Pokémon GO Explorer Gadget now works while you play: what to check

Turn it on at level 20

Pokémon GO’s 2 November update lets the Explorer Gadget help while the game is actively open, alongside its background use.

At level 20 or above, activate it from the map’s top-right icon or Key Items in your Item Bag. A pink Poké Ball icon marks the Pokémon or PokéStop it is trying to catch or spin.

Taking over has a time limit

Tap the marked Pokémon or PokéStop to handle the interaction yourself. The official notice says that override window is limited, without giving a duration.

An attempt marker is not a successful catch. Check the gadget’s summary for caught Pokémon and spun PokéStops.

Check these restrictions first

It skips some encounters, including Pokémon missing from your Pokédex and mighty Pokémon.

A paired accessory, such as Pokémon GO Plus +, can stay paired. It cannot operate at the same time as the Explorer Gadget, so check which helper is active.