Does Pokémon Go Track Steps When Phone is Locked?
Pokémon Go is a popular mobile game that encourages players to get up and move around to catch Pokémon and complete tasks. One of the key features of the game is the ability to track steps, which rewards players with Poké Balls, experience points, and other benefits. But what happens when you lock your phone? Does Pokémon Go still track your steps?
The Short Answer
Yes, Pokémon Go tracks steps even when your phone is locked. The game uses a feature called Adventure Sync, which allows it to track your movements and activities in the background, even when you’re not actively playing the game.
How Does Adventure Sync Work?
Adventure Sync is a technology developed by Niantic, the company behind Pokémon Go, that allows the game to track your movements and activities in the background. When you enable Adventure Sync, your phone sends location data to Niantic’s servers, which uses this data to calculate your distance traveled, the number of steps you take, and other activities.
Benefits of Adventure Sync
Enabling Adventure Sync has several benefits for Pokémon Go players. For one, it allows the game to track your progress even when you’re not actively playing, which means you can earn rewards and bonuses without having to constantly play the game. Additionally, Adventure Sync helps the game to provide more accurate information about your location and movement, which can be helpful for finding Pokémon and completing tasks.
How to Enable Adventure Sync
Enabling Adventure Sync is easy. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Pokémon Go app
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the bottom left corner of the screen
- Tap on "Settings"
- Scroll down and tap on "Adventure Sync"
- Toggle the switch to the "On" position
What Happens When You Lock Your Phone?
When you lock your phone, Adventure Sync continues to track your movements and activities in the background. This means that even when your phone is locked, the game can still track your steps and other activities, which can help you earn rewards and bonuses.
Tips for Optimal Tracking
To get the most out of Adventure Sync, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure your phone is always connected to the internet
- Keep your phone’s location services enabled
- Wearable devices, such as Fitbits or smartwatches, can also be used to track your activities
- Regularly update your phone’s operating system and Pokémon Go app to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Pokémon Go track my location even when I’m not playing the game?
A: Yes, Pokémon Go uses Adventure Sync to track your location and activities in the background, even when you’re not actively playing the game.
Q: Can I turn off Adventure Sync?
A: Yes, you can turn off Adventure Sync at any time by going to the Pokémon Go app settings and toggling the switch to the "Off" position.
Q: How accurate is Adventure Sync?
A: Adventure Sync uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and other location-based technologies to track your movements and activities. While it’s not perfect, it’s generally quite accurate and can provide a good estimate of your distance traveled and other activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pokémon Go tracks steps even when your phone is locked, thanks to its Adventure Sync feature. By enabling Adventure Sync, you can earn rewards and bonuses even when you’re not actively playing the game, and get a more accurate picture of your location and movement.