What Counts as Distance Walked in Pokemon GO?
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The core of Pokemon GO revolves around exploration and movement. Hatching eggs, earning candy with your buddy Pokemon, and completing research tasks often require covering significant distances. But what exactly counts as distance walked in the game, and what factors affect the tracking? Simply put, Pokemon GO tracks distance based on GPS signal changes and acceleration data, registering movement while the app is open and you’re traveling at a speed that simulates walking or running (typically under 10.5 km/h or 6.5 mph). It’s not just about physical steps, but about the game’s perception of your consistent and believable movement across geographic space.
Understanding Pokemon GO Distance Tracking
Pokemon GO doesn’t just count steps like a pedometer. It uses a combination of GPS (Global Positioning System) and accelerometer data to determine the distance you’ve traveled. This system tries to differentiate between actual walking/running and being stationary or traveling in a vehicle.
How GPS and Accelerometer Data Works Together
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GPS: The GPS function on your phone is constantly communicating with satellites to pinpoint your location. Pokemon GO relies on this to register your movements between points in time. However, GPS signals can be unreliable indoors or in areas with tall buildings, which can lead to inaccuracies.
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Accelerometer: This sensor detects the acceleration of your phone. It helps the game determine if you are moving in a way that resembles walking or running. It’s more useful to calculate distance indoors than GPS.
The game uses algorithms to filter out erratic or unnatural movements. If your GPS signal jumps around erratically, or if your accelerometer data suggests you’re moving too quickly or erratically, the distance may not be counted.
Speed Limits and Their Impact
Speed is a crucial factor. Pokemon GO has a built-in speed limit. This limit is generally around 10.5 kilometers per hour (6.5 miles per hour). If you exceed this speed, the game will usually not count your distance. This is in place to prevent people from playing while driving.
Even if you’re moving slowly in a vehicle, the game can sometimes detect that your movement isn’t “natural” walking or running, and thus, might not count the distance. Sudden stops, quick turns, and constant speed changes can all trigger the system to reject your movement.
Adventure Sync: Tracking Distance in the Background
Adventure Sync is a feature that allows Pokemon GO to track your distance even when the app isn’t actively running. This feature uses your phone’s built-in fitness tracking systems (like Google Fit on Android or Apple Health on iOS) to record your movement.
To enable Adventure Sync, you must grant Pokemon GO permission to access your fitness data. Once enabled, the game will periodically sync with your fitness data to add distance to your profile. This provides a more accurate picture of your overall activity and helps you hatch eggs and earn buddy candy more efficiently. However, Adventure Sync is also subject to similar speed and “natural movement” limitations as the main game tracking.
Factors Affecting Distance Tracking Accuracy
Several factors can influence the accuracy of distance tracking in Pokemon GO:
- GPS Signal Strength: Weak GPS signals (e.g., indoors, in tunnels) can lead to inaccurate tracking.
- Phone Model: Different phone models have varying GPS and accelerometer accuracy. Some may be more reliable than others.
- Operating System: The operating system (Android or iOS) and its settings can impact how GPS and accelerometer data are handled.
- Battery Saving Mode: Battery-saving modes can sometimes interfere with GPS tracking.
- Network Connection: A stable internet connection is required for Adventure Sync to function correctly.
- Game Bugs: Occasionally, bugs in the Pokemon GO app can cause distance tracking issues.
Tips for Improving Distance Tracking
- Walk in Open Areas: Avoid areas with poor GPS signal, such as buildings and trees.
- Restart the App: If you suspect your distance isn’t being tracked, restart the Pokemon GO app.
- Ensure Location Services Are Enabled: Make sure Pokemon GO has access to your location services, with the best precision.
- Keep the App Open (Sometimes): While Adventure Sync is great, keeping the app open during walks might improve tracking accuracy.
- Calibrate Your Phone’s Compass: This can improve GPS accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to distance walked in Pokemon GO:
1. Does walking on a treadmill count as distance in Pokemon GO?
While theoretically possible, walking on a treadmill is often unreliable for distance tracking in Pokemon GO. The lack of GPS signal and the repetitive nature of the movement can confuse the game’s algorithms. Adventure Sync might track some distance through your phone’s accelerometer, but it’s usually less accurate than walking outdoors.
2. Can I hatch eggs by shaking my phone?
No. Shaking your phone vigorously will not count as distance. The game’s algorithms are designed to detect realistic movement patterns, not artificial shaking.
3. Does driving slowly count as distance?
Generally, no. Even driving slowly, Pokemon GO is designed to understand you are in a car. Speed limits implemented by Niantic usually prevent the distance from being added.
4. How accurate is Adventure Sync?
Adventure Sync can be reasonably accurate, but it depends on the accuracy of your phone’s fitness tracking. Make sure your phone is properly calibrated and that you’ve granted Pokemon GO the necessary permissions. It is generally accepted that Adventure Sync is slightly less precise than tracking in the app itself.
5. Why is my distance not being tracked?
Several reasons could cause this. Check your GPS signal, ensure Pokemon GO has location permissions, restart the app, and make sure you’re not exceeding the speed limit. Confirm that adventure sync is turned on, if desired.
6. Does biking count towards egg hatching and buddy candy?
Yes, but only if you maintain a speed below the game’s limit (around 10.5 km/h). If you’re biking faster, the distance won’t be counted.
7. What happens if my GPS signal is weak?
A weak GPS signal can result in inaccurate or no distance tracking. Try to walk in open areas with a clear view of the sky.
8. Does Pokemon GO track distance when the app is in the background?
Yes, if you have Adventure Sync enabled. Otherwise, the app needs to be open to track distance using GPS.
9. Can I use a GPS spoofing app to cheat distance?
No. Using GPS spoofing apps is against Pokemon GO’s terms of service and can result in account suspension or permanent ban.
10. How often does Pokemon GO update distance?
Pokemon GO usually updates distance in short intervals, typically every few minutes. However, Adventure Sync updates may be less frequent, depending on how often your phone syncs with your fitness data.
11. Why did my Adventure Sync distance disappear?
This can happen due to synchronization issues with your fitness app (Google Fit or Apple Health) or problems with Pokemon GO’s servers. Restarting the app and your phone can sometimes resolve the issue.
12. Is Adventure Sync reliable for hatching eggs?
Adventure Sync is a valuable tool for hatching eggs, but it is not perfect. Factors like GPS accuracy and phone model can influence its reliability. It is, however, the preferred method for gaining distance passively.
13. What settings should I check to ensure accurate distance tracking?
- Location Services: Ensure Pokemon GO has “Always” access to your location.
- Adventure Sync: Enable Adventure Sync in the game’s settings.
- Battery Saver: Disable battery-saving mode, as it can limit GPS functionality.
- Google Fit/Apple Health Permissions: Grant Pokemon GO access to your fitness data.
14. Can I split distance between multiple eggs at the same time?
Yes! All active eggs, or buddy Pokemon, will gain distance simultaneously. There is no limit to the number of active items gaining progress.
15. Does walking on a train count as distance in Pokemon GO?
Most likely no. Travel on trains generally exceeds the game’s speed limit, preventing distance from being recorded. Even if the train is moving slowly, the movement may be interpreted as irregular, preventing the distance from counting.