Is My Poké Ball Plus Connected? A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’re eager to catch ’em all using your Poké Ball Plus, but you’re not quite sure if it’s actually connected to your game? Fear not, fellow trainer! Knowing whether your Poké Ball Plus is properly linked is essential for seamless gameplay. Here’s the definitive guide to verifying your connection:
The most straightforward way to confirm a successful connection is to observe the in-game indicator. If your Poké Ball Plus and game are connected, the Poké Ball Plus icon in the game will become brighter. Additionally, pressing the top button on the Poké Ball Plus will cause it to vibrate, providing haptic feedback that confirms the link. If you’re not experiencing these indicators, it’s time to troubleshoot. Let’s dive into the details and common issues.
Troubleshooting Your Poké Ball Plus Connection
Connectivity issues can arise from various sources, from simple Bluetooth problems to outdated app versions. Let’s explore some key areas to investigate.
Checking Compatibility and Bluetooth
The first step is ensuring compatibility. Not all devices and operating systems are created equal.
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Verify Device and OS Support: Consult the Pokémon GO official website or the Poké Ball Plus packaging to confirm that your smartphone and its operating system are officially supported. Older devices or outdated software versions might lack the necessary Bluetooth protocols.
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Enable Bluetooth: This might sound obvious, but it’s a common oversight. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone. The process varies slightly depending on your phone’s manufacturer, so refer to your device’s manual if needed. Usually, you can find the Bluetooth setting in your phone’s settings app.
App Version and In-App Connection
The Pokémon GO app itself plays a critical role in establishing the connection.
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Update Pokémon GO: Ensure you’re running the latest version of the Pokémon GO app. Outdated versions might contain bugs or lack the necessary support for the Poké Ball Plus. Check your app store for updates.
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In-App Pairing Process: The pairing process within the Pokémon GO app is crucial. To connect your Poké Ball Plus, follow these steps:
- Tap the Poké Ball icon on the main game screen.
- Select “Settings”.
- Scroll down to “Poké Ball Plus” and select it.
- Press the Top Button on the Poké Ball Plus to make it appear in the list of “Available Devices” on Pokémon GO.
- Your Poké Ball Plus should appear in the list with a flashing green circle in the middle of the icon. Tap it to pair.
Battery and Charging
A depleted battery can prevent the Poké Ball Plus from connecting or functioning correctly.
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Check Battery Level: If you press the top button on the Poké Ball Plus, a small LED will light up, allowing you to roughly check the battery level.
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Charge the Poké Ball Plus: It takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge the Poké Ball Plus battery. This accessory can be charged using a cable with a USB type-C plug, such as a Nintendo Switch AC adapter.
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Charging Issues: If your Poké Ball Plus isn’t charging, try these solutions:
- Use a different AC adapter.
- Use a different USB port (if plugged into a dock or other USB-compatible device).
- Use a different USB cable.
Decoding the Lights and Vibrations
The Poké Ball Plus uses lights and vibrations to communicate various states and events. Understanding these cues is essential for troubleshooting.
Light Indicators
- Flashing Red: Usually indicates that you’ve moved too far from a PokéStop before spinning it.
- Yellow: Typically signifies that you’ve encountered a Pokémon that isn’t in your Pokedex.
- Light Blue: Flashes up to 3 times indicating you’re about to catch a Pokémon. If successful, you’ll see celebratory lights. If unsuccessful, it will flash red.
- Pink/Purple (with Mew sound): Confirms that the Poké Ball Plus contains Mew (if applicable). To trigger this, press and hold the control stick button for a few seconds.
Vibrations
Vibrations are used to notify you of events like encountering Pokémon, spinning PokéStops, or connection status changes. A lack of vibration could indicate a connection problem or a low battery.
Optimizing Your Experience
Beyond basic connectivity, there are settings and considerations that can enhance your Poké Ball Plus experience.
Auto-Spin and Auto-Catch
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Auto-Spin: The Poké Ball Plus and Pokémon GO Plus + devices can be set to automatically spin Photo Discs at nearby PokéStops or Gyms. Check your in-app settings to enable or disable this feature.
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Auto-Catch: The Pokémon GO Plus is capable of automatically engaging and potentially catching Pokémon you’ve already caught.
Item Bag Management
- Full Item Bag: If your Item Bag is full, the Pokémon GO Plus + will not spin PokéStops. Make space by using or discarding items.
Ball Selection
- Using Different Poké Balls: The Poke Ball Plus Plus lets you switch from Poke Balls and instead automatically use Great or Ultra Balls to catch encounters. However, the standard GO Plus typically uses regular Poké Balls. Keep in mind, the setting “Remember Last-Used Poké Ball” might affect which ball is used. We can confirm that GO Plus does not use Ultra or Great balls to catch Pokémon with the setting turned on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further assist you with your Poké Ball Plus.
1. Why isn’t my Poké Ball Plus connecting at all?
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled, the app is updated, and you are following the in-app pairing process. Restarting both your phone and the Pokémon GO app can often resolve connection glitches. Check your phone manufacturer documentation and verify if your smartphone supports Bluetooth LE.
2. My Poké Ball Plus connects, but disconnects frequently. What’s happening?
Bluetooth interference from other devices can cause intermittent disconnections. Try moving to an area with less wireless activity. A weak Bluetooth signal from your phone could also be the issue.
3. The Poké Ball Plus icon in the game isn’t lighting up, even though it’s connected. Is this a bug?
Sometimes, the visual indicator in the game can be glitchy. Try restarting the Pokémon GO app. If the Poké Ball Plus is vibrating when you press the top button, it’s likely connected despite the visual issue.
4. How do I know if my Poké Ball Plus has Mew?
Press and hold the control stick button on the Poké Ball Plus for a few seconds, then let go. The ring around the control stick button will light up as a pink/purple color and make a sound like Mew laughing. (You can also shake the Poké Ball Plus to hear Mew’s voice.)
5. Can I use the Poké Ball Plus while it’s charging?
It’s generally recommended to charge Poké Ball Plus and ensure that it is not in use during this time to avoid potential damage or reduced battery life.
6. My Poké Ball Plus isn’t spinning PokéStops automatically. Why?
Make sure Auto-Spin is enabled in the app settings. Also, if your Item Bag is full, the Poké Ball Plus won’t spin PokéStops.
7. How do I check my Pokémon GO Plus battery?
If you press the top button, a small LED will light up, allowing you to check the battery level. If the light is dim or doesn’t light up at all, charge the device.
8. What does the yellow light on the Pokeball plus mean?
If the Pokémon is a species you haven’t caught before, your Pokémon GO Plus will vibrate, and its light will flash yellow.
9. Does Pokémon GO Plus work in your pocket?
Yes, The Pokémon GO Plus is a small, wearable device that allows you to catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops without having to take your phone out of your pocket.
10. Why won’t my Poké Ball Plus use great balls?
We can confirm that GO Plus does not use Ultra or Great balls to catch Pokémon with the setting “Remember Last-Used Poké Ball” turned on. GO Plus users can spend their regular Poké Balls as they used to, and the game will still respect the last-used setting when encountering Pokémon in-game.
11. How do I turn on Bluetooth on Poké Ball Plus?
The Poké Ball Plus doesn’t directly “turn on” Bluetooth. Bluetooth is managed on your smartphone. You need to ensure your smartphone’s Bluetooth is enabled and then follow the in-app pairing process.
12. I’ve tried everything, and my Poké Ball Plus still won’t connect. What now?
Contact Pokémon GO support for assistance. There might be a hardware issue with your Poké Ball Plus.
13. How do I unpair my Poké Ball Plus from my phone?
In the Pokémon GO app settings, navigate to the Poké Ball Plus section and look for an option to “Disconnect” or “Forget Device.” This will remove the pairing.
14. Does the Poké Ball Plus use more battery on my phone?
Yes, using Bluetooth constantly to communicate with the Poké Ball Plus will consume additional battery on your phone. Adjust your usage accordingly.
15. Can I use my Poké Ball Plus with multiple phones?
The Poké Ball Plus can only be paired with one phone at a time. You’ll need to unpair it from the first phone before pairing it with another.
The Future of Gaming and Learning
The world of Pokémon GO and accessories like the Poké Ball Plus exemplify how games can blend entertainment with real-world interaction. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores the intersection of games, learning, and society, furthering our understanding of how games can be powerful tools for education and engagement. From enhancing cognitive skills to fostering social interaction, games play a vital role in shaping our understanding of the world. So, go forth, connect your Poké Ball Plus, and embrace the adventure!