Pokémon GO GPS Problem: How to Fix No GPS Signal on iOS & Android

James Davis
James Davis Originally published Oct 23, 2026, updated Nov 07, 2026
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robot TL;DR:

Resolve the Pokémon GO "GPS Signal Not Found (11)" error on iOS and Android by granting the app "Precise Location" permissions, toggling Airplane Mode to refresh stalled network data, and moving outdoors to clear physical satellite obstructions.
    ● To clear temporary software conflicts without losing your local account settings, Android users should use the "Force Stop" and "Clear Cache" options in the system settings, while iOS users must sign out and reinstall the application.
    ● Android devices must have "Improve Location Accuracy" enabled in the system's location services to successfully supplement standard satellite GPS tracking with Wi-Fi and mobile data signals.
    ● Although desktop tools like Dr.Fone Virtual Location allow users to simulate routes and manually change GPS coordinates, utilizing fake locations will not fix underlying GPS glitches and carries a strict risk of triggering a Pokémon GO account ban.


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Pokémon GO allows users to access a map of the world and play within a game world. However, for this experience to work, you need to know precisely where you are. If location tracking is not working, Pokémon will likely disappear, your avatar will drift away, or you will get "GPS Signal Not Found (11)." More confusingly, the error can occur even when Google Maps works normally, or your phone has a strong internet connection.

A Pokémon Go GPS problem isn't always caused by poor satellite reception. Many factors determine how PoGo determines your position. Location permissions, device accuracy settings, nearby buildings, and temporary software issues. This guide explores the causes, offers reliable iOS and Android Fixes, and explains virtual GPS location.

pokemon go location not found
In this article
  1. Part 1: Why Is Pokémon GO GPS Not Working?
  2. Part 2: How to Fix Pokémon GO GPS Signal Not Found on iPhone and Android
  3. Part 3: How to Manually Change Your GPS Location with Dr.Fone Virtual Location

Part 1: Why Is Pokémon GO GPS Not Working?

The Pokémon GO GPS signal not found error occurs for several reasons. Here are the most common.

  • Disabled Location Services: If you disabled Location Services on your phone, the app can't find your position.
  • Restricted Location Permissions: You may be unable to play even if your GPS is enabled if Pokémon GO doesn't have location permission.
  • Older version of Pokémon GO: Bugs or compatibility issues in older versions of Pokémon GO can prevent the game from tracking your location.
  • Problems with temporary apps: Software issues or corrupted temporary data may interfere with the game's location features.
  • Unstable Internet Connection: If your Wi-Fi or mobile data is weak, Pokémon GO may not load location content. This can happen even if your GPS is being received by the device.

These issues can cause Pokémon GO GPS error 11, stuck avatars, or missing map elements. Troubleshooting is easier when you know the cause.

Part 2: How to Fix Pokémon GO GPS Signal Not Found on iPhone and Android

If Pokémon GO cannot identify your location, start with your phone's settings before trying advanced solutions. The following methods address common causes of Pokémon GO GPS error 11 on both iOS and Android.

Method 1: Turn On GPS Location Services

In order for Pokémon GO to show your location accurately, it needs access to location services on your device. Make sure they're enabled.

For iPhone:

  1. Step 1 Open Settings and Select Privacy & Security

    Open Settings > Privacy & Security.

  2. Step 2 Tap Location Services

    Tap Location Services.

  3. Step 3 Turn On Location Services

    Turn on Location Services.

    turn location on

For Android:

  1. Step 1 Open Settings and Select Location

    Open Settings > Location.

  2. Step 2 Enable Use Location

    Enable Use Location.

  3. Step 3 Access Location Accuracy

    Access Location Accuracy from the Location Services.

  4. Step 4 Enable Improve Location Accuracy

    Enable Improve Location Accuracy to help your device locate its position using more signals.

Method 2: Check Pokémon GO's Location Permissions

Your permission for the Pokémon GO app is limited; even if GPS is on, it does not detect your location.

For iPhone:

  1. Step 1 Open Privacy & Security and Location Services

    Go to Settings and then click Privacy & Security, followed by Location Services.

  2. Step 2 Access Pokémon GO Settings

    Access the settings inside the Pokémon GO.

  3. Step 3 Select While Using the App

    Select While Using the App.

  4. Step 4 Enable Precise Location

    Enable Precise Location.

For Android:

  1. Step 1 Open Settings for Pokémon GO

    To access Pokémon GO, open Settings.

  2. Step 2 Select Permissions and Location

    Select Permissions > Location.

  3. Step 3 Choose Allow Only While Using the App

    Choose Allow only while using the app.

  4. Step 4 Enable Use Precise Location

    Enable Use precise location, if available.

    pokemon go permissions

Method 3: Restart Pokémon GO and Clear Temporary Glitches

Momentary software problems can impact location detection. Restarting the application can fix your issue.

For iPhone:

  1. Step 1 Close Pokémon GO via the App Switcher

    To close Pokémon GO, open the app switcher and swipe up on the app.

  2. Step 2 Restart the App

    Restart the app and see if you're still in the same spot.

  3. Step 3 Restart Your iPhone

    Restart your iPhone if the warning still exists.

    restart your phone

For Android:

  1. Step 1 Open Pokémon GO in Settings

    Open Settings > Apps > Pokémon GO.

  2. Step 2 Tap Force Stop

    Tap Force Stop.

  3. Step 3 Clear the Cache

    Select Storage & Cache > Clear Cache.

  4. Step 4 Restart Pokémon GO

    Restart Pokémon GO.

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Note: Don't clear app storage unless needed, as it will delete local settings and will require you to log in again.

Method 4: Update Pokémon GO to the Latest Version

An app that isn't up to date may have glitches with location services. Installing updates can help fix known issues.

For iPhone:

  1. Step 1 Open the App Store

    Open the App Store.

  2. Step 2 Tap Your Profile Icon

    Tap your profile icon.

  3. Step 3 Update Pokémon GO

    Find Pokémon GO under available updates and tap Update.

For Android:

  1. Step 1 Open the Google Play Store

    Open the Google Play Store.

  2. Step 2 Search for Pokémon GO

    Search for Pokémon GO.

  3. Step 3 Tap Update

    Tap Update if the option appears.

    pokemon go update

Method 5: Refresh Your Internet Connection

You have to connect to the Internet in order to load up data in Pokémon GO. When your connection is weak, location problems can be more serious than they seem, even if your GPS is working.

For iPhone and Android:

  1. Step 1 Access Control Center or Quick Settings

    Access your phone's Control Center or Quick Settings.

  2. Step 2 Enable Airplane Mode

    Please enable airplane mode for a few seconds.

  3. Step 3 Reconnect to the Internet

    Connect to internet data or Wi-Fi.

  4. Step 4 Restart Pokémon GO

    Begin Pokémon GO afresh.

If connectivity problems persist, consider resetting network settings.

  • For iPhones: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Then click Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  • On Android: Go to Settings> System, then tap Reset options. Finally, click on Reset Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth. The device's menu may vary.
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Note: Wi-Fi connections and Bluetooth devices will be wiped. Utilize it solely when you suspect a network problem.

Method 6: Move Outdoors to Improve GPS Reception

Weak satellite reception can cause 'no GPS signal' warnings for Pokémon GO. This typically occurs indoors or around tall buildings.

Take your iPhone or Android to an open area with fewer obstacles. Enable your phone's location services and try Pokémon GO again.

According to Niantic, in major urban areas, GPS positions may drift and jump.

Method 7: Sign Out and Reinstall Pokémon GO

If Pokémon GO GPS not working persists, signing in again or reinstalling the game may help address application-related problems.

For iPhone and Android:

  1. Step 1 Tap the Pokéball and Sign Out

    When you see the Pokéball, click on it. Select Sign Out from the Settings Screen.

  2. Step 2 Log In Again

    Use your already existing account to log in again.

  3. Step 3 Reinstall Pokémon GO

    Remove and reinstall Pokémon GO from the app store to fix this bug.

Make sure your account is linked, and you know your login credentials before uninstalling the game.

Part 3: How to Manually Change Your GPS Location with Dr.Fone Virtual Location

If you want to select a virtual location instead of using your device's actual position, Dr.Fone - Virtual Location provides location-simulation controls for supported iOS and Android devices.

Teleport Mode lets you choose a destination on a map, while Simulate GPS Movement lets you create routes and adjust virtual travel speed. The software also offers joystick controls for manual movement.

Wondershare Dr.Fone - Virtual Location

The Safest 1-Click Location Changer for iOS & Android
  • gouSet your map route to simulate GPS movement.
  • gouSet your wanted movement speed.
  • gouHD and large map view to check location.
  • gouFake GPS location to anywhere.
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Dr.Fone Virtual Location

Method 1: Change GPS Location Using Dr.Fone Teleport Mode

  1. Step 1 Install Dr.Fone

    Download Dr.Fone from Wondershare's official website and launch it on your computer.

  2. Step 2 Connect Your Mobile Device

    Choose Virtual Location and connect your compatible iPhone or Android device.

    Dr.Fone toolkit home screen
  3. Step 3 Select Teleport Mode

    Open the map and click the first mode icon in the upper-right corner.

    Searching for a location in Dr.Fone Virtual Location
  4. Step 4 Select a Place

    Make use of the search box to enter an address, city or the coordinates of the location.

  5. Step 5 Apply the Location

    Click Move Here to change the location reported by your device.

    Confirming the new location to move to
  6. Step 6 Verify the Result

    Open a compatible maps application to confirm the virtual position.

google play button app store button

Method 2: Simulate GPS Movement with Dr.Fone

If you need to simulate movement instead of remaining at a fixed virtual position, Dr.Fone offers customizable routes.

  1. Step 1 Choose Virtual Location

    Open Dr.Fone and connect your smartphone to a computer.

  2. Step 2 Choose a Route Mode

    Select One-Stop Route for movement between two locations or Multi-Stop Route for several destinations.

    activate one stop route mode
  3. Step 3 Indicate Your Route

    Mark the points of interest on the map.

  4. Step 4 Adjust Movement Settings

    Choose a simulated speed and configure the available trip options.

  5. Step 5 Start the Simulation

    Click Start Moving.

    activate multi stop simulation
  6. Step 6 Control Movement

    Use Pause or the available joystick controls to manage the simulated position.

Conclusion

The Pokémon GO GPS signal not found error doesn't necessarily mean your phone's GPS is faulty. Restricted permissions, inaccurate location settings, weak reception, or outdated software often cause it. Addressing these issues first can help restore accurate positioning on both iPhone and Android.

After basic troubleshooting, Dr.Fone - Virtual Location offers an additional option for managing virtual GPS positions. On compatible devices, Teleport Mode and route simulation make testing your location and privacy-related use easier. Be mindful that fake locations won't help with GPS glitches, and using them in Pokémon GO can ban your account.

google play button app store button
OUR EXPERT
James Davis

James Davis

staff editor

James is a tech writer and editor with expertise in both Android and iOS, known for translating technical concepts into practical guidance for everyday users.

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