Why is my Pokémon GO Plus Not Spinning Stops? A Comprehensive Guide
So, your Pokémon GO Plus, or Pokémon GO Plus +, isn’t spinning those enticing PokéStops, leaving you short on items and XP? Don’t fret! This is a common issue with a few potential culprits. The most frequent reason is a full Item Bag. The device prioritizes catching Pokémon, and if your bag is overflowing, it simply won’t spin stops to avoid exceeding your item limit. Even pressing the button manually won’t override this limitation. But that’s not the only possibility. Let’s dive into other reasons why your trusty gadget might be failing to spin those stops and how to fix them.
Decoding the Spinning Stop Silence
Here’s a breakdown of why your Pokémon GO Plus might be ignoring PokéStops:
- Full Item Bag: This is the most common cause. Clear out some items by using them, discarding excess potions or berries, or investing in an Item Bag upgrade.
- Connection Issues: A shaky Bluetooth connection between your device and your phone can prevent proper communication. This can be resolved by unpairing and re-pairing the device within the Pokémon GO app’s settings.
- Device Malfunction: Although rare, the device itself might be experiencing a glitch. Try resetting the Pokémon GO Plus + according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually involves holding a button combination).
- Speed Lock: If you’re traveling too fast (usually above a certain speed threshold), the game will prevent the Pokémon GO Plus from spinning stops or catching Pokémon to discourage playing while driving.
- PokéStop Distance: Make sure you are within spinning distance of the PokéStop. Sometimes the visual representation on the game isn’t accurate and you need to move closer.
- Cooldown Period: After spinning a PokéStop, there is a brief cooldown period before you can spin it again. This may cause confusion if you’re rapidly moving between stops.
- Daily/Weekly Spin Limit: There are limits to how many PokéStops you can spin in a day or week. Once you hit these limits, the device will cease spinning stops.
Diagnosing the Problem: A Step-by-Step Approach
- Check Your Item Bag: This is always the first step. Is it full? If so, clear some space.
- Restart Pokémon GO and your Phone: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
- Check Bluetooth Connection: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that the Pokémon GO Plus is properly paired. Unpair and re-pair if necessary.
- Test Manual Spinning: Try manually spinning a PokéStop on your phone. If you can’t, the issue might be with your internet connection or the game servers.
- Check Your Speed: If you’re in a car or on public transport, you might be exceeding the speed limit for spinning stops.
- Update the App: Ensure you have the latest version of Pokémon GO installed.
- Factory Reset (Last Resort): If all else fails, consult the device’s manual for instructions on performing a factory reset.
Pokémon GO Plus + Lights: What They Mean
Understanding the indicator lights on your Pokémon GO Plus + can provide valuable clues about what’s happening.
- Flashing Red: Often indicates a connection problem, a failed sleep log, or a session shorter than 90 minutes.
- Blue Light: Generally associated with Bluetooth pairing and sleep tracking initiation.
- Rainbow Light with Pikachu Song: Confirms that sleep tracking has been completed successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further assist you in troubleshooting issues with your Pokémon GO Plus.
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Can my Pokémon GO Plus get me banned for spinning too many PokéStops?
Yes, potentially. There are daily and weekly limits on PokéStop spins. Exceeding these limits can result in a softban, temporarily restricting your ability to spin stops or catch Pokémon. The limit is 1200 spins in 24 hours.
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Does the Pokémon GO Plus drain my phone’s battery?
Yes, using the Pokémon GO Plus constantly does drain your phone’s battery faster because the app is running in the background and maintaining a Bluetooth connection. How fast the battery is drained depends on your phone and usage patterns.
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My Pokémon GO Plus is flashing red. What does this mean?
A flashing red light usually indicates a connection issue between the device and your phone, a loss of GPS signal, or a failed sleep log. Try unpairing and re-pairing the device.
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Why is my Pokémon GO Plus not starting sleep session?
The Pokémon GO Plus + needs to be on a relatively flat and stable surface to accurately track sleep. Also, ensure it’s not being charged during sleep tracking, as this can lead to overheating.
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Does the Pokémon GO Plus work in my pocket?
Yes, the Pokémon GO Plus is designed to be used in your pocket or attached to your clothing. However, ensure it’s not obstructed, as this could interfere with its ability to connect and function properly.
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Does the Pokémon GO Plus track steps?
No, the Pokémon GO Plus does not have a built-in step tracker. It relies on the Pokémon GO app to track distance and steps based on your phone’s GPS and motion sensors. The GamesLearningSociety.org focuses on the broader aspects of game-based learning.
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How do I know if my Pokémon GO Plus + is tracking sleep?
After initiating sleep tracking by holding the main button until the light flashes blue, the device will track your sleep automatically. Upon waking, pressing the main button will trigger a Pikachu song and a series of vibrations and colored lights, indicating that the sleep log has been recorded successfully.
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Is the Pokémon GO Plus waterproof?
No, the Pokémon GO Plus and Pokémon GO Plus + are not waterproof or water-resistant. Avoid exposing them to water or moisture.
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Can I use the Pokémon GO Plus while charging?
While you can use the Pokémon GO Plus while charging, it’s not recommended to do so while tracking sleep. This is to avoid potential heat buildup and ensure accurate sleep tracking.
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How long does it take for the Pokémon GO Plus + to charge?
It takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge the Pokémon GO Plus +.
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Can I get banned for having multiple Pokémon GO accounts?
Niantic’s Terms of Service state that each player should only have one Pokémon GO account. While enforcement can be challenging, having multiple accounts can potentially lead to a ban.
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Is there a maximum number of PokéStops I can spin in a day?
Yes, the daily PokéStop spin limit is 1200 spins within a 24-hour period.
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Why does my Pokémon GO keep spinning?
Seeing a spinning symbol usually means your phone is trying to connect to the Pokémon GO servers. This could indicate a problem with your internet connection or server issues on Niantic’s end.
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Why is my Pokémon GO Plus not catching Pokémon? The steps to solving this would be:
- Check your bag space for Pokeballs. If you do not have the item in your bag, you will not be able to catch Pokemon.
- Check the settings. Make sure the settings within your game are setup correctly so that the Go Plus catches them.
- Can the Pokemon Go Plus drain battery even if I am not playing? Yes. This is because it is constantly trying to maintain a bluetooth signal even while you are not actively playing the game.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Pokémon GO Plus
By understanding the potential causes and solutions outlined above, you can keep your Pokémon GO Plus spinning stops and catching Pokémon efficiently. Remember to prioritize a clear item bag, a stable Bluetooth connection, and awareness of your speed and spin limits. Happy catching!