Why Is Pokemon GO Lagging? A Trainer’s Troubleshooting Guide

Pokemon GO, the augmented reality sensation, can be a truly immersive experience. But like any complex mobile game, it’s susceptible to lag, freezing, and performance issues that can derail your quest to catch ’em all. There are numerous reasons why you might be experiencing lag in Pokemon GO, but in short, lag can happen because of poor internet connection, outdated app versions, server issues, device limitations, or problems with background processes. In this article, we’ll cover why Pokémon GO might be experiencing lag, and how you might fix it!

Understanding the Culprits: Common Causes of Lag

Lag in Pokemon GO isn’t always a single, easily identifiable problem. Instead, it’s often the result of a combination of factors interacting to slow down your gameplay. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common suspects:

• Internet Connectivity: Pokemon GO is a data-intensive game. A weak or unstable internet connection is often the primary cause of lag.
• Outdated App Version: Older versions of the app may contain bugs or lack optimizations present in newer releases.
• Server Issues: Niantic’s servers, like any online service, can experience outages or overload, leading to widespread lag.
• Device Limitations: Older or lower-end devices may struggle to handle the game’s demands, especially during events with increased Pokemon spawns or graphical effects.
• Background Processes: Other apps running in the background can consume resources and interfere with Pokemon GO’s performance.
• Cache and Data Overload: Over time, the app’s cache and data files can become bloated, leading to slowdowns.
• Device Temperature: Overheating can significantly impact performance, causing the game to lag or even crash.

Troubleshooting Steps: How to Tame the Lag Monster

Fortunately, most lag issues in Pokemon GO can be addressed with a systematic approach to troubleshooting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you diagnose and resolve the problem:

1. Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure you have a strong and stable data connection. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data (3G, 4G, or 5G) to see if one performs better. Run a speed test to check your internet speed.
2. Update the App: Make sure you’re running the latest version of Pokemon GO. Check the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) for updates.
3. Restart the App and Your Device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches or conflicts. Close the app completely and then relaunch it. If that doesn’t work, restart your phone or tablet.
4. Clear App Cache and Data: Clearing the app’s cache can remove temporary files that may be causing issues. Go to your device’s settings, find the Pokemon GO app, and select “Storage.” Then, tap “Clear Cache.” You can also clear “App Data,” but be aware that this will reset your app settings, and you will need to log in again.
5. Close Background Apps: Close any unnecessary apps running in the background to free up resources for Pokemon GO.
6. Lower Graphics Settings (If Available): Some devices allow you to adjust the game’s graphics settings. Lowering the settings can reduce the strain on your device and improve performance.
7. Ensure Automatic System Time: Make sure your device’s date and time are set to “Automatic.” Incorrect time settings can cause connection issues.
8. Reinstall the App: If all else fails, try uninstalling and reinstalling Pokemon GO. This will ensure you have a fresh installation of the app.
9. Check Server Status: Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, check if Pokemon GO servers are down. Websites like DownDetector can provide real-time information about server outages.
10. Adjust Native Refresh Rate: On iOS devices (like iPhones and iPads), a recent update allows you to “Unlock your device’s native refresh rate for higher FPS” in the advanced settings. This can significantly improve performance.
11. Reconnect Google’s Access: For Google accounts, try reconnecting Google’s access to Pokémon GO. This can resolve some authorization and connectivity issues.

Android vs. iOS: The Performance Divide

It’s a known fact that Pokemon GO can sometimes perform differently on Android and iOS devices. Some players report that the app tends to run more slowly on Android, especially on older or lower-end models. This could be due to a variety of factors, including differences in hardware capabilities, operating system optimizations, and even the way the app is coded for each platform. In general, iOS devices tend to have more consistent performance due to Apple’s tighter control over hardware and software.

Is Spoofing Worth It? The Risks of GPS Manipulation

Spoofing, or using third-party apps to falsify your GPS location, is strictly against Niantic’s Terms of Service. While it might seem tempting to bypass location restrictions or access rare Pokemon, spoofing carries significant risks, including account warnings, temporary suspensions, and even permanent bans. Additionally, spoofing goes against the spirit of the game, which is designed to encourage exploration and real-world interaction. Is it wrong to spoof Pokemon go? The consensus is yes, and the consequences are very real.

The Role of the Games Learning Society

The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, researches the intersection of learning and gaming. Games like Pokemon GO offer unique opportunities for learning about geography, teamwork, and even problem-solving. Understanding how these games engage players and promote learning can help us design more effective educational tools in the future.

FAQs: Addressing Your Pokemon GO Lag Concerns

1. Why is my Pokémon GO so glitchy?

Glitches can stem from various issues, including a poor internet connection, outdated app version, device limitations, or server problems.

2. Why does Pokémon GO run so bad on my Android?

The app may run slower on Androids due to coding optimization differences or device throttling. Try reinstalling the app, but there might not be a definitive fix.

3. Is there a problem with Pokémon GO today?

Check online resources like DownDetector for real-time information about potential server outages.

4. How do I make Pokémon GO run faster?

Keep the app updated, clear cache, close background apps, and, on iOS, enable the “Unlock your device’s native refresh rate for higher FPS” setting.

5. Why is Pokemon go slow on my phone?

Possible causes include the app’s coding not being optimized for Android, throttling Android devices, or device limitations. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

6. How to bypass Pokemon Go speed limit?

While tricks exist, attempting to bypass the speed limit can lead to account warnings or restrictions. It’s best to play within the game’s intended parameters.

7. Why can’t Zorua be traded?

Due to a bug that enabled Zorua to learn unintended moves, its trading capability was restricted temporarily to resolve the issue.

8. How do you know if your Pokemon Go account is banned?

You’ll receive a message stating your account is suspended when attempting to log in. You will not be able to bypass this message.

9. Why boycott Pokémon GO?

Past boycotts were organized due to Niantic’s decisions to revert changes made to help players safely play during the pandemic.

10. How do I clear my Pokémon GO cache?

Go to your device settings, find the Pokémon GO app, tap Storage, and select Clear cache.

11. Why is my Pokemon go lagging and freezing?

Ensure your app is updated, clear cache, and consider reinstalling the app after turning on the native refresh rate on devices that support it.

12. Why does Pokemon go keep freezing in 2023?

If it freezes on startup, servers might be reconnecting. Waiting for some time until the servers start functioning again is generally the only solution.

13. Does Pokémon GO warn you before banning?

You may receive a warning message about detected cheating before a ban is issued, but some violations may result in immediate termination.

14. How many mph can you go in Pokemon Go?

The game functions best when traveling at speeds under 12 mph (20 kmph). Going faster may trigger the speed lock.

15. How do I stop Pokémon Go from lagging?

Update the app, check your internet connection, refresh game data, use automatic system time, clear app data and cache, check background data restrictions, reinstall the app, and reconnect Google’s access.