In this article we’ll be looking at what causes the “not being able to collect items at PokéStops” problem and how to solve it.
In Pokémon GO, a player can catch Pokémon by using Pokéballs.
However, just using up your Pokéballs will lead to you running out of them and you’ll no longer be able to catch Pokémon.
That is where the PokéStops come in handy as you can stock up on Pokéballs and other useful items.
However, you may run into a situation where you can’t collect items from a PokéStop, so it’d be a good idea to learn about the things that cause this problem and how to solve it.
What causes the “not being able to collect items from PokéStops” problem?
Less than 5 minutes have passed since your last collect
Once you’ve been to a PokéStop, at least 5 minutes need to pass before you can reuse the same PokéStop again.
PokéStopos that cannot yet be reused are shown with a purple marker in place of the habitual blue.
There are exceptions where there is no response even after 5 minutes.
You are not within reach of the PokéStop
The PokéStop will not react unless you are within a certain distance from it.
PokéStops that are out of reach are shown in a diamond shape.
When they are within reach they will be shown in the shape of a Pokéball.
Your position information isn’t precise
In some cases your position won’t be shown accurately, with your character standing in an incorrect location on the map.
This can easily happen in areas with bad connectivity such as mountains and underground.
The PokéStop hasn’t been spun
In order to collect items from a PokéStop, not only do you have to get close to the PokéStop icon but you also have to spin its image!
What solutions are there to the “not being able to collect items from a PokéStop” problem in Pokémon GO?
Wait for the Pokéball icon to turn blue
After the passing of 5 minutes, the Poékball icon will turn back to blue from purple.
You just need to remember that the PokéStops only react when they are blue.
The time gap may not always be precise too.
Move closer to the PokéStop
The PokéStops won’t react unless you’re within a certain distance from them.
If it’s a McDonald’s, the parking area seems to be the maximum reach for the PokéStop.
Further PokéStops can react if your location information isn’t accurate.
Improve your network environment
When the network environment is unstable, the GPS signal can struggle too causing inaccurate location information.
If you are obviously positioned at a different location on the map you should just wait a little bit while your correct location is calculated.
The settings for location information itself can be the cause of the problem, so you should check it out on your device.
Make sure you spin the PokéStop
You can spin the PokéStop by swiping right on the image that appears when you tap on the PokéStop icon.
The items appear randomly, and you should remember that Pokéballs won’t always come out.
Summary
What are the causes for the “not being able to collect items from PokéStops” problem?
- Less than 5 minutes have passed since your last collect
- You are out of the PokéStop’s reach
- Your location information is inaccurate
- You haven’t spun the PokéStop
What solutions are there to the “not being able to collect items from PokéStops” problem?
- Use it when the Poékball icon is blue
- Get closer to the PokéStop
- Improve your network environment
- Make sure you spin the PokéStop
PokéStops have an extremely important role within Pokémon GO.
This is especially true with Pokéballs as, without the PokéStops, leveling up and making in-app purchases are the only other ways you can get your hands on them.
From level 12 onwards you’ll be able to receive SuperBalls as well, so you should be actively going out to PokéStops!