Pokemon Go Black Screen: Causes & Fixes

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

If your Pokemon Go screen stays black (or frozen on a loading screen) after the game starts, the cause is almost always a corrupted game cache, an outdated app version, or a GPS/network connection issue. This guide covers the most common fixes, from clearing the cache to reinstalling the app, plus what to do if the problem is on Niantic’s side.

What Causes a Black Screen in Pokemon Go?

The black screen usually appears right after the Niantic logo or during the loading bar. It means the game’s graphics or data aren’t loading properly. Common triggers include:

Corrupted cache data from a previous version or a failed update.
Outdated game version that’s incompatible with the current server.
Weak GPS or network signal – the game can’t verify your location, so it hangs.
Server outage – Niantic’s servers are down or under maintenance.
Device storage or RAM issues – not enough free space or memory to run the game.
Incompatible device or OS – the game no longer supports your phone’s operating system.

For Android users, a black screen is often linked to the game’s cache. For iOS users, it’s more often a network or server problem.

How to Fix a Black Screen on Android

Android devices have a few extra troubleshooting steps. Try them in order:

Clear the cache: Go to Settings > Apps > Pokemon Go > Storage and tap Clear Cache. This doesn’t delete your game data or log you out.
Force stop the app: In the same app info screen, tap Force Stop, then relaunch the game.
Check for updates: Open the Google Play Store, search for Pokemon Go, and tap Update if available.
Restart your phone: A simple reboot clears temporary system glitches.
Reinstall the app: Uninstall Pokemon Go, then download it again from the Play Store. This clears all cache and data, but you’ll need to log in again.
Check storage space: Go to Settings > Storage and make sure you have at least 1-2 GB free.

If the black screen only happens when you open the game from a notification or shortcut, try launching it directly from the app drawer.

How to Fix a Black Screen on iPhone (iOS)

iOS doesn’t let you clear an app’s cache directly, but you can achieve the same result with these steps:

Close and reopen the app: Swipe up from the bottom and hold to open the app switcher, then swipe Pokemon Go away.
Restart your iPhone: Press and hold the power button and volume button (or just power on older models) until the slider appears, then swipe to turn off. Turn it back on after 30 seconds.
Check for app updates: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll to see if Pokemon Go has an update.
Check iOS updates: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any pending updates.
Reinstall the app: Press and hold the Pokemon Go icon, tap Remove App, then reinstall from the App Store. Your game progress is tied to your account (Google, Facebook, or Niantic Kids), so you won’t lose it.
Reset network settings: If the problem persists, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears saved Wi-Fi passwords, so have them handy.

If you’re using a VPN or ad blocker, disable it temporarily – these can interfere with the game’s connection.

Server Outages and Maintenance

Sometimes the black screen isn’t your fault. Niantic regularly schedules maintenance, and unexpected outages happen. To check if the servers are down:

Visit the official Pokemon Support page or Niantic’s social media accounts.
Search Twitter (X) for “Pokemon Go down” – if many players report the same issue, it’s likely a server problem.
Check third-party status sites like Downdetector, which aggregate user reports.

If servers are down, the only fix is to wait. The game will usually resume normal service within a few hours. During maintenance, Niantic often posts a notice in the app’s loading screen, but a black screen can appear before that notice loads.

GPS and Location Issues

Pokemon Go requires a stable GPS signal. If your phone can’t determine your location, the game may hang on a black screen. Here’s what to do:

Turn on high-accuracy mode (Android): Go to Settings > Location > Mode and select High accuracy (uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks).
Check location permissions: Make sure Pokemon Go has permission to access your location. On Android: Settings > Apps > Pokemon Go > Permissions. On iOS: Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
Toggle GPS off and on: This forces the phone to reacquire a satellite signal.
Move to an open area: Tall buildings, dense trees, or being indoors can weaken GPS.

If you’re using a third-party GPS spoofing app, stop using it. Niantic’s anti-cheat system can cause the game to behave erratically, including black screens, when it detects spoofing.

Device Compatibility and OS Requirements

Pokemon Go has minimum system requirements. If your device is older, it may no longer be supported, leading to a black screen or other crashes. As of 2024, the game requires:

Android: Android 8.0 or higher (some older versions may still work but are not officially supported).
iOS: iPhone 6s or newer with iOS 14 or later.

If your device meets these requirements but still shows a black screen, check if your phone’s storage is nearly full. The game needs space for updates and temporary files. Also, close background apps that use heavy RAM – Pokemon Go can use over 1 GB of memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my Pokemon if I reinstall the app?

No. Your progress is saved to your account (Google, Facebook, or Niantic Kids). As long as you log in with the same account, you’ll keep all your Pokemon, items, and progress. Just make sure you remember your login details before uninstalling.

Why does the black screen happen only when I’m in a certain area?

This is usually a GPS or network issue. If you’re in a location with weak signal, the game can’t load the map or verify your position, causing a hang. Try moving to an area with better reception. If it happens consistently in one spot, it might be a known issue with Niantic’s mapping data for that region.

Does clearing the cache delete my game data?

No. Clearing the cache only removes temporary files like images and map data. Your account data, Pokemon, and settings are stored on Niantic’s servers, not in the cache. On Android, clearing cache is safe; clearing data (which is different) would log you out but still not delete your account.

How long does a Pokemon Go server outage last?

Most maintenance windows last 1-3 hours. Unexpected outages can last longer, but Niantic usually resolves them within a few hours. Check their official social media for updates. If the game is still black after 24 hours, it’s likely a device issue, not a server one.

Can a black screen be caused by a hacked version of the game?

Yes. Modified or hacked versions of Pokemon Go (often called “modded” or “APK” versions) are not officially supported and can cause black screens, crashes, or even account bans. Always download the game from the official App Store or Google Play Store.

What if none of these fixes work?

If you’ve tried all the steps above and still get a black screen, contact Niantic Support through the official app or website. They may have specific advice for your device model. Also, check if your phone’s operating system is too old – if so, you may need to upgrade your device to continue playing.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.