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Why is Pokémon GO Not Compatible with My Phone?

So, you’re eager to catch ’em all, but Pokémon GO throws a curveball, declaring itself incompatible with your phone. Frustrating, right? There’s no single answer, but the issue typically boils down to several key factors related to your device’s hardware, software, and configuration. In short, Pokémon GO might be incompatible with your phone because:

Your phone’s operating system is too old.
Your phone’s hardware doesn’t meet the minimum requirements.
Your phone is rooted or jailbroken.
You’re using an unofficial version of the app.
Your phone is experiencing technical issues like a weak internet connection or disabled location services.

Let’s break down each of these reasons and explore solutions.

Operating System: Stuck in the Past

Pokémon GO, like any modern app, evolves. Each update brings new features, bug fixes, and optimizations, but also often requires a more recent version of the operating system. If your phone runs an older version of Android or iOS that’s no longer supported, the game will refuse to install or run.

Android: Currently, Pokémon GO requires Android 7.0 (Nougat) or higher. If you’re running anything older, it’s time for an upgrade (if your phone supports it) or a new device. Keep in mind some Bluetooth accessories require Android 8 or above.
iOS: Apple devices also have limitations. Pokémon GO regularly ceases support for older iOS versions. While specific supported versions can fluctuate, keeping your iOS up-to-date as much as is possible ensures the highest likelihood of compatibility. Historically, iPhone 5s and 6 have fallen off the supported list due to older OS limitations.

How to Check Your Operating System Version

Android: Go to Settings > About phone > Software information (or System > About phone > Software information, depending on your device). Look for “Android version.”
iOS: Go to Settings > General > About. Look for “Software Version.”

If you’re below the minimum requirement, check if an update is available in your phone’s settings. Be aware that older devices may no longer receive updates from the manufacturer.

Hardware Deficiencies: Not Enough Oomph

Pokémon GO isn’t just about simple graphics. It uses augmented reality (AR), GPS, network connectivity, and processes a lot of data. All of these things mean your phone needs sufficient hardware to run smoothly.

RAM: The game requires at least 2GB of RAM. Less than that, and the game might crash, lag, or refuse to start.
Processor: While not explicitly stated, a modern processor is crucial. Older, underpowered processors simply can’t handle the game’s demands.
Screen Resolution: While the game is usable at 720×1280 (HD), it is not optimized for tablet-sized screens.
GPS and Sensors: A functioning GPS is essential for location tracking. Also ensure your location services are turned on within your phone’s settings. Other sensors, like an accelerometer and gyroscope, enhance the AR experience. If these are faulty, your phone may struggle with Pokémon GO.

Identifying Hardware Limitations

Unfortunately, there’s no definitive “Pokémon GO hardware score” for phones. The best way to determine if your hardware is lacking is by:

Checking the specifications: Look up your phone’s specifications online and compare them to the recommended requirements for the game (if available).
Observing performance: If other demanding games or apps struggle on your phone, Pokémon GO will likely have issues as well.

Rooted/Jailbroken Devices: Playing Outside the Rules

Rooting (Android) or jailbreaking (iOS) your phone gives you greater control over your device but also removes security safeguards. Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, actively blocks rooted/jailbroken devices because:

Increased risk of cheating: Rooting/jailbreaking makes it easier to use third-party tools to spoof your location, automate gameplay, or otherwise gain an unfair advantage.
Security vulnerabilities: These modifications can expose your device to malware and other security threats.

If your phone is rooted/jailbroken, you’ll need to unroot/unjailbreak it to play Pokémon GO. This process varies depending on your device and operating system version. Be aware that unrooting/unjailbreaking can sometimes be complex and may void your warranty.

Unofficial Apps: A Risky Business

Downloading Pokémon GO from unofficial sources (i.e., not the Google Play Store or the App Store) is a recipe for disaster. These versions are often:

Outdated: They might not be compatible with the current game servers.
Modified: They could contain malware, viruses, or other malicious code.
Unsupported: Niantic provides no support for unofficial versions.

Always download Pokémon GO from the official app stores. If you’re unsure, uninstall the current version and reinstall it from Google Play or the App Store.

Technical Hiccups: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even if your phone meets the requirements, technical glitches can still prevent Pokémon GO from working.

Internet Connection: A strong and stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) is crucial. Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular to see if that resolves the issue.
Location Services: Pokémon GO needs access to your location. Make sure location services are enabled in your phone’s settings and that the app has permission to access your location.
Bluetooth Issues: Some accessories such as the Pokémon GO Plus rely on bluetooth. Ensure that your phone has bluetooth enabled. Check with your phone’s manufacturer and ensure that your smartphone supports Bluetooth® LE.
App Cache and Data: Clearing the app’s cache and data can sometimes resolve unexpected problems. Go to Settings > Apps > Pokémon GO > Storage and tap “Clear cache” and “Clear data.” (The exact steps may vary depending on your device.) Note: Clearing data will require you to log back into the game.
Restart Your Phone: The classic solution! Restarting your phone can often resolve temporary software glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pokémon GO compatibility:

1. What is the oldest Android version that can play Pokémon GO?

Currently, Android 7.0 (Nougat) is the minimum supported version.

2. Can I play Pokémon GO on a tablet?

While possible, Pokémon GO is not optimized for tablets. You might experience scaling issues or other graphical glitches. The game prefers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.

3. Does Pokémon GO require a SIM card?

No, you do not need a SIM card to play Pokémon GO. You can use Wi-Fi or a virtual SIM (eSIM) with a prepaid data package.

4. Why does Pokémon GO say my device isn’t compatible even though it meets the requirements?

This can sometimes happen due to temporary glitches in the Google Play Store or App Store. Try clearing the app store’s cache and data, or restarting your phone.

5. Will Pokémon GO ever support older devices again?

It’s unlikely. As the game evolves, it requires more processing power and features that older devices simply can’t provide.

6. Can I use an emulator to play Pokémon GO on my computer?

While technically possible, using emulators is against Niantic’s terms of service and could result in a ban.

7. What happens if I use a modified version of Pokémon GO?

You risk being banned from the game. Niantic actively detects and penalizes players using unofficial versions.

8. Is Pokémon GO compatible with foldable phones?

Yes, Pokémon GO is compatible with foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series.

9. Can I play Pokémon GO without GPS?

No, GPS is essential for Pokémon GO. The game relies on your location to track your movement and spawn Pokémon.

10. Why is my Pokémon GO lagging or crashing?

This could be due to several reasons, including a weak internet connection, insufficient RAM, or an outdated operating system. Try closing other apps, clearing the app’s cache, or upgrading your phone.

11. How much data does Pokémon GO use?

Pokémon GO typically uses around 10-20 MB of data per hour, depending on your usage.

12. I keep getting a “Failed to detect location” error. What should I do?

Make sure location services are enabled, your GPS is working correctly, and you have a strong internet connection. Also, try restarting your phone and recalibrating your GPS.

13. Is it safe for kids to play Pokémon GO?

Pokémon GO can be a fun and engaging game for kids, but it’s important to supervise their gameplay and teach them about online safety, stranger danger, and responsible gaming habits. The Games Learning Society also offers resources related to this topic.

14. Are there any parental controls in Pokémon GO?

Yes, Pokémon GO offers parental controls that allow parents to restrict certain features, such as in-app purchases and social interactions.

15. Is there a way to play older Pokémon games on my phone?

Yes, you can use emulators to play older Pokémon games on your phone. Delta is an all-in-one emulator for iOS which allows you to emulate many Nintendo systems. The GBA4iOS emulator is a good place to start.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand why Pokémon GO might not be compatible with your phone and provided some potential solutions. Happy catching!

Why is Pokémon GO not compatible with my phone?