11 Aug Fix Pokémon Go AR Not Working — Get Back to Catching ‘Em All NOW!

Pokémon GO has taken the world by storm since its debut, blending the virtual and real worlds through exciting augmented reality (AR) experiences. But as immersive as AR mode can be, it’s frustrating when it suddenly stops working. If your Pokémon GO AR features are malfunctioning, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many players experience these issues, and the good news is that most of them can be fixed quickly and easily.

Below, we walk you through the most common reasons why Pokémon GO AR might not be functioning on your device and offer practical, step-by-step solutions. Let’s help you get back to catching ’em all — in stunning augmented reality.

Why Is Pokémon GO AR Not Working?

Before diving into fixes, it’s important to understand why AR mode may be troubled to begin with. Pokémon GO AR requires a working camera, specific sensors, and ARCore or ARKit support (depending on whether you’re using Android or iOS). If any of these elements fails or isn’t configured correctly, AR mode will be unavailable or malfunction.

1. Check Device Compatibility

AR+ mode (Advanced AR) in Pokémon GO depends on:

• A compatible device with a gyroscope and accelerometer
• ARCore installed and updated (for Android)
• ARKit supported (for iOS)

If your device lacks AR support, the option may be disabled altogether. Visit the official ARCore supported devices list to verify your Android device’s compatibility.

2. Ensure App Permissions Are Granted

Pokémon GO cannot utilize AR without access to your phone’s camera. Make sure the necessary permissions are active.

For Android:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Apps > Pokémon GO
3. Select Permissions
4. Ensure Camera and Location are enabled

For iOS:

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll down to Pokémon GO
3. Toggle on Camera access

Tip: Restart the app after adjusting permissions to ensure changes take effect.

3. Update Your App and Phone Software

Running an outdated version of Pokémon GO or your operating system can lead to AR mode issues. Always ensure you’re using the latest available software:

• From the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, update Pokémon GO
• Check your device settings for system software updates

New AR functionalities are often tied to app and system updates, so staying current is essential.

4. Reinstall Pokémon GO

If the problem persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. This can clear out corrupt files or misconfigured settings that may hinder AR features.

Warning: Make sure your game progress is saved by linking your account with Google, Facebook, or Apple ID before uninstalling!

5. Calibrate Your Device Sensors

Sometimes your device’s internal gyroscope or compass requires recalibration. Follow these steps for a quick fix:

• Open your phone’s compass app and wave the device in a figure-8 motion
• Restart your device
• Relaunch Pokémon GO and test AR mode again

Some devices also allow you to recalibrate motion sensors in settings or via diagnostic apps.

6. Turn On AR Mode Manually

Even on supported devices, the AR toggle might sometimes switch off unintentionally. To re-enable it:

1. Open the Pokémon GO app
2. Tap the PokéBall icon to open the menu
3. Go to Settings
4. Scroll to AR+ and make sure it is turned on

7. Try a Workaround: Disable AR for Basic Capture Mode

If all else fails and you just want to keep playing, you can turn off the AR mode. This will load a basic static interface when encountering Pokémon:

1. Go to Settings in the app
2. Disable the AR+ toggle

This doesn’t solve the AR issue, but allows you to continue catching Pokémon while troubleshooting continues.

When to Contact Niantic Support

If you’ve tried every remedy and Pokémon GO AR still won’t work, it may be time to contact official support. Visit Niantic Help Center to report your issue. Be prepared to provide device specs, OS version, app version, and a short description of the problem.

Conclusion

AR mode is one of the most engaging features in Pokémon GO, but when it fails, it can quickly become frustrating. Thankfully, most AR issues boil down to simple software settings, permissions, or updates. By carefully walking through the steps above, you should be able to restore AR functionality and get back to capturing Pokémon in your own neighborhood with immersive augmented reality action.

Stay patient, stay curious, and most importantly — keep catching ’em all!