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Pokémon GO version 0.173.2, released in April 2020, was reported to include a fix for Pokémon GO Plus and Poké Ball Plus connectivity issues. That was a historical update, not a current fix for every pairing, disconnect, or auto-catching problem. If your Poké Ball Plus will not connect now, check Bluetooth and compatibility, charge and reset the accessory, then remove its saved connection in Pokémon GO and pair it again.
What update 0.173.2 fixed
A version-history archive quoting a Niantic Support post dated April 22, 2020, reported that version 0.173.2 included fixes for Galaxy S20 freezing and Pokémon GO Plus/Poké Ball Plus connectivity issues. The original Niantic post was not directly available in the archive, so this is best understood as a reported, time-specific fix—not evidence that the update repaired every accessory or catching problem. The update analysis quoting Niantic Support and Niantic’s April 2020 update notice provide historical context.
Version 0.173.2 is not a current-version recommendation. The archived announcement does not establish that it fixed later connection failures, all auto-catching behavior, or third-party devices.
How to reconnect a Poké Ball Plus
Poké Ball Plus connects to Pokémon GO over Bluetooth. Pokémon Support’s pairing directions use these in-game controls:
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- Poké Ball Plus lights up, vibrates, and plays sounds based on what you do in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu; or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee; If a friend has a Poké Ball Plus of their own, they can help you catch and battle alongside you to make it a 2 player adventure; When you take your favorite Pokémon out with you in the Poké Ball Plus accessory, you can also gently shake it to hear the Pokémon inside; Connect Poké Ball Plus to the Pokémon GO; app and it will light up and vibrate when you’re near a Pokémon or Poké Stop
- Games, system and Poké Ball Plus sold separately
- Using as a Pokémon GO Plus requires installation of the Pokémon GO application on a compatible smartphone
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone.
- In Pokémon GO, open Map view, tap Main Menu, then Settings.
- Open Connected Devices and Services.
- Press the top button on the Poké Ball Plus so it can be discovered, then accept the connection prompt in the game.
- Look for the accessory icon at the top right of the screen. Press the accessory button; a vibration is another sign it connected.
If the device disconnects, repeat the pairing steps. These indicators confirm a connection, but do not by themselves confirm that catching is enabled or that the accessory has the items it needs. Pokémon Support’s Poké Ball Plus pairing instructions describe the in-game flow.
If it will not pair or keeps disconnecting
Work through these checks in order. Nintendo and Pokémon Support identify them as troubleshooting options; no single step is guaranteed to resolve every failure.
- Check phone and OS support. Confirm that your smart device and operating system meet the game and accessory compatibility requirements. Meeting a listed minimum does not guarantee every device will work, and software updates can change functionality. Pokémon GO device compatibility guidance.
- Check Bluetooth and proximity. Keep Bluetooth enabled and the accessory close to the phone. Distance, weak signal, or obstruction can interrupt the connection. Pokémon GO Plus troubleshooting guidance.
- Charge and reset the accessory. A low battery can prevent a reliable connection; if its light or vibration does not respond, charge it and try resetting it using Nintendo’s instructions.
- Remove the saved in-game pairing and reconnect. In Pokémon GO’s settings, remove the Poké Ball Plus from connected devices, then repeat the pairing flow above. Nintendo’s connectivity page also advises unpairing the accessory from the phone if needed.
- Restart the app and phone. If pairing still fails or disconnects recur, restart Pokémon GO and the smartphone before trying again.
Nintendo’s support page includes app version 0.37.0 as a minimum in its older compatibility instructions. That is a historical floor from that page, not a reason to install or use an obsolete Pokémon GO version. See Nintendo’s Poké Ball Plus connection troubleshooting.
Connected but not catching Pokémon?
A connection and an automatic catch are different things. Poké Ball Plus can interact with Pokémon GO to find and catch Pokémon, but Pokémon Support says its catching attempts use regular red Poké Balls. Check that you have regular Poké Balls available and review the accessory and catch settings in the game. Do not assume the 2020 connectivity patch changed these requirements. Pokémon Support’s connection guidance and Poké Ball Plus feature information explain the accessory’s role.
Rank #3
- Wireless freedom using Bluetooth 5.0
- Features motion controls and mappable advanced gaming Buttons
- Leds for player number, button mapping, and low battery warning
- Includes two AA batteries for up to 30 hours of gameplay
While connected, Poké Ball Plus can also measure distance for Egg hatching and Buddy Candy, according to Pokémon Support. Those functions do not mean that a Pokémon-catching attempt succeeded.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When the problem may not be the accessory
If Bluetooth pairing succeeds but the accessory still behaves inconsistently, check whether the phone, operating system, or game changed recently and consult the current compatibility guidance. The official compatibility page cautions that updates can affect functionality; a device meeting listed requirements is not a guarantee. For a persistent failure after charging, resetting, removing the saved pairing, and restarting, use Nintendo or Pokémon Support for device-specific help rather than treating version 0.173.2 as a universal remedy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 3 iconic colors
- Precision cut to access all features and indications
- Helps keep your Plus safe from drops and moisture
Rank #4
- Accessories for Poke Ball Plus Controller - Pokeball plus pouch and pokeball plus protector for pokeball plus owner or Pokemon fan. If you have nintendo switch pokemon lets go pikachu and lets go eevee, you may need it.
- The case providing sufficient protection from dust, shock, drop and scratch. Hard-shell eva exterior and soft scratch interior perfect protect your ball. Moisture and dust proof. High quality protective case offer your ball the greatest sense of security.
- The carabiner extremely convenient for you to bring, you can attach to your backpack, belt loop, pants and key chains with you anywhere anytime for quick getting your Pokémon ball.
- This soft rubber cover case makes it a little bigger around the palm and makes it much more comfortable.
- The Poké Ball Plus case was designed with precise cutouts for functional buttons and ports, it’s easy to control the button. Gamer can operate the controller perfectly.Let you enjoy a good Pokémon Game Time.
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