Pokémon GO has revolutionized mobile gaming by blending augmented reality (AR) technology with the thrill of catching Pokémon in the real world. But what happens when the AR feature — one of the key elements of game immersion — suddenly stops working? Many players report issues like AR mode not launching, camera problems, or the screen freezing during AR interactions. If you’re experiencing similar setbacks, this guide will help you fix the Pokémon GO AR not working issue quickly and effectively.
Understanding the Problem
AR functionality in Pokémon GO relies heavily on your device’s hardware and software compatibility. From GPS and camera permissions to ARCore (on Android) or ARKit (on iOS), numerous elements must align perfectly for the AR feature to work. A glitch in any of these could disable AR mode entirely or make it unstable during gameplay.
Common Causes of AR Not Working
Before attempting more complex solutions, it’s essential to understand what might be causing the issue. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Device Incompatibility: Not all devices support ARCore (Android) or ARKit (iOS).
- App Permissions: Missing camera or location access can block AR functionality.
- Outdated Software: Older versions of Pokémon GO or your operating system could cause compatibility issues.
- AR Settings Turned Off: Sometimes, users unintentionally disable AR+ mode.
Quick Fixes You Can Try Right Now
If AR has stopped working for you, try the following steps in this order to restore functionality:
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Check Device Compatibility:
Visit the official ARCore (for Android) or ARKit (for iOS) device support pages. If your device is not listed, AR features in Pokémon GO won’t function. -
Update Pokémon GO:
Visit your device’s app store and update Pokémon GO to the latest version to ensure optimal performance and bug fixes. -
Enable App Permissions:
Go to your device’s settings:- Android: Settings > Apps > Pokémon GO > Permissions. Ensure Camera and Location are enabled.
- iOS: Settings > Pokémon GO. Enable Camera and Location access.
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Calibrate the Device Compass:
Poor compass calibration can interfere with AR mode. Use Google Maps or a compass app to recalibrate. -
Toggle AR+ Setting:
Open Pokémon GO, tap on the Poké Ball > Settings, then scroll down and locate the “AR+” setting. Turn it off, restart the app, and try turning it back on.
Advanced Solutions
If the quick fixes don’t work, consider the following advanced solutions:
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Reinstall Pokémon GO:
Delete and reinstall the app. This can solve hidden bugs or corrupted files interrupting AR mode. -
Install or Update ARCore/ARKit:
- Android: Download or update the ARCore app from the Play Store. Pokémon GO relies on this for AR+ functionality.
- iPhone: Ensure you’re running iOS 11 or above. ARKit is integrated, but your OS must be up to date.
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Test with Another Device:
Try logging in to your Pokémon GO account from a different compatible device to see if AR works there. This can help you isolate whether the issue is device-specific.
When to Contact Support
If all else fails, it’s time to reach out to Niantic’s support team. Provide them with the following information for a faster resolution:
- Your device model and OS version
- The version of Pokémon GO you’re running
- A detailed description of the issue
- Steps you’ve already tried
Contact support via the app by tapping the Poké Ball > Settings > Help > Contact Us.
Final Thoughts
The AR feature in Pokémon GO enhances the thrill of catching Pokémon, making the experience more interactive and lifelike. When it isn’t working, it can be frustrating — but most issues can be resolved with a few targeted adjustments. By following the steps above, you can troubleshoot effectively and restore AR functionality with minimal downtime.
Stay updated, keep your device optimized, and get back to enjoying Pokémon GO the way it was meant to be played — in dynamic augmented reality.
