Does Shaking Your Phone Make Pokémon Go Think You’re Walking?
In the world of Pokémon Go, players are constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to catch more Pokémon, hatch eggs, and level up their characters without having to physically walk long distances. One popular technique that has gained attention in recent times is shaking your phone to simulate walking movements. But does this really work?
The Official Answer
According to Pokémon Go’s official guidelines, shaking your phone does not count as walking. This is stated in the app’s Help Center, which clearly specifies that walking distances are tracked using the phone’s GPS and accelerometer data. These sensors measure the phone’s movement and direction, and the app calculates the distance traveled based on this data.
What Does the Community Say?
Despite the official answer, many Pokémon Go enthusiasts claim that shaking their phones has worked for them. Some report that it reduces the number of escapes while trying to catch Pokémon, while others claim that it helps hatch eggs more quickly.
Shaking vs. Walking
So, how does shaking your phone compare to actual walking? According to Pokémon Go’s internal mechanics, walking is about 0.5 miles per hour, while shaking your phone is equivalent to about 0.25 miles per hour. This means that shaking your phone is significantly slower than walking, which could impact your progress and experience in the game.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Here are some benefits and drawbacks of shaking your phone to simulate walking:
Benefits:
• Convenience: Shaking your phone allows you to play Pokémon Go anywhere, without having to physically walk long distances.
• Time-saving: You can hatch eggs and level up your characters faster using this technique.
• Accessibility: This method is ideal for people with mobility issues or those who are unable to walk long distances.
Drawbacks:
• Inconsistent tracking: The app’s GPS and accelerometer data may not accurately track your shaking movements, which could result in inconsistent walking distances.
• Less effective than actual walking: Shaking your phone is slower and less effective than actual walking, which may impact your progress in the game.
• Cheating detection: Niantic, the developers of Pokémon Go, have strict anti-cheating measures in place, and excessive shaking may raise suspicions and potentially result in account suspension or ban.
Tips and Tricks
If you decide to use the shaking method, here are some tips to help you get the most out of it:
• Use a smooth, steady motion: Apply gentle, consistent pressure while shaking your phone to help the app track your movement more accurately.
• Keep the phone close: Hold your phone close to your body to reduce noise and ensure accurate tracking.
• Combine with other techniques: Consider combining shaking with other walking methods, such as virtual walking apps or pedometers, to increase your walking distance.
Conclusion
While shaking your phone may not be the most effective way to simulate walking in Pokémon Go, it can still be a useful technique for those who need it. However, it’s essential to keep in mind the potential drawbacks and ensure that you’re not misusing this method to cheat or gain an unfair advantage. Remember, the spirit of Pokémon Go is to encourage physical activity and exploration, so make sure you’re playing fairly and enjoying the game responsibly.