Pokémon GO Explorer Gadget: how it works and who can use it

Pokémon GO has introduced the Explorer Gadget, a built-in feature that attempts to catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops while the game is not open. Its rollout is taking place in phases and, as of August 14, 2026, the official help information describes a test limited to certain regions: there is still no date for worldwide availability.

Only Trainers at level 20 or higher can use it. Because it is built into the game, there is no physical accessory to buy.

How to activate the Explorer Gadget

You can access it from an icon in the top-right corner of the map. It can also be opened from the Key Items section of the Item Bag. Once activated, it continues running in the background even when the screen is locked or the phone is in your pocket.

The Explorer Gadget performs two automatic actions:

It cannot use Great Balls or Ultra Balls. It will also avoid attempting to catch certain creatures, including species that are not yet registered in the Pokédex and formidable Pokémon.

• It attempts to catch Pokémon using Poké Balls only.
• It spins PokéStops to collect items.

Daily limits and situations that stop the feature

The number of catches and PokéStops it can process each day depends on the Trainer's level. Niantic has not published a table with exact figures for each level. When one of the limits is reached, the corresponding action stops for the rest of the day.

Automation also pauses when storage is full: it stops attempting catches if Pokémon Storage has no space, and stops spinning PokéStops if the Item Bag is full. At the end of a session, Pokémon GO displays a summary with the number of Pokémon caught and PokéStops visited. The announcement does not guarantee every throw will succeed: the feature attempts each catch.

Compatibility with Pokémon GO Plus +

A Pokémon GO Plus + can remain paired without removing its connection, but the accessory and the Explorer Gadget cannot be active at the same time.

If a Trainer switches to Pokémon GO Plus + while the Explorer Gadget is running, the built-in feature stops. It also cannot be used again until the following day. Choosing between the two systems is therefore a daily decision, not a temporary switch.

Availability remains limited

The official publication confirms a phased rollout, but it does not identify every included region or specify when the feature will reach each account. Meeting the minimum level does not yet guarantee the option will appear. The most reliable check is to look for the icon on the map or the entry in the Key Items section of the Item Bag.