Pokemon Go Plus Not Working? Fixes That Work

If your Pokemon Go Plus is not working, the fix is usually a simple reset or re-pairing with your phone. This article walks through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions, from battery issues to Bluetooth conflicts, so you can get back to catching Pokemon without the frustration.

Background: What Is the Pokemon Go Plus?

The Pokemon Go Plus is a small wearable device that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It lets you interact with the game without constantly looking at your screen: it vibrates and flashes an LED to alert you to nearby Pokemon and PokeStops. Pressing the button attempts to catch the Pokemon or spin the PokeStop. It was designed to make the game playable while your phone is in your pocket or while you’re doing other things.

How It Works: Pairing and Connection Basics

The device uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with the Pokemon Go app. To pair it, you open the app, go to the Settings menu, select Pokemon Go Plus, and press the button on the device when the app is searching. Once paired, the device stays connected as long as it’s within range (about 10 meters) and the app is running in the background. The connection can drop if the phone goes to sleep, the battery dies, or the app is closed.

Common Problems and Their Fixes

Here are the most frequent issues and what to do about them:

Battery dead: The device uses a CR2032 coin battery. If the LED doesn’t flash when you press the button, replace the battery. A fresh battery typically lasts 2-3 months with normal use.
Bluetooth not enabled: Check that Bluetooth is on in your phone’s settings and that the Pokemon Go app has permission to use it.
Device not detected: In the app, go to Settings > Pokemon Go Plus and tap the button on the device. If it doesn’t appear, try resetting the device (see below).
Connection drops repeatedly: This often happens when the phone’s battery saver mode is on, which can kill background Bluetooth. Turn off battery saver for the Pokemon Go app, or disable it entirely while playing.
App not responding to the button: Sometimes the app’s connection is stuck. Force-quit the app, restart it, and re-pair the device.

How to Reset Your Pokemon Go Plus

If the device is still not working after basic checks, a reset usually fixes it. Here’s how:

In the Pokemon Go app, go to Settings > Pokemon Go Plus and select “Eject” or “Forget Device” to remove it from the app.
On the device itself, press and hold the button for 5 seconds until the LED flashes blue. Release the button.
Immediately press and hold the button again for 5 seconds until the LED vibrates and flashes. This puts the device into pairing mode.
In the app, tap the Pokemon Go Plus icon and select the device when it appears. The LED will flash blue and then solid blue when paired.

If the reset doesn’t work, try restarting your phone and then repeat the process.

Phone-Specific Issues

Some phones have aggressive battery optimization that kills background Bluetooth connections. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Pokemon Go > Battery and select “Unrestricted” or “No restrictions.” On iOS, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and make sure Pokemon Go is enabled. Also, check that the app is allowed to use Bluetooth in your phone’s privacy settings.

Alternatives: What If It Still Doesn’t Work?

If you’ve tried all the above and the device still won’t connect, the hardware might be faulty. You can try using the device with a different phone to isolate the problem. If it works on another phone, the issue is with your original phone’s Bluetooth stack. If it doesn’t work on any phone, the device itself may need to be replaced. There’s also the Pokemon Go Plus Plus, a newer model with a built-in battery and auto-catch feature, but it’s a separate purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Pokemon Go Plus keep disconnecting?

This is usually caused by the phone’s battery saver mode or the app being closed. The device will disconnect if the app isn’t running in the background. Make sure the app is open (even in the background) and that battery saver is off for Pokemon Go.

How do I know if my Pokemon Go Plus battery is dead?

If the LED doesn’t light up when you press the button, the battery is likely dead. Replace the CR2032 battery and try again.

Can I use my Pokemon Go Plus with an Apple Watch?

No, the Pokemon Go Plus is a standalone device that connects directly to the app on your phone via Bluetooth. It does not connect to an Apple Watch.

Why isn’t my Pokemon Go Plus catching Pokemon?

If the device is connected but not catching, it may be because the Pokemon is too far away, or the catch rate is low. The device only throws one regular Poke Ball, so it may fail. Also, make sure you have Poke Balls in your inventory.

Will the Pokemon Go Plus work if my phone is locked?

Yes, that’s the main purpose. As long as the app is running in the background and Bluetooth is on, the device will work with the screen locked.

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