Niantic has announced that Pokémon GO will no longer support 32-bit Android devices, marking a significant update for the eight-year-old mobile game. While most players will remain unaffected, those using older smartphones—such as the Galaxy S5, OnePlus One, and Sony Xperia Z3—will need to upgrade to continue playing.
What This Means for Players
If you’re using an iPhone or a 64-bit Android device, you’re in the clear. However, for players on 32-bit devices, the game will become inaccessible once the update rolls out. Your account and progress won’t be lost, but you’ll need a compatible device to resume your adventures in Pokémon GO.
This isn’t Niantic’s first attempt at phasing out older devices. In 2020, the company considered the same move but reversed its decision after player backlash. This time, the update appears set in stone, likely driven by security concerns. Older devices that no longer receive software updates are at greater risk of vulnerabilities, making them less secure for both users and developers.
Why the Change?
The shift reflects a broader trend in mobile development, as most modern Android phones now use 64-bit architecture. Devices made before 2015—primarily 32-bit—are increasingly outdated, with limited support for modern apps and security features. By discontinuing support for these devices, Niantic can allocate more resources toward improving the game for the majority of players.
A similar update was recently implemented for Niantic’s other title, Ingress, suggesting the company is streamlining its approach across all platforms.
Below is a table listing some of the phones confirmed to be affected by the discontinuation of 32-bit support for Pokémon GO. This is based on the general characteristics of devices that are no longer supported.
Brand | Model | Notes |
---|---|---|
Samsung | Galaxy S4 | Released in 2013 |
Galaxy S5 | Released in 2014 | |
Galaxy Note 3 | Released in 2013 | |
Galaxy J3 | Released in 2016 (32-bit variant) | |
Sony | Xperia Z2 | Released in 2014 |
Xperia Z3 | Released in 2014 | |
Motorola | Moto G (1st Gen) | Released in 2013 |
LG | Fortune | Released in 2017 (32-bit variant) |
Tribute | Released in 2015 (32-bit variant) | |
OnePlus | One | Released in 2014 |
HTC | One (M8) | Released in 2014 |
ZTE | Overture 3 | Released in 2017 (32-bit variant) |
Key Considerations
- Devices not on this list but released before 2015 are likely to be affected if they use 32-bit architecture.
- Some phones released after 2015 may also have 32-bit versions depending on the region or model variants.
How to Check Your Device’s Compatibility
Not sure if your device is affected? Follow these steps:
- Open Pokémon GO and tap the Pokéball icon.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Scroll to the bottom and locate the Version section.
- If the version ends in -32, your device is 32-bit, and you’ll need to upgrade.
- If it ends in -64, you’re good to go.
Time to Upgrade
While the update may feel like the end of an era for some, it’s also a reminder of how technology evolves. If you’re still using a phone older than 2015, now might be the perfect time to explore modern options, ensuring not only compatibility with Pokémon GO but also enhanced performance and security for everyday use.
Stay tuned for further updates on this and other Pokémon GO news.