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Pokémon GO “GPS Signal Not Found (11)”: How to Troubleshoot It

A practical, evidence-based guide to checking location access, GPS conditions, connectivity, Android settings, and whether the problem may be specific to Pokémon GO or your device.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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If Pokémon GO displays “GPS signal not found (11),” check location permissions, test your phone outdoors, and verify your internet connection before trying app-level fixes. Niantic’s public guidance covers GPS and location accuracy generally, but does not define what error 11 specifically means—so no single cause or guaranteed fix is established.

What “GPS signal not found (11)” tells you—and what it doesn’t

Players have reported seeing the message when opening Pokémon GO, including reports of a red banner and blank map. Those are individual experiences, not evidence of how many players are affected or proof of a common cause. Niantic’s GPS Troubleshooting Guide discusses location accuracy problems but does not explain error 11’s precise meaning. It therefore does not establish that the message means a server outage, a ban, spoofing detection, or a broken GPS component.

Niantic separately discusses a “failed to detect location” error and says mock-location settings may prevent play. That statement is about the separately named error; it does not prove that mock locations cause error 11. Avoid changing location or spoofing settings based on that assumption.

Work through these checks in order

  1. Confirm the phone can provide location

    Check Niantic’s Supported Devices page for current requirements, then confirm that the device’s Location Services are on and Pokémon GO has permission to use location. Menu names and paths vary by operating-system version and Android manufacturer, so follow the current instructions for your device rather than relying on one universal tap sequence. Niantic lists GPS and Location Services as requirements, but warns that meeting its criteria does not guarantee every device or configuration will work.

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    At the time of the cited support page, Niantic listed iPhone 6s or later with iOS 15 or later, and Android 9 or later. The page also listed GPS and Location Services, a strong internet connection, and at least 2 GB of RAM. It said beta operating-system versions may not function and that rooted Android and jailbroken iOS devices are unsupported. These requirements can change; verify the current page before relying on them.

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    • The packaging is Japanese, but item works the same as the US version.
    • Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
    • Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
    • Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
    • There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
  2. Test outdoors away from obstructions

    Move to an open area with a clear view of the sky and give the phone a chance to establish its location. Niantic notes that GPS can drift or jump around tall buildings. It does not promise a particular amount of time for a fix, so avoid treating a short wait as a diagnostic test.

  3. Check internet separately from GPS

    Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data, if both are available, and see whether the game behaves differently. A strong Wi-Fi or cellular signal indicator does not by itself guarantee a stable connection, according to Niantic’s GPS guidance. Location reception and internet access are separate things to check.

    Rank #2
    Sale
    Pokémon GO Plus +
    • Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
    • Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
    • Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
    • There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
    • Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
  4. On Android, enable Improve Location Accuracy

    Niantic recommends turning on Improve Location Accuracy. With it enabled, Android can use information beyond GPS—including internal sensor data—to determine location. The setting’s location and wording can vary across Android versions and manufacturers; use your device’s current settings guidance to find it.

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  5. Try the game’s general troubleshooting steps

    If location works elsewhere but Pokémon GO still has trouble, follow Niantic’s Android troubleshooting guide where applicable. Work through its simpler steps before reinstalling:

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    Sale
    Pokemon Go Plus +
    • Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
    • Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
    • Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
    • There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
    • Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
    • Update Pokémon GO.
    • Refresh game data. Niantic notes that this can untoggle Adventure Sync, so check that setting afterward.
    • Set the device’s date and time to update automatically.
    • Clear the game’s cache.
    • Check that Google Play Services and the Play Store can access background data.
    • Reinstall Pokémon GO only after trying the less disruptive steps.

Use another location app to decide where to get help

With the phone outdoors, check whether another maps or location app can determine your position. This comparison does not identify the cause by itself, but it helps route the next step:

What you observe What to do next
Other location apps also fail outdoors After checking location settings and connectivity, contact the device maker or a repair professional for diagnosis. A device-level problem is possible, but this result alone does not prove a hardware fault.
Other location apps work, but Pokémon GO does not Finish the game-specific checks above, then use Pokémon GO’s in-app support and check Niantic’s current known-issues information. The available evidence here does not verify a current outage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Tablets may not solve the problem

Check a tablet’s actual location hardware before trying it as an alternative. Niantic notes that many tablets—particularly Wi-Fi-only models without built-in data-network connectivity—may lack built-in GPS sensors. It also warns that tablets may struggle to maintain a strong enough signal in places or at events where mobile data networks are congested.

Quick Recap

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Pokemon Go Plus +
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Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!; Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
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Bestseller No. 5
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Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!; Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
Best Value
Pokemon Go Plus + (Renewed)
  • Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
  • Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
  • Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
  • There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
  • Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Rank #4
Silicone Case for Poke Go Plus + (2023), Go Plus Plus Cover Case with Strap, Soft Protective Case Shockproof Scratch-Resistant (Black)
  • Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
  • Premium Silicone Material for Comfort & Safety: Crafted from high-quality silicone, this case delivers a soft, pleasant touch while shielding your Poke GO Plus+ from scratches, dirt, and daily wear.
  • Portable Design with Wrist Strap: The built-in hand strap allows you to wear the case on your wrist, ensuring easy portability and hands-free convenience during outdoor adventures.
  • Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
  • Package: Silicone Case x1; Hand strap x1. If you need any support please feel free to contact us.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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