Pokemon Go Raids Not Showing Up Troubleshooting Location And Connection Issues

Pokemon Go players often rely on gym raids as a core part of their gameplay—whether to catch rare Pokemon, earn powerful rewards, or prepare for competitive battles. However, nothing is more frustrating than opening the app only to find that nearby raids aren’t appearing. While this issue can stem from server-side problems, most cases are rooted in local device settings, connectivity, or location inaccuracies. Understanding how to diagnose and resolve these underlying causes ensures you don’t miss limited-time events or exclusive raid bosses.

The game depends heavily on accurate GPS data, stable internet connections, and real-time server communication. When any of these components fail, raid markers may disappear from your map—even if raids are active within walking distance. This guide walks through the most common reasons why raids don't show up and provides actionable steps to restore full functionality.

Understanding How Raids Are Displayed in Pokemon Go

Raids appear based on several synchronized conditions: your physical location, network connectivity, server status, and in-app permissions. The game uses your device’s GPS to determine proximity to gyms hosting raids. Once detected, the game fetches raid details—including boss Pokemon, timer, and team availability—from Niantic’s servers via an internet connection.

If any link in this chain breaks, raid icons won’t load. For example:

• Your GPS signal is weak or inaccurate.
• You’re using a spoofer or mock location app that interferes with detection.
• Your Wi-Fi or mobile data has dropped or is unstable.
• Niantic’s servers are experiencing delays or outages.
• The app hasn’t refreshed properly after entering a new area.

Before assuming it's a widespread outage, verify whether the problem lies with your setup. Most players regain access to raids by adjusting one or two key settings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Missing Raids

Follow this structured process to identify and correct the root cause of missing raids. Start with basic checks before progressing to advanced troubleshooting.

1. Check Server Status
   Visit Downdetector or Niantic’s official status page to confirm if there’s an ongoing service disruption. If multiple users report issues, wait until resolved before continuing.
2. Ensure Internet Connectivity
   Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to test stability. Try loading a webpage in your browser while standing near a known raid gym. No connection means raids won’t sync.
3. Enable High-Accuracy Location Mode
   On Android: Go to Settings > Location > Mode > Select “High accuracy” (uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks).
   On iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Pokemon Go > Select “While Using the App” or “Always.”
4. Force Close and Restart the App
   Swipe the app away from recent apps, then relaunch. This clears temporary glitches and forces a fresh map reload.
5. Move and Refresh the Map
   Walk at least 50 meters or manually spin the map in different directions. Sometimes raids only appear after movement triggers a refresh.
6. Reboot Your Device
   A full restart resolves background conflicts affecting GPS or networking services.
7. Update Pokemon Go
   Open your app store and ensure you're running the latest version. Outdated builds may have bugs preventing raid display.
8. Clear Cache (Android Only)
   Go to Settings > Apps > Pokemon Go > Storage > Clear Cache. Avoid clearing data unless necessary—it resets login tokens.

Tip: After restarting the app, stand still for 10 seconds to allow GPS to stabilize before checking for raids.

Common Causes and Fixes for Location Errors

Inaccurate positioning is the leading reason raids don’t appear. Even small GPS drifts can place you outside the 400-meter visibility radius around a gym. Below are frequent culprits and their solutions.

GPS Signal Interference

Tall buildings, dense tree cover, underground areas, or indoor play can degrade GPS accuracy. To improve signal:

• Step into open areas with clear sky visibility.
• Avoid holding your phone near metal objects or inside pockets.
• Use external GPS enhancer apps like GPS Status & Toolbox (Android) to recalibrate satellites.

Mock Location or Spoofing Apps

Using fake GPS tools disables raid participation and often hides raid markers entirely. Niantic actively blocks spoofers to preserve fair play.

“We continuously monitor for abnormal behavior, including location spoofing, which may result in restricted features such as raids.” — Niantic Support Statement

If you’ve used a location faker—even once—disable it completely. Uninstall third-party spoofing apps and reset your phone’s location settings to default.

Outdated or Incorrect Date/Time Settings

Pokemon Go relies on precise time synchronization. If your device clock is off by even a few minutes, authentication fails silently.

To fix:

• Enable automatic time zone and date settings.
• On Android: Settings > System > Date & Time > Use network-provided time.
• On iOS: Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically.

Checklist: Restore Raid Visibility in 10 Minutes

Use this quick-reference checklist when raids vanish unexpectedly:

• ✅ Confirm internet connection (try loading Safari/Chrome)
• ✅ Check PokéLive status for outages
• ✅ Ensure Location Services are enabled for Pokemon Go
• ✅ Set location mode to High Accuracy (Android) or Always Allow (iOS)
• ✅ Disable battery saver or extreme power-saving modes
• ✅ Force close and reopen the app
• ✅ Walk ~50 meters and rotate camera view
• ✅ Reboot device if no improvement
• ✅ Update Pokemon Go via Google Play or App Store
• ✅ Verify system time is set automatically

Tip: If playing in a rural area, zoom the map out slightly—sometimes raids load faster at lower zoom levels due to reduced rendering load.

Do’s and Don’ts: Best Practices for Reliable Raid Detection

Do	Don’t
Keep GPS accuracy high and uninterrupted	Play indoors without window access or under heavy canopy
Carry your phone openly during outdoor sessions	Place your phone face-down or in a shielded case
Regularly update the app and operating system	Ignore app update notifications for extended periods
Use trusted Wi-Fi networks with strong signals	Connect to public hotspots with captive portals (login pages)
Restart your device weekly to clear memory leaks	Run too many background apps while playing

Real Example: Sarah Missed the Regieleki Raid

Sarah, a dedicated player in Seattle, arrived at her local park expecting to join a rare Regieleki raid. She could see other trainers congregating, but her app showed no raid egg or timer on the gym. Confused, she waited five minutes—still nothing.

She followed the checklist above: first verifying her internet (strong Wi-Fi), then checking Niantic’s status page (all green). Next, she noticed her location permission was set to “Only While Using,” but the app had briefly minimized earlier. After re-enabling “Always Allow,” force-closing the app, and walking 30 meters forward, the raid appeared instantly.

The issue? A momentary loss of foreground access caused the game to stop polling location updates. Because raids require continuous tracking, even a brief interruption can delay visual feedback. Sarah now keeps her phone unlocked and app active during raid hunts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do raids show up for my friend but not me?

Differences in device settings—especially location accuracy, app version, or internet strength—are usually responsible. One person might be on older software or have disabled high-accuracy mode. Also, slight variations in GPS positioning (even 20 meters) can affect visibility depending on terrain and obstructions.

Can airplane mode cause raids not to appear?

Yes. Airplane mode disables all wireless signals, including GPS and data. Even if you re-enable Wi-Fi afterward, GPS may remain inactive unless manually turned back on. Always disable airplane mode fully and restart the app to resume normal function.

Do I need AR mode enabled to see raids?

No. AR mode affects only how Pokemon appear during battle, not raid detection. You can safely disable AR+ or standard AR without impacting raid visibility. In fact, turning off AR improves performance and battery life during intense sessions.

Final Steps and Ongoing Prevention

Missing raids due to technical hiccups is avoidable with consistent maintenance. Treat your device like mission-critical gear: keep it updated, calibrated, and optimized for outdoor use. Periodically test GPS accuracy in familiar areas, especially before heading to special events or community days.

Additionally, consider joining local Pokemon Go communities on Discord or Facebook. Members often post real-time updates about raid appearances and technical issues, giving early warnings when something’s amiss beyond individual control.

“Players who maintain clean device settings and stable connections rarely experience prolonged raid invisibility.” — Alex Tran, Community Event Organizer, Midwest PokeAlliance

Remember, Niantic prioritizes fairness and real-world engagement. As long as your setup reflects genuine movement and connectivity, the game will reward your consistency with timely raid access.

Conclusion

Raids disappearing from your Pokemon Go map isn’t always a server error—it’s often a fixable local issue tied to location, connection, or configuration. By methodically testing each component, you regain control over your gameplay experience. From enabling high-accuracy GPS to eliminating spoofing tools and refreshing your network, every adjustment brings you closer to seamless raid participation.

💬 Experiencing persistent raid issues? Share your situation in the comments below—we’ll help troubleshoot together and keep you in the loop for legendary encounters!