Pokémon GO players no longer have to leave the game running in the background to let the Explorer Gadget catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops for them.
Niantic has upgraded the feature to work during active gameplay, allowing Trainers to explore the map, encounter Pokémon, and collect items while the Gadget handles some routine catching and spinning.
The upgrade is currently rolling out, however, so it isn't available to everyone yet. Niantic says it will share another announcement when the updated feature becomes available globally.
Here's everything you need to know about the Pokémon GO Explorer Gadget upgrade, including how it works, who can use it, and what else has changed.
Emmanuel Umahi
How the Pokémon GO Explorer Gadget Upgrade Works
Previously, the Explorer Gadget automatically attempted to catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops while Pokémon GO wasn't actively open on your device. With the latest upgrade, it can now perform these actions while you're playing.
Once activated, the Gadget looks for eligible Pokémon and nearby PokéStops and attempts to interact with them automatically. You can continue exploring the map without having to stop and handle every encounter or PokéStop yourself.
The upgrade brings the Explorer Gadget closer to the convenience of accessories such as Pokémon GO Plus +, particularly when it comes to automatic catching and PokéStop spinning. However, it's an in-game feature, so you don't need a separate physical accessory to use it.
You'll also know when the Gadget is attempting an interaction because a pink Poké Ball icon appears above the Pokémon or PokéStop it has targeted.
This gives you a visual indication of what the Gadget is handling and lets you decide whether to take over the interaction yourself.
Who Can Use the Explorer Gadget and How Do You Activate It?
The Explorer Gadget is available to Trainers who have reached Level 20 or higher. You can access the feature in either of two ways:
- Open the Map View and tap the Explorer Gadget icon in the top-right corner.
- Open your Item Bag, navigate to Key Items, and select the Explorer Gadget.
Once activated, the Gadget can begin attempting to catch eligible wild Pokémon and spin nearby PokéStops, including while you're actively playing.
Can You Catch Pokémon and Spin PokéStops Manually?
Yes. The upgrade doesn't take away your ability to interact with Pokémon and PokéStops yourself.
For instance, if the Explorer Gadget targets a Pokémon you particularly want to catch, you can tap that Pokémon to take over the encounter. The same applies to PokéStops: you can manually spin a stop while the Gadget is active.
There's one important restriction, though. You only have a limited window to take over an interaction after the pink Poké Ball icon appears.
So, if you spot a Pokémon you don't want the Gadget to handle automatically, you'll need to act quickly rather than assume you can interrupt it whenever you like.
Which Pokémon Can the Explorer Gadget Catch?
The Explorer Gadget isn't designed to catch every Pokémon that appears around you. Niantic specifically identifies two types of encounters it will skip:
- Undiscovered Pokémon: Pokémon that haven't yet been registered in your Pokédex.
- Mighty Pokémon: These are unusually powerful wild Pokémon that are more likely to have high Attack, Defense, and HP ratings. They're also more likely to be XL or XXL and are generally harder to catch than regular wild Pokémon.
This means the Gadget is primarily useful for handling routine encounters rather than replacing manual catching when you're hunting for new Pokédex entries or particularly powerful Pokémon.
Can You Use the Explorer Gadget With Pokémon GO Plus +?
You can keep your Pokémon GO Plus + or another supported accessory paired with your device, but you cannot have the accessory and Explorer Gadget actively operating at the same time.
In other words, you'll need to choose which automatic catching and PokéStop spinning option you want to use.
The upgrade doesn't allow you to combine both features for additional automation. Instead, it gives you another way to handle nearby encounters without relying entirely on a physical accessory.
Does the Explorer Gadget Use Poké Balls and Have a Daily Limit?
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