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 - started rolling out to select players in June and was only officially announced by developer Scopely Explore in August.
This guide explains how to get the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go, how it works, what we don't know, and why it might not be working for you.
Update (13th August): Developer Scopely Explore has finally formerly confirmed the Explorer Gadget, and has issued several clarifications to how it works - including Trainer Level requirement (20), behaviour (it'll skip unregistered Pokémon and Mighty Pokémon), and how many catches and spins players receive per day (it matches your Trainer Level).
How to get the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go
The Explorer Gadget is not available for all players yet, and is currently in a "phased rollout", according to Scopely Explore. To date, the Explorer Gadget has rolled out in the rolling waves:
- 10th June (Australia and New Zealand)
- 31st July (UK and parts of Europe)
- 11th August (United States)
Only players who are Trainer Level 20 and above can use it, and furthermore, not everyone in those regions have access yet. Plus, when you do, it's possible it can be revoked after you receive it (for those in the 31st July cohort, it disappeared after 24 hours, and returned about a week later).
To see if you have the Explorer Gadget, you should see a button on the upper right side of the map screen. If you also open your Item inventory, you should get a confirmation and quick tutorial with how it works.
Troubleshooting tips: 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 active and on the screen. This is a departure from Go Plus devices which work whether the app is closed or open.
You can see this in action here, with the game running in the background while switching apps on iOS, and managing to catch a couple of Pokémon while doing so:
Other advice includes:
- Scopely Explore has said it will work "as you move at a casual pace", meaning it will mostly catch and spin while you are moving. Though I have had some success with it working while stationary, from experience, being mobile is how it works best (and is also different to a physical Go Plus, which works fine stationary).
- Either way, the Explorer Gadget works a little slower than Go Plus devices in my experience, meaning it'll take longer to locate things to catch and spin.
- But even then, there have been sessions where it'll just stop after a certain point, and I suspect that's because it's still in the testing phase.
- Make sure you have regular Poké Balls in your inventory to catch Pokémon, and room in your item inventory, as both can prevent it from working.
- If you haven't already, make sure Adventure Sync is enabled so it can track your movements while the app isn't active.
- Finally, the Explorer Gadget can disappear from people's accounts, with the 31st August cohort seemingly having just 24 hours to play with the new feature, before returning a week or so later.
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. As of 13th August, this is based on your Trainer level; as a Level 78 trainer, that is how many Pokémon and Poké Stops I can catch and spin per day with the device.
- This is different to how it worked before the device was officially announced, with players having random numbers unrelated to their level, ranging from anywhere between 35 and 80. (I had 35, for example.)
- This Pokémon limit is the total number of actual catches, and not attempted catches. This means if it misses, it'll continue operating until the limit has been reached.
- It will not catch certain types of Pokémon - including those not in your Pokédex, or Mighty Pokémon during Go Wild Area events.
- 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.
- When it comes to catching Pokémon, it only uses Poké Balls (Scopely Explore has confirmed it can't use Great Balls or Ultra Balls, unlike Go Plus devices), 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 found in the Item inventory alongside the likes of the Zygarde Cell and Link Holder.
- And no, you cannot use an Explorer Gadget and a Go Plus device at the same time.
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 available.
- 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.
There is a way, however, to switch the Explorer Gadget for a Go Plus:
- 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 the above, know that you cannot use the Explorer Gadget again that day.
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