The Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go is a feature that acts as a virtual Go Plus device built directly into the game.
If you're unfamiliar, Go Plus devices allow you to catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops automatically, and the Explorer Gadget works largely the same way - all without having to use a physical device.
The feature - which first appeared in datamines back in April, and is still technically unannounced by developer Scopely Explore - rolled out to some players in June, and saw a wider rollout in late July. This guide explains what we know about the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go, and what we don't know just yet.
Update (1st August): After yesterday's update with hands-on experience with the Explorer Gadget, it's now gone for a bunch of users. I've updated the guide with this in mind.
How to get the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go
The Explorer Gadget is not available for all players yet. The Explorer Gadget started rolling out to some players on 10th June, with a second rollout on 31st July (which has seemingly been revoked for many just 24 hours later).
The working theory is the first rollout was for those in Australia and New Zealand, while the second rollout is for UK and parts of Europe. That said, not everyone in those regions have access yet - and as mentioned, it seems to have disappeared from some accounts as soon as it's arrived.
To see if you have the Explorer Gadget, you should see a button on the upper right side of the map screen. If you open your Item inventory, you should get a confirmation and quick tutorial with how it works.
If you have the Explorer Gadget unlocked early, know that the number of Pokémon it can catch and the PokéStops it can spin will be different for every player. (For me, I have 35 of each, while others range from the 40s through to the 70s.) This, and the lack of an announcement about the feature by Scopely Explore, suggests it's still very much in testing.
Why the Explorer Gadget is not working
A quick explainer for those that have the Explorer Gadget unlocked. If you are finding it's not working, it's because the Explorer Gadget only catches and spins when the Pokémon Go app isn't open. This is a departure from Go Plus devices which work whether the app is running or not.
The Explorer Gadget also works a little slower than Go Plus devices, so even when the app is closed, it'll take longer to locate things to catch and spin.
Also, as mentioned above, the Explorer Gadget can people's accounts, too - with the 31st August cohort seemingly having just 24 hours to play with the new feature.
How the Explorer Gadget works (and the questions we still have)
Based on hands-on impressions and community findings, here's what we know about the Explorer Gadget so far:
- As mentioned above, the Explorer Gadget only works when Pokémon Go is running in the background. This is different to the physical Go Plus, which can operate while actively playing.
- The Explorer Gadget can be paused and resumed, allowing you to use it in stages, until it's fully consumed that day.
- The device has a limit to the number of Pokémon it can catch and the PokéStops it can spin every day (currently numbers currently differ by user, likely as it's in the testing phase). These numbers range from 35 to 80, including odd numbers like 71.
- This Pokémon limit is the total number of catches, and not attempted catches. This means if it misses, it'll continue operating until the limit has been reached.
- You can see what Pokémon you have caught by tapping the Explorer Gadget button. You'll also get a full recap of everything it caught when it has been fully consumed.
- It appears that reaching Level 80 increases the number of catches and spins it can perform, suggesting this will be an additional reward for levelling alongside free Pokémon storage capacity increases. (Thanks Foreveryoung254 on reddit for revealing this.)
Explorer Gadget as Level 80 reward
by u/Foreveryoung254 in TheSilphRoad
- When it comes to catching Pokémon it only uses Poké Balls, and you'll get a push notification saying if you have run out. (Thanks SDNite on reddit for revealing this.)
The new explorer gadget only uses normal pokeballs
by u/SDNite in TheSilphRoad
- On the map screen interface, the Explorer Gadget appears above where the Daily Adventure Incense is. It temporarily replaces any Go Plus devices you might have, until it's fully consumed or disabled (see the next section for steps on how to do this).
- The Explorer Gadget is also in the Item inventory alongside the likes of the Zygarde Cell and Link Holder.
And here's what we don't know about the Explorer Gadget:
- Whether it'll be free, or have its use extended with a paid / premium option, when it's fully rolled out.
- Whether other Poké Ball types (Great Balls, Ultra Balls) can be used by the device. (Early signs suggest not.)
- Whether it has the same behaviour as Go Plus device, such as attempting to catch Pokémon before spinning PokéStops, and when it comes to catching, only having a single catch attempt (which if unsuccessful, the Pokémon will flee).
- Since it only works with the app is closed, it's hard to tell how exactly it works right now!
- When it will be available for all players. Based on previous new features to the game, it tends to be staggered in waves until a full announcement and full rollout.
If you want to know more about how a physical Go Plus works by comparison, and why it's one of the best upgrades in Pokémon Go, the following feature delves into more:
Matthew Reynolds
How to disable the Explorer Gadget for a Go Plus device
Since the Explorer Gadget has several differences compared to a Go Plus device, you might find you'll prefer to use your Go Plus instead. However, by default, the Explorer Gadget will take precedence on the map screen until it's been fully consumed that day.
There is a way, however, to switch the Explorer Gadget for a Go Plus early:
- Open 'Settings' (by tapping the Poké Ball icon at the bottom centre of the map screen, then 'Settings' is in the upper right corner)
- Tap 'Connected Devices and Services'
- Tap 'Accessory Devices'
- Select the top-most option which displays your synced Pokémon Go Plus device
If you decide to do this, know that you cannot use the Explorer Gadget again that day.
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