How to Walk in Pokemon Go: Step-by-Step Guide

Walking is the core mechanic in Pokémon GO — it hatches Eggs, earns Candy with your Buddy, and unlocks Adventure Sync rewards. This guide shows you exactly how to make every step count, from the basic phone-in-pocket method to using Adventure Sync and knowing when the game counts your distance.

What You’ll Need

• A smartphone with Pokémon GO installed and logged in
• A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
• Location services (GPS) enabled for the app
• Eggs in your inventory (if you want to hatch them)
• Optional: A Buddy Pokémon assigned (to earn Candy)
• Optional: A fitness tracker or smartwatch that syncs with Google Fit or Apple Health

Step-by-Step

1. Open Pokémon GO and log in. Make sure you have a stable connection. If you’re in an area with poor reception, the game may not track distance properly.
2. Enable Location Permissions. Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Pokémon GO > Permissions and allow “Location” (set to “While using the app” or “Always” for Adventure Sync). On iOS, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Pokémon GO and choose “Always” or “While Using.”
3. Enable Adventure Sync (optional but recommended). In the game, tap the Poké Ball icon > Settings (gear icon) > scroll to “Adventure Sync” and toggle it on. Follow the prompts to connect to Google Fit (Android) or Apple Health (iOS). This lets the game count steps even when the app is closed.
4. Put an Egg in an Incubator. Go to your Items bag, select an Incubator, and choose an Egg. The game tracks distance for up to 9 Eggs at a time (if you have multiple incubators). Use the standard orange Incubator for 2 km Eggs, and reserve purchased incubators for longer distances.
5. Assign a Buddy Pokémon. Tap your Trainer avatar > Buddy > choose a Pokémon. As you walk, you’ll earn Candy for that species — 1 Candy per 1 km, 3 km, or 5 km depending on the Pokémon.
6. Start walking with the app open OR closed.
   • App open: Keep the game running and your phone unlocked. The game uses GPS to track your movement. You can put the phone in your pocket, but the screen must stay on (or at least not be locked). Walking in a straight line is best; the game checks your position every few minutes.
   • App closed (Adventure Sync): Simply walk with your phone in your pocket or on your arm. The game syncs steps from your phone’s fitness tracker. Make sure Adventure Sync is on and the fitness app is set up.
7. Walk at a steady pace. The game detects walking speeds up to about 10.5 km/h (6.5 mph). Faster than that (like running) may not count. A brisk walk is ideal.
8. Check your progress. After walking, open the game and look at the Egg screen or your Buddy’s progress bar. Distance updates can take a few minutes. If you used Adventure Sync, open the app to force a sync.
9. Hatch your Egg. When the distance reaches the required amount, the Egg will hatch with an animation. You’ll receive Stardust, Candy, and a Pokémon.

Common Mistakes

• Walking too fast: If you’re cycling or running, the game may not count distance because it exceeds the speed cap.
• Phone locked with app open: If you lock your screen, the app may pause tracking. Keep the screen on (use battery saver mode in the game’s settings).
• Adventure Sync not properly connected: If you didn’t link Google Fit or Apple Health, steps won’t sync. Double-check the connection in Settings.
• Not having an Egg in an incubator: Distance is only applied to Eggs that are actively incubating. If you have no Eggs, you won’t see progress.
• Walking in a small circle: The game samples your location periodically. If you walk in a tight loop, it may not register enough distance between samples.
• Ignoring GPS drift: Sometimes your GPS jumps around, giving you distance without moving. This is unreliable and can get you flagged if you abuse it.

Tips

• Use Adventure Sync always: It counts steps from your phone’s accelerometer, which is more accurate than GPS and works even when the app is closed.
• Walk in a straight line: The game calculates distance between GPS points. A straight path gives the most accurate reading.
• Keep your phone in a pocket or armband: Holding it in your hand can cause the GPS to wobble. A secure pocket reduces that.
• Use the in-game battery saver: In Settings, enable “Battery Saver” — the screen goes dark when you point the phone down, but the app still tracks.
• Combine with other activities: Walk to a PokéStop or Gym, spin it, catch Pokémon, and you’ll get more value from your walk.
• Check your weekly Adventure Sync rewards: Every Monday at 9 AM local time, you get rewards for walking 5 km, 25 km, or 50 km in a week. Make sure you hit those milestones.

Troubleshooting

• Distance not updating: Wait a few minutes — the game updates in intervals. If it’s been 10 minutes, try restarting the app. Also check your internet connection.
• Adventure Sync not working: Go to Settings > Adventure Sync and toggle it off and on. Make sure the fitness app (Google Fit/Apple Health) has permission to track your activity. On Android, check that battery optimization isn’t killing the app.
• Steps counted but Egg not hatching: Make sure an Egg is in an incubator. If you have multiple Eggs, the distance is split, so each gets a portion. Also ensure the Egg is not a “distance” type that requires a different incubator (e.g., 10 km Eggs need a regular incubator, not a limited one).
• Walking but no Buddy Candy: Check that your Buddy is assigned. Also, the Buddy must be active (you can switch it anytime). Distance is counted only when the app is open or Adventure Sync is on.
• Phone battery drains fast: The game uses GPS heavily. Use a portable charger, reduce screen brightness, and enable Battery Saver in the game.
• GPS signal weak: If you’re indoors or in a tunnel, the GPS may not work. Go outside or near a window. In settings, you can also calibrate your compass by moving your phone in a figure-eight motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does walking on a treadmill count?

No, because the GPS doesn’t detect movement. Adventure Sync uses your phone’s accelerometer, but it’s designed to detect step patterns, and treadmill walking may or may not register depending on your phone’s sensor. It’s not reliable.

Can I use a bike or car to hatch eggs?

Only if you travel under the speed cap (~10.5 km/h). Biking slowly might work, but driving usually doesn’t. The game intentionally ignores fast movement to discourage cheating.

Why did my distance reset when I closed the app?

If you didn’t have Adventure Sync enabled, distance is only tracked while the app is open. Closing the app stops tracking. Adventure Sync solves this by syncing steps from your fitness tracker.

How often does the game update distance?

Usually every 1-4 minutes, depending on your movement. It’s not real-time, so be patient.

Does walking in circles count?

It can, but less efficiently. The game samples your location at intervals, so a large circle (like a park loop) works, but a tight circle may not register enough distance between samples.

Can I walk with the app in the background?

Yes, if you have Adventure Sync on. Without it, the app must be in the foreground (screen on). You can put the phone in your pocket with the screen on, but it’s better to use Adventure Sync.

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