Pokémon Go is an online augmented reality game that was released in 2016. It is a part of the Pokémon franchise developed, and released by Nintendo, and the Pokémon Company. The game is available on both iOS, and Android Operating System.
When it comes to Pokémon Go, a question always comes first: Does Pokémon Go Need Wi-Fi? The answer is, Yes! Pokémon Go needs Wi-Fi to play as all your data is stored in Niantic Server instead of your phone.
To play Pokémon GO smoothly, and keep your inventory upgraded, you have to be connected to the server which is not possible without connecting to any kind of internet connection. You have to either use Wi-Fi or Mobile data.
However, you can play the game offline as well, you must have a Wi-Fi or Mobile data connection first. Whatever, in this article, we have illustrated how to play Pokémon Go offline, why it requires internet connection to play, and many more.
So, without any further intro, let’s get started.
Does Pokémon Go Need Wi-Fi?
The straightforward answer to the question is Yes! Pokémon Go requires a Wi-Fi connection to play. That doesn’t mean, you must have Wi-Fi, you can use mobile data instead.
Pokémon Go doesn’t consume much data. It uses approximately 2 MB to 8 MB merely while playing on your mobile data.
If you want to explore its more features, then more mobile data will be required. When you connect to Wi-FI, your mobile data won’t be used.
There are many players who prefer to download their local Google API while on Wi-Fi before leaving for a long poke-hunt.
Because of using the Google API instead of running it automatically, It dramatically decreases the amount of data used to run the game.
Basically, the game needs data to run GPS, access Google Maps, your information, and all the available features of Pokémon Go.
So, if you download the Google API first, you can play the rest of the game with less amount of data, if you play it with cellular network.
Is It Possible To Play Pokémon Go Without Wi-Fi?
We will be up to play Pokémon Go without Wi-Fi, but you must connect to mobile data. So, if you are one of those who was in confusion for a long time about whether it can be played without Wi-Fi, we hope you have got your answer.
Now a question may come to your mind, who does it require an internet connection to play? Because, the game depends on servers to access your account information, and Google Maps when you try to catch them all.
There is good news that you can catch Pokémon without Wi-Fi, or mobile data connection, but you must have access to your internet connection first. Here is how to do it.
- Go to your “Settings” and turn on Wi-Fi, or Mobile data.
- Now, you have to download Google Maps [ If it is installed yet on your device.]
- Download your Local Map then.
- You can turn off the internet connection now, and play with your downloaded map.
Keep in mind that, if you play the game by following the we mentioned, Pokedex, and Inventory of yours will not update until you connect to Wi-Fi, or mobile data. That means, if something happens to your device in the meantime, all of your earned Pokémon progress could be lost.
Why Can’t Play Pokémon Go Without Wi-Fi?
It is one of the most common questions that we usually see online on several forums asked by many Pokemon players.
You can’t play the game without connecting to the internet because the data you use is stored on Niantic Servers, not in your device.
Niantic is an American-based augmented, and virtual reality company that supports Pokémon Go.
The game merely runs on these servers, and confers all the performance, and the functionality of the game.
These include your log-in information, Pokedex,travel history, inventory, GPS, and everything you need to enjoy the game, and get the best gaming experience.
Pokémon Go needs an internet connection to pull information from these servers, keep updating the server on every single new Poke-adventure you have.
You can play the game without internet connection, but only the limited version. For that you have to download your local Google first.
Does Pokémon Go Use a Lot of Wi-Fi?
Pokémon Go doesn’t consume much Wi-Fi, or Mobile data. It uses nearly 3mb of Wi-Fi data per hour.
The more your play, and access to its features, the more data will be required. You can play the game through connecting to both Wi-Fi, Mobile data. But we prefer using Wi-Fi to have the best experience.
Pokémon Go is really a low data usage game compared to others. You will need the maximum of 30mb over an 8 period to play the game with accessing all the features.
However, if you are supposed to play the game for a long period, make sure that you have an unlimited data package. Otherwise, in the middle of playing the game, if your data pack ends, you will lose your concentration on it.
Final Thought
Pokémon Go is one of the most popular games that is played by more than 8 millions people daily. And the number reaches more than 70 millions monthly.
To play the game, you must have a stable internet connection. That doesn’t mean you have to have a Wi-Fi connection. You can use Mobile data instead of Wi-Fi as well.
Pokémon Go can be played offline too, but you must connect to the internet first to download Google Map API. in this way you can play the limited version of the game.
So, if you are supposed to play the game more often, we recommend bringing an unlimited data package that will enable you to get smooth performance.