Pokemon GO Ending Support for Some Devices Soon

Summary

• Starting in March and June 2025, Pokémon GO will no longer support 32-bit Android devices due to upcoming updates.
• Players using affected devices should save their login information and upgrade their phones to continue playing.
• Despite this change, 2025 promises exciting new Pokémon game releases.

Pokémon GO is dropping support for several older mobile devices, beginning as early as March 2025. This primarily affects 32-bit Android devices, meaning long-time players with older phones may need to upgrade to continue their gameplay.

Launched in July 2016, Pokémon GO celebrates its ninth anniversary this summer. While initial player numbers peaked at around 232 million, the game remains incredibly popular, boasting over 110 million active players in December 2024. However, this popularity will be impacted by upcoming changes.

Niantic is optimizing Pokémon GO for newer devices, resulting in the end of support for 32-bit Androids. A January 9th announcement detailed that updates in March and June 2025 will render certain older phones incompatible. The first update affects some Android devices downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store; the second specifically targets 32-bit Android devices from Google Play. While a complete list wasn't provided, affected devices include older models from Samsung, Sony, Motorola, LG, OnePlus, HTC, and ZTE, as well as many Android devices released before 2015. 64-bit Android devices and all iPhones remain supported.

Pokémon GO Ending Support for the Following Devices

• Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, J3
• Sony Xperia Z2, Z3
• Motorola Moto G (1st generation)
• LG Fortune, Tribute
• OnePlus One
• HTC One (M8)
• ZTE Overture 3
• Certain Android devices released before 2015

Players whose devices are affected are advised to save their login credentials. While they can access their accounts after upgrading to a compatible phone, they won't be able to play until then, including accessing any purchased PokéCoins.

Although this news is disappointing for some, 2025 looks bright for the Pokémon franchise. We anticipate the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A (release date pending) and rumored titles such as Pokémon Black and White remakes and a new Let's Go installment. A leaked February 27th date for a Pokémon Presents show might reveal more about Pokémon GO's future.