interference

The built-in battery saver modes on your device can sometimes interfere with the game’s processes.

Disable battery saver mode temporarily to see if it helps.

14. Location Services

Ensure Pokémon GO has proper access to your location services.

Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Ensure Location Services are turned on and that Pokémon GO is set to “While Using the App” or “Always.”

15. Contacting Niantic Support

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, contact Niantic Support for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is my Pokémon GO account not loading?

You may receive “failed to log in” or “unable to authenticate” error messages if Niantic’s servers are experiencing a temporary issue or your network connectivity is poor. Check that your mobile device has a strong network connection, try closing and reopening the app, and then try logging in again.

2. Why is my Pokémon GO stuck on a white Niantic screen?

When this happens, continue to tap randomly on the screen. Since Pokémon GO hasn’t crashed, if a trainer happens to tap a PokéStop, a gym, or another Pokémon, the app will refresh, and the white screen will disappear. It will instead be replaced by whatever happens after the landmark or Pokémon that has been tapped.

3. How long does it take to load Pokémon GO?

It depends on your phone and the processing power. A newer phone might load the app in about 30 seconds, while an older tablet might take a minute and a half to load.

4. Why does my Pokémon GO keep spinning?

If you see a spinning symbol of a Pokéball in the top-left corner of the Pokémon Go app, it means your device is attempting to reach the Pokémon Go servers. This usually indicates a poor or unstable internet connection.

5. How long does a soft ban last in Pokémon GO?

During a soft ban, which typically lasts for about 12 hours, any wild Pokémon you encounter will flee when you attempt to catch them, and you won’t be able to collect items from PokéStops.

6. Why is my Pokémon GO freezing?

If Pokémon GO is crashing or freezing consistently, check that you’re running the most up-to-date version of the app. Newer versions often have fixes for known issues.

7. How much data does 1 hour of Pokémon GO use?

Depending on your device, location, and gameplay style, Pokémon GO uses anywhere from 0.003 GB of data to 0.025 GB per hour.

8. Why does Pokémon GO take so long to load?

If you’re in an area with poor reception, it takes longer than usual or gets stuck. Force closing the app, clearing data, and restarting your phone might help.

9. What to do if stuck in Pokémon GO terrain?

If you are stuck in unusual terrain for a few seconds, the game may attempt to relocate you nearby. If it’s unable to do so, or if you repeatedly get stuck in the same place, you may be teleported to the nearest Pokémon Center.

10. Why does Pokémon GO always fail to log in?

Check to ensure your mobile device has a strong network connection, or wait a short while, then try logging in again. If the issue persists, try force stopping the Pokémon GO app in your device’s settings.

11. How do you know if your Pokémon GO account is banned?

Your account is banned if you see the “Your account has been suspended/terminated for violating the Terms of Service” message when logging in to Pokémon GO.

12. Does Pokémon GO delete inactive accounts?

If your account is inactive (i.e., not used or logged-into) for a period of time, Niantic will notify you via the Services or in the App prior to termination of your Account.

13. How do I reset Pokémon GO?

Pokémon GO does not have an option to reset the game! If you want to start all over again, you need to create a new account.

14. Does Pokémon GO drain battery?

Yes, Pokémon GO is known to drain a phone’s battery quickly.

15. Why does Pokemon Go keep freezing in 2023?

If Pokemon Go crashes on startup in 2023, chances are the servers are trying to reconnect. You may need to wait until the servers start functioning again.

Beyond the Game: Learning Through Play

Did you know that games like Pokémon GO can offer more than just entertainment? The problem-solving and strategic thinking skills you develop while troubleshooting technical issues, planning your gameplay, and even understanding the game’s data usage can be valuable in real-world situations. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to researching and promoting the educational benefits of games. Explore their work at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games are transforming education and learning.

By following these troubleshooting steps and understanding the potential causes of a stuck loading screen, you’ll be well-equipped to get back to your Pokémon GO adventures in no time! Happy catching, Trainers!

How do I fix Pokemon Go stuck on my loading screen?