How much data does Pokemon Go use?

By: Daisy Taylor

29 February 2024

I am in love with Pokemon Go, as it is such a fun thing to do with friends when hanging out. However, I have noticed that to play properly requires having an internet connection and data plan.

This got me wondering: “How much data does Pokemon Go use?” since I enjoy playing for a few hours when I’m out with friends or running errands. As an avid mobile gamer, data usage is always a consideration, especially if I want to play games throughout my entire day without needing to find WiFi. 

On average, Pokemon Go can use up to 8 MB per hour.  However, your actual data usage may vary depending on gameplay factors. With this in mind, I decided to share the knowledge that I have researched so you can have a better understanding.

Does Pokemon Go use data?

Yes, Pokemon Go does use mobile data to run properly. The game needs to be connected to the internet constantly in order to display gameplay elements on your phone screen. This includes:

  • Loading the map of your real-world location
  • Displaying Pokémon spawn points
  • Allowing you to catch Pokémon
  • Letting you spin PokéStop icons
  • Showing nearby gyms
  • Tracking your avatar’s movement
  • Recording gameplay statistics
  • Syncing with Niantic’s servers

Without a WiFi or cellular data connection, you won’t be able to complete any game actions. The only exception is continuing an already started Pokémon catch sequence or attack on a gym if the connection drops mid-battle. 

how much data does pokemon go use
While it is an augmented reality game, Pokemon Go relies heavily on that internet connectivity. Credit: Forbes

How much data does Pokemon go use?

In short, the game uses around 2MB to 8MB per hour, with the most common usage being around 3MB. In terms of daily usage, it consumes an average of 5.2MB per day, which is relatively low compared to data-intensive apps like Facebook or Instagram.

Compared to streaming HD video or music, Pokemon Go has modest data requirements. But over time, those megabytes add up. So what does an hour here and there translate to in terms of monthly data usage caps?

Let’s break it down:

  • At 4 MB per hour, you could play 25 hours per 100 MB of data.
  • At 8 MB per hour, you could play 12.5 hours per 100 MB of data.
how much data does pokemon go use
On average, Pokemon Go consumes around 2-8 MB of data per hour of gameplay. Credit: News18

Several factors can influence Pokemon Go’s data usage. The level of gameplay activity, such as battling, raiding, and catching Pokemon, tends to consume more data than simply walking around. 

The location also plays a role, with densely populated areas requiring more frequent location updates and thus using more data. The type of network connection is significant, as using Wi-Fi consumes significantly less data compared to cellular networks. Additionally, the device itself can impact data usage, with older devices potentially using slightly more data due to less efficient processing.

To manage data usage while playing Pokemon Go, it is recommended to use our reliable eSIM plans, which are supported with wide coverage throughout up to 150 countries. Therefore, you can catch your Pokemon wherever you go with fast data speed!

FAQs

  1. Does Pokemon Go use a lot of data?

Compared to streaming video and music services, Pokémon GO has very modest data requirements. An average user playing 1-2 hours a day uses less data in a month than binge watching a few Netflix movies. But for those with very limited data plans (under 2 GB per month), the data can add up over weeks of regular gameplay. 

   2. How much data does Pokemon go use per hour?

As noted above, expect Pokemon Go to use 3-8 MB per hour under normal gameplay conditions, and up to 25 MB per hour with constant location checks and map loading.

So on the high end, you could potentially use 600 MB in a 24 hour period playing Pokémon GO non-stop. But more realistically, casual users play 1-2 hours a day, using less than 100 MB daily.

   3. Can you play Pokemon Go without data?

It is possible to play Pokémon Go without using cellular data by connecting to WiFi hotspots whenever you play. This gives you access to data needed for smooth gameplay without touching your mobile plan. However, you may miss out on key features like Adventure Sync rewards, notifications, and gameplay in remote areas. Using a spare device with its own data plan can help here.

Wrap up

To sum up, I have all the detailed information for the question: How much data does Pokemon Go use? So, Pokemon Go does require a measurable amount of data over weeks and months of steady play. But the average user won’t notice more than a small bump in their total monthly mobile data, provided they connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible and avoid marathon play sessions every day.

Finally, don’t keep this valuable information to yourself – share it with fellow trainers and don’t forget to hit the like button if you found this article helpful! Let’s keep the adventure going together.

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