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How Pokémon GO Uses GPS, Location Permissions, and Adventure Sync

Pokémon GO uses location for map-based play. Adventure Sync is optional and needs “Always” location access to record distance when the game is closed.
Length4 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Pokémon GO uses your phone’s location to place you on its in-game map and enable location-based play. You can play with location access while using the app; the separate, optional Adventure Sync feature is what Niantic says needs “Always” location access to record distance while Pokémon GO is not open.

Why Pokémon GO needs location access

The game uses GPS and Location Services to determine where you are for its map and location-based gameplay. Niantic lists GPS, Location Services, and a reliable mobile-data or Wi-Fi connection among its supported-device requirements. Some tablets do not have built-in GPS sensors, which can limit their suitability for the game. Niantic’s supported-device guidance

Location access is controlled by your phone’s operating system. To review it, open Pokémon GO’s app permissions in your device’s system settings and check the location permission. The exact menu names and steps differ across Android devices and iOS versions, so there is no single path that applies to every phone. Niantic’s location-permission instructions

Using the game versus tracking with Adventure Sync

Ordinary location-based play uses your location while you are using Pokémon GO. Adventure Sync is a distinct, optional feature: Niantic says it can record kilometers traveled when the game is not open, contributing to Buddy Candy and Egg progress. Niantic lists it as available from Trainer Level 5. Niantic’s Adventure Sync overview

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Permission situation What it is for Works when Pokémon GO is not open? Privacy consideration
Location access while using the app Location-based map and gameplay while you play Not intended to provide Adventure Sync distance in the background Location access is associated with use of the game.
“Always” location access for Adventure Sync Allows Adventure Sync to record distance outside an open game session Yes, when Adventure Sync and its other prerequisites are set up; syncing may be delayed Grants the optional feature background location access. Enable it only if you want that feature.

For Adventure Sync, Niantic requires location permission set to “Always” and a connection to Apple Health or Google Fit. The operating system’s permission wording and behavior vary by platform; the feature-specific requirement does not mean Android and iOS use identical prompts or background mechanisms. Niantic’s Adventure Sync requirements

Does Pokémon GO continuously track you when it is closed?

Niantic says Adventure Sync can record distance while Pokémon GO is not open, but that does not establish that the game continuously polls GPS or runs uninterrupted in the background. The public guidance does not specify its precise location-sampling schedule or internal implementation.

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On iOS, most apps are suspended shortly after moving to the background. Apple explains that location updates can be queued and delivered when an app runs again, and that timely background delivery depends on the app’s authorization and configuration. Background permission therefore does not guarantee continuous app execution or an immediate update. Apple’s Core Location background guidance and Apple’s location-authorization guidance

Apple generally recommends “When in Use” access where it meets an app’s needs, in part because of privacy and battery considerations. That general recommendation does not replace Niantic’s “Always” requirement for Adventure Sync: it is an optional feature with a specific background-access prerequisite. If you do not want to grant that access, you can leave Adventure Sync off and use Pokémon GO’s ordinary location-based gameplay.

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Set up Adventure Sync

  1. Check device location: Make sure Location Services are enabled and Pokémon GO has location permission in your phone’s system settings. Niantic’s gameplay guidance lists both as requirements. Supported-device requirements
  2. Enable the feature: In Pokémon GO’s settings, turn on Adventure Sync.
  3. Allow the required access: Set Pokémon GO’s location permission to “Always” in system settings.
  4. Connect a health app: Connect Apple Health or Google Fit as applicable to your device and follow the in-game prompts. These are Adventure Sync prerequisites identified by Niantic. Adventure Sync setup information

If Adventure Sync is not counting distance

  • Check the phone’s sensors and activity record. The device needs sensors capable of recording steps or distance, and Apple Health or Google Fit needs to be recording activity and connected to Pokémon GO. Niantic’s Adventure Sync troubleshooting guidance
  • Allow time for a sync. Niantic says Adventure Sync data may take several hours to appear; a walk may not show up immediately.
  • Review battery-saving settings. Battery-saving modes can disable sensors or interfere with tracking.
  • Do not rely on manually added workouts or steps. Niantic says activity entered manually in Apple Health or Google Fit does not count toward Adventure Sync progress.
  • Recheck permissions and connections. Confirm Adventure Sync remains enabled, location access is “Always,” and the connected health app is recording activity.
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Turn off Adventure Sync

Disable Adventure Sync by unchecking it in Pokémon GO’s settings. On Android 10, turning off Activity Recognition at the operating-system level alone does not fully disable Adventure Sync; use the in-game setting as well. Niantic’s Adventure Sync settings guidance

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