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Why Isn’t My Daily Adventure Incense Working in Pokémon GO?

So, you’ve popped your Daily Adventure Incense in Pokémon GO, ready to snag some rare Pokémon, but… nothing. Or maybe just a Pidgey. Frustrating, right? There are several reasons why your Daily Adventure Incense might not be working as intended. The most common culprits include incorrect device settings, lack of movement, time restrictions, bag space issues, and even occasional game glitches. Let’s break down each of these potential problems and how to fix them.

Understanding the Daily Adventure Incense

The Daily Adventure Incense is a special item in Pokémon GO that you receive once per day. It lasts for 15 minutes and is designed to attract Pokémon to you while you’re moving. It’s the only way to encounter certain rare Pokémon in the wild, like the elusive Galarian Birds (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres). But if it’s not working, it’s definitely not worth it.

Common Reasons Your Daily Adventure Incense Isn’t Working

Here’s a detailed look at why your incense might be failing you:

Time Restrictions: The Daily Adventure Incense is unavailable between 11:45 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. local time. This is to prevent overlap with receiving the next day’s incense. Trying to use it during this window will simply result in it not activating.
Incorrect Device Settings: Pokémon GO relies heavily on your device’s time and location settings. If these are incorrect, the game might have trouble registering your movement or activating the incense properly.
- Solution: For Android users, go to your device settings, find “Date and Time,” and ensure that “Automatic Date and Time” and “Automatic Timezones” are active. For iOS users, go to “Settings,” then “General,” then “Date & Time,” and make sure “Set Automatically” is toggled on.
Lack of Movement: Unlike regular incense, the Daily Adventure Incense requires movement. If you activate it and stand still, you’ll notice a significant decrease in Pokémon spawns.
- Solution: Get moving! Walk, jog, or cycle around your neighborhood. A brisk walk is the best way to maximize the incense’s effectiveness. It’s been suggested that around 50 meters between spawns is optimal.
Insufficient Poké Balls: This is a common oversight. The game needs to be able to give you new spawns so, if you have 30 or fewer Poké Balls (including Great Balls and Ultra Balls) when you activate the incense, the game will grant you 30 Poké Balls.
- Solution: Make sure you have enough item bag space to receive the 30 Poké Balls. If your bag is full, you won’t get the bonus balls, which in turn is needed to catch new Pokemon from the incense.
Full Item Bag: As mentioned above, you need space in your item bag to receive the 30 free Poké Balls if you have less than 30 in total. If your bag is full, this bonus won’t be granted, impacting your ability to catch Pokémon attracted by the incense.
- Solution: Clear out some unnecessary items from your bag before activating the incense. Consider discarding potions, revives, or berries that you don’t frequently use.
Game Glitches and Bugs: Sometimes, the issue isn’t on your end but a problem with the game itself. Glitches and bugs can prevent the incense from working correctly.
- Solution: Try restarting the Pokémon GO app. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your device. You can also clear the game’s cache (in Android settings) or refresh game data. To refresh game data in Pokémon GO, go to the Settings menu, select Advanced Settings, and tap Refresh Game Data.
Server Issues: Pokémon GO occasionally experiences server issues, which can affect various aspects of the game, including incense functionality.
- Solution: Check the Pokémon GO server status online (many websites and social media accounts track this). If there are widespread server problems, the only thing to do is wait for Niantic to resolve them.
Low GPS Signal: The Daily Adventure Incense relies on a strong GPS signal to track your movement. If your GPS signal is weak or unstable, the game might not register your movement accurately, leading to fewer spawns.
- Solution: Move to an area with better GPS coverage. Open spaces are generally better than being surrounded by tall buildings or trees. You can also try restarting your device’s GPS.
Outdated App Version: Using an outdated version of Pokémon GO can lead to compatibility issues and bugs that might affect the incense.
- Solution: Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed. Check the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) for updates.
Adventure Sync Issues: While not directly related, issues with Adventure Sync can sometimes indirectly affect the Daily Adventure Incense. Adventure Sync allows the game to track your movement in the background, even when the app is closed.
- Solution: Ensure Adventure Sync is enabled in the game settings. If it’s already enabled, try disabling it and then re-enabling it.

Maximizing Your Daily Adventure Incense

Even if you’ve addressed all the potential issues, here are some tips to make the most of your Daily Adventure Incense:

Plan Your Route: Choose a route that allows for consistent movement and avoids obstacles that might disrupt your GPS signal.
Keep an Eye on the Clock: Remember, the incense only lasts for 15 minutes, so make every second count.
Be Prepared: Have enough Poké Balls and berries ready to go to catch the Pokémon you encounter.
Consider Weather Conditions: Incense can be less effective in certain weather conditions, such as heavy rain or extreme heat. Plan accordingly.

What About Those Elusive Galarian Birds?

The Galarian Birds (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) are a major draw for the Daily Adventure Incense. However, they are incredibly rare and notoriously difficult to catch.

Catch Rate: These birds have a very low catch rate (around 0.3%) and a high flee rate (around 90%). Be prepared to use Golden Razz Berries and Ultra Balls, and don’t be discouraged if they flee after the first throw.
Persistence Pays Off: Keep using your Daily Adventure Incense regularly. The more you use it, the higher your chances of encountering these rare Pokémon.

Let’s Play

Pokémon GO is a global sensation, blending gaming with real-world exploration. If you’re fascinated by the intersection of gaming and learning, consider exploring the work of organizations like the Games Learning Society, which examines how games can be used to enhance education and cognitive skills. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Daily Adventure Incense Not Working? – FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further troubleshoot any issues you might be experiencing with the Daily Adventure Incense:

FAQ 1: How often can I use the Daily Adventure Incense?

You can use the Daily Adventure Incense once per day. It becomes available at 12:00 a.m. local time and is unavailable between 11:45 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. local time.

FAQ 2: Does the Daily Adventure Incense work if I’m not moving?

No, the Daily Adventure Incense is designed to work best when you are moving. You’ll see significantly fewer Pokémon spawns if you remain stationary.

FAQ 3: What time of day is best to use the Daily Adventure Incense?

There’s no specific “best” time, but ensure you use it before 11:44 p.m. local time to avoid conflicts with receiving the next day’s incense.

FAQ 4: Why didn’t I get the 30 Poké Balls when I activated the Daily Adventure Incense?

You only receive the 30 Poké Balls if you have 30 or fewer Poké Balls (including Great Balls and Ultra Balls) in your item bag and have enough space in your bag to receive them. If your bag is full, you won’t get the bonus.

FAQ 5: Can I encounter Shiny Pokémon with the Daily Adventure Incense?

Yes, you can encounter Shiny Pokémon while using the Daily Adventure Incense. The shiny rate is believed by some players to be higher but there is no proof.

FAQ 6: Does the Daily Adventure Incense attract different Pokémon than regular Incense?

Yes, the Daily Adventure Incense can attract Pokémon that are not commonly found in the wild, including the Galarian Birds.

FAQ 7: Can I catch Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, or Moltres with regular Incense?

No, the Galarian Birds (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) are exclusively found using the Daily Adventure Incense.

FAQ 8: What is the catch rate for Galarian Birds from the Daily Adventure Incense?

The Galarian Birds have a very low catch rate (around 0.3%) and a high flee rate (around 90%).

FAQ 9: How far do I need to move for the Daily Adventure Incense to work effectively?

It’s suggested that moving around 50 meters between spawns is optimal. Walking in a straight line is more effective than meandering around.

FAQ 10: What should I do if I encounter a Galarian Bird but it flees?

Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to prevent a Galarian Bird from fleeing. Just keep using your Daily Adventure Incense daily and hope for another encounter. Use Golden Razz Berries and Ultra Balls when you do.

FAQ 11: Is the Daily Adventure Incense better than regular Incense?

It depends on your goals. Regular Incense lasts longer (1 hour) and spawns Pokémon more frequently when moving, but the Daily Adventure Incense offers the chance to encounter rare Pokémon like the Galarian Birds.

FAQ 12: How do I refresh game data in Pokémon GO?

Go to the Settings menu, select Advanced Settings, and tap Refresh Game Data.

FAQ 13: Will using a location spoofer make my Daily Adventure Incense work better?

Using location spoofing apps is against Pokémon GO’s terms of service and can result in a ban. It’s not recommended.

FAQ 14: Does weather affect the effectiveness of Daily Adventure Incense?

While not officially confirmed, some players believe that weather conditions can influence the effectiveness of the incense.

FAQ 15: What if I’ve tried everything and my Daily Adventure Incense still isn’t working?

Contact Niantic Support. If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps, there may be an underlying issue that only they can resolve.

Why does daily incense not work?