Whether you’re a long-time Pokémon fan or just getting started, crashing issues can disrupt your adventures in the popular mobile game Pokémon Go. However, fear not; there are often simple fixes to try before assuming your phone is the problem.
In this blog post, we are going to discuss some of the common reasons why Pokémon Go keeps crashing. Additionally, we will also cover troubleshooting steps you can use to resolve crashes.
Also, learn about the Size of Pokémon Cards
Common Reasons for Pokémon Go App Crashes
The Pokémon Go app can, unfortunately, crash at times, disrupting gameplay. There are a few issues that commonly contribute to crashes.
Issues with Device Performance:
If your phone is getting older, it may have trouble keeping up with the graphics of Pokémon Go. Older devices usually have less powerful processors and less usable memory than newer phones. This means the game could be asking too much of your phone’s capabilities.
You may notice it getting very slow or overheating a lot. While an ageing phone has its limits, don’t worry; there are still some things you can try, like closing other apps and adjusting game settings to help Pokémon Go run smoother.
Network Connectivity Problems:
Network connectivity issues can be another frequent cause of crashes in Pokémon Go. Unstable Wi-Fi or cellular data connections may cause the app to close prematurely when network activity is required for gameplay functions.
This could happen when encountering a new Pokémon, visiting PokeStops, or battling in gyms. Areas with spotty coverage are more likely to lead to network-related crashes. Ensuring a strong, reliable connection can help reduce connectivity-induced crashes
Overheating:
If your phone starts getting too warm while playing Pokémon Go for a long time, especially on hot days, it could crash due to overheating. Phones work their processors hard and may automatically close heavy apps like Pokémon Go to protect themselves.
Taking breaks will give your phone time to cool off when you notice it getting warm. Making sure your phone isn’t blocked and can “breathe” also helps prevent overheating. Taking breaks and allowing airflow can help avoid heat-related crashes.
Application Errors:
Sometimes crashes can simply be caused by bugs and errors within the Pokémon Go app itself. Game updates don’t always fix every potential issue, so glitches may still occur on certain devices or in specific situations.
Application errors tend to be more random and unpredictable in nature. The best way to address them is to ensure that the latest app version is installed and then try reinstalling if crashes persist after updates.
How You Can Troubleshoot App Crash Errors
When the app crashes, it’s important to take some basic troubleshooting steps before assuming your device is at fault.
Force Quitting and Restarting the App:
One simple thing players can try is force-closing the Pokémon Go app completely on their phone or tablet and then restarting it. This clears the app from running in memory, which may resolve issues causing crashes.
To do so, you’ll need to find the app in the list of recently used ones and swipe it away. Reopening Pokémon Go afterward sometimes eliminates crash-causing bugs or glitches during that play session.
Closing Other Running Apps:
Running a number of other apps at the same time as Pokémon Go can also cause issues by eating up your phone’s resources. Be sure to swipe recently used apps away before playing to free up memory and processor speed for the game.
Taking a moment to close any apps you’re not currently using can help Pokémon Go have enough power to run without crashing as much. Keeping your phone’s memory clear is a good way to help reduce crashes.
Checking for Software Updates:
Keeping Pokémon Go updated to the latest version is important for stability. Developers regularly push out patches and fixes to resolve bugs or other issues causing crashes.
If you’ve recently experienced an increase in crashes, checking if an update is available is a sensible first step. Updating your app may eliminate crashing problems by applying the latest round of fixes and improvements.
Adjusting AR Settings:
The augmented reality (AR) mode uses your device’s camera, which can overwork older phones. If enabled, AR may cause crashes for some while encountering Pokémon or using items. Try disabling AR in your game settings as a test. This reduces the camera’s usage, which lightens the app’s workload.
No AR also consumes less power and data. If crashes stop, you’ve found the culprit; simply keep AR turned off going forward for a more stable gameplay experience.
Reinstalling the app:
As a last resort, you can try reinstalling Pokémon Go if crashes persist after other troubleshooting steps. Most of the time, corrupted app data can also be a cause of frequent crashing. Reinstallation removes all existing data and essentially resets the app.
After reinstalling, start a new game and see if the crashes repeat. If not, reinstallation solved the problem. Be sure to back up your existing game data beforehand, if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I fix frequent crashes in Pokémon GO?
Here are some tips to try and fix frequent crashes in Pokémon GO:
- Force close and clear the app’s cache by swiping it away from your recent apps list.
- Check if an update is available to apply the latest fixes.
- Adjust in-game settings, like disabling AR mode.
- Monitor your device’s heat and give it breaks if playing for long periods.
- Reinstalling may also resolve issues caused by corrupted app data.
Is server overload a common cause of Pokémon GO crashes?
Server issues can also cause Pokémon GO to crash, especially when lots of people play at once during big events. The game needs to connect to Niantic’s servers constantly, so network errors or lag from busy servers could make the app unstable or close. Still, most crashes are likely linked more to individual phones and their settings.
Does Niantic offer support for troubleshooting Pokémon GO crashes?
Niantic offers support to help figure out Pokémon GO crashes. You can check their server page, search the help centre for fixes, or send a crash report for repeat issues. Sending details of your device to Niantic on social media can also help get more answers if crashes continue.
Final Words:
With some simple troubleshooting steps, many common Pokémon Go crashes can often be resolved without needing a new device. Don’t get frustrated if issues occur; take a break, check for updates, and adjust settings. If problems persist, reach out for support. With a little patience and tweaking, you’ll be back exploring the world of Pokémon in no time.