Fix Pokemon Go Error 11 GPS Signal Not Found

Error 11 in Pokemon Go means the game cannot detect a reliable GPS signal, so your character won’t move and many features are locked. This guide walks you through the most common causes and fixes, from simple settings checks to phone-level troubleshooting, so you can get back to catching Pokemon quickly.

What You’ll Need

• Your phone (Android or iOS)
• Access to your phone’s Settings app
• A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
• If indoors, a window or open area nearby

Step-by-Step

1. Restart the Pokemon Go app. Fully close it (swipe it away from your recent apps) and reopen it. Sometimes the GPS connection just glitches and a fresh start fixes it.
2. Check your phone’s location settings. Go to your phone’s Settings > Location (or Privacy > Location Services on iOS). Make sure Location is turned on, and that Pokemon Go has permission to access it. Set the mode to “High accuracy” (Android) or “While Using the App” (iOS).
3. Toggle GPS off and on. Turn off Location in your quick settings, wait 5 seconds, then turn it back on. This forces your phone to re-establish a GPS lock.
4. Move to an open area. GPS signals are weak indoors, near tall buildings, or under heavy tree cover. Step outside or near a window where the sky is more visible, and wait 30 seconds for the signal to improve.
5. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth temporarily. While they can help with location, sometimes they cause conflicts. Turn them off, wait a moment, then turn them back on. If that fixes it, you may need to reset your network settings.
6. Restart your phone. A simple reboot clears temporary system glitches that can affect GPS. After restarting, open Pokemon Go and see if the error is gone.
7. Update Pokemon Go and your phone’s OS. Go to your app store and check for updates for Pokemon Go. Also check your phone’s system updates in Settings. Outdated software can have GPS bugs that are already fixed in newer versions.
8. Clear the app cache (Android only). Go to Settings > Apps > Pokemon Go > Storage > Clear Cache. This does not delete your game data, but it removes temporary files that might be corrupted. Do not use “Clear Data” unless you are willing to log in again.
9. Reinstall Pokemon Go. As a last resort, uninstall the app and install it again from your app store. Make sure you know your login credentials first. This fixes any corrupted installation files.

Common Mistakes

• Turning on “Battery Saver” mode. This can disable GPS in the background. Make sure battery saver is off while playing.
• Using a VPN or mock location app. These interfere with GPS and can trigger Error 11 or even a ban. Turn off any VPN or mock location settings.
• Ignoring the in-game compass. If the compass is misaligned, the game may think you’re not moving. Calibrate it by moving your phone in a figure-8 motion.
• Playing in a moving vehicle. The game may intentionally show Error 11 if it detects you’re moving too fast. Wait until you are stationary.

Tips

• Use Wi-Fi when indoors. Even with GPS off, Wi-Fi can help pinpoint your location, which sometimes helps the game get a lock.
• Keep your phone’s date and time set to automatic. Incorrect time settings can break GPS. Check in Settings > Date & Time.
• Check for system updates regularly. GPS improvements are often included in OS updates.
• If you are in a basement or underground, go upstairs. GPS cannot penetrate thick concrete.

Troubleshooting

If you’ve tried all the steps and still see Error 11, try these additional checks:

• Test your GPS with another app. Open Google Maps (or Apple Maps) and see if your location is accurate. If Maps also shows a wrong location, the problem is with your phone’s GPS hardware, not Pokemon Go.
• Check if your phone case is interfering. Some metal or magnetic cases can block GPS signals. Remove the case and try again.
• Reset network settings. On Android: Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. On iOS: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This does not delete your data, but you will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.
• Contact Niantic support. If the error persists across multiple devices and locations, it may be a server-side issue. Check the official Pokemon Go support page or social media for known outages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get Error 11 when I’m outside?

Even outdoors, GPS can be blocked by tall buildings, dense trees, or stormy weather. Try moving a few meters away from structures and wait for the signal to lock.

Does Error 11 mean I’m banned?

No, Error 11 is a GPS signal issue, not a ban. Bans show a different message. However, using fake GPS apps can lead to a ban, so avoid them.

Will reinstalling the app delete my progress?

No, your progress is tied to your Pokemon Trainer Club or Google/Facebook account. As long as you log in with the same account, you’ll keep everything.

Can I play Pokemon Go with GPS off?

No, the game requires location services to function. You cannot play normally without GPS.

Why does Error 11 happen more often on Android than iOS?

Android devices have more variation in GPS hardware and software, and some manufacturers’ battery optimization settings can interfere with GPS. Check your battery optimization settings for Pokemon Go and set it to “Unrestricted” or “Not optimized.”

Is there a way to fix Error 11 by changing my time zone?

No, changing your time zone will not help. In fact, having the wrong time zone can make the problem worse. Keep your date and time set to automatic.

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