A Full Guide on Fix "Pokémon GO GPS Signal Not Found" Error

Being one of the most popular AR games there, Pokemon Go is touted as something of a global phenomenon. Whereas other games have you inhabit and interact with a virtual space on a screen, Pokémon GO brings the virtual to the real world using the smartphone's built-in camera and GPS hardware. Using this blend of hardware and software, you might just find yourself face to face with a real-life Pikachu, Squirtle, or humble Pidgey in your neighborhood.

Being a game based in the real world, the game uses a modified version of Google Maps to represent your surroundings with a Pokemon-inspired pallet. However, if the internet connection is not stable, or if your GPS signal is blocked for some reason when you try to play Pokémon GO, the "GPS signal not found" message will pop up at the top of the screen.

Part 1. Why Is "GPS Signal Not Found"on Pokémon GO?

This error is extremely common and is a symptom of the game's location-based nature. Being set in the real world brings a new level of immersiveness to the world of Pokemon, but if the game can't tell where you are, unfortunately, you can't play.

This is because as you traverse the real world playing Pokémon GO, your phone is constantly reporting to the central servers of the game exactly where you are, what height you're currently at, what direction you're pointing, and your average speed. If the servers cannot be fed with this information from your phone, the game ceases to work.

Sometimes this error is simply due to heavy cloud cover overhead or your phone's internet connection is experiencing technical difficulties. In this case, stepping outside and waiting for a few minutes is usually the best place to start.

Part 2. How to Fix Pokémon GO "GPS Signal Not Found" Error?

Now that we've known more about the reasons why GPS signal is not found on Pokémon GO, it's time to dig a little deeper into the problem and find some feasible solultions.

For Android Devices

Fix 1: Reset All Location Settings

Resetting your location settings is a possible fix that undoes any GPS alterations to the phone.

• 1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
• 2. Locate the "Location" section, ensure this is toggled on.
• 3. You may also see "Improve Accuracy" below. Tap into this setting, and make sure both "Wi-Fi scanning" and "Bluetooth scanning" are turned on.

Fix 2: Disable Mock Location Option

Android has a built-in feature called "mock locations" used by developers and certain apps to spoof GPS location. Some users find that by disabling this feature, the GPS signal not found error goes away.

• 1. Go to Settings and tap into "About Phone".
• 2. Look for "Build number" (may need to tap into "software information first on newer Android phones) and tap it 7 times to enable developer mode.

• 3. Go back to Settings and tap into "Developer options". Turn "Allow mock locations" to the off position or select none on "Select mock location app" on newer phones.

Fix 3: Restart Your Device

If the above didn't work, upon opening Pokémon GO, "GPS signal not found" will still appear at the top of the screen. A lot of issues, however, are simply hiccups with the Operating System or software. A simple restart of your phone takes but a few minutes and quite often fixes problems of this sort.

Simply hold the power button on the side of your phone until the option for "Restart" appears. Within a minute or two, your phone will have restarted. Ensure Wi-Fi and location services are switched on and try opening Pokémon GO again.

Fix 4: Toggle Airplane Mode

Airplane mode is used to disable all of your phone's inbound and outbound connections to the internet and mobile carrier, including Bluetooth. While the mode is designed to be used in areas sensitive to various signals given by our smartphones, the setting is also useful for "kickstarting" the connections such as GPS.

To toggle Airplane Mode, simply swipe down from the top of your screen. Locate "Airplane Mode" and enable it. Wait 30 seconds and then switch it back off, then open Pokémon GO to test if the error persists.

Fix 5: Completely Reset Your Phone's Network Settings

If you are still encountering the error, a complete factory reset of your phone's network settings may help resolve the issue. This will only wipe certain settings on your phone but won't in any way remove files or photos.

• 1. Go to Settings > General Management > Reset.
• 2. Select "Reset network settings" in this section.

This should bring your phone's settings back to normal and hopefully resolve the pesky Pokémon GO "GPS signal not found" error.

For iOS Devices

Fix 1: Turn on Location Services

Checking if your location services are set correctly is the first port of call, making sure the game can correctly communicate with the servers.

• 1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
• 2. Ensure "Location Services" is toggled to the on position.
• 3. Swipe down and tap into "Pokémon GO", choose "While Using" or "Always" to make sure GPS is active during gameplay.

Fix 2: Restart Your Device

iOS users will also benefit from restarting the device, reestablishing fresh connections and signals.

Hold the power button and any volume button until the slider appears. Slide left to right until the device powers off. Then simply power it back on.

Fix 3: Toggle Airplane Mode

Alternatively, simply toggling the built-in "Airplane Mode" may enable the GPS signal to establish a connection with the game's servers.

This option can be found by swiping inwards from the top right of your screen or by simply going to your Settings app and toggling the option there.

Fix 4: Shut Down Pokémon GO Completely

If Pokémon GO is still misbehaving, force quit the app completely. Swipe inwards from the lower right corner to reveal your apps. Then swipe Pokémon GO upwards to close it.

Proceed to reopen the app and see if the problem persists.

Fix 5: Reset the iOS Network Settings

If upon reopening Pokémon GO, "GPS Signal not found" still appears, it's worth resetting your phone's network settings.

• 1. Head to Settings > General > Reset
• 2. Select the option "Reset Network Settings".

This will take your phone's settings back to the factory defaults. Reopen Pokémon GO and hopefully, the error will have gone.

Bonus: What's the Best Pokémon GO Spoofer?

Along with the common "GPS signal not found" error, many Pokémon GO users also find that the location limits their ability to enjoy the game fully, with many Pokemons and events not available where they reside. Fortunately, with the app TailorGo, there is always the option to give a spoof location. Pokémon GO won't tell the difference between the real spots and the fake ones, and will think we are at the fake spots actually.

TailorGo is the only app you need to virtually attend 5-star raids that you simply wouldn't be able to physically or to collect regional Pokemons that would be impossible to catch otherwise. This is useful if you're stuck somewhere and can't get to the location, such as class, work, or a commitment. Similarly, if the event is in another country you can still attend. Simply launch TailorGo and attend the event virtually by spoofing your location.

Using TailorGo (available for both iOS and Android) you can:

• 1 Download, install and launch TailorGo on your computer. Then hit the "Get Started" button and have your device connected.

• 2 To simply change location, choose the Teleport Mode and select the destination. To simulate GPS movement, choose either the Two-Spot Mode or Multi-Spot Mode, then plan a route to move along.

• 3 TailorGo will change your location to the selected destination, or complete the movement the way you planned.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these fixes will resolve the frustrating "GPS signal not found" error and allow you to keep exploring the world through the lens of Pokémon GO. Whether the error is due to incorrect network settings, bad weather conditions, or your location settings, by following these steps you should now be able to enjoy the world of Pokemon once again.

And don't forget, TailorGo allows you to keep playing Pokémon GO without even leaving the house by virtually spoofing your location and simulating the GPS movement along planned route.