Pokémon GO Gotcha Not Working? How to Fix Connection and Auto-Catch Issues

Part 1. Why Is My Pokémon GO Gotcha Not Working?

The Pokémon GO Gotcha is a physical accessory that connects to Pokémon GO via Bluetooth and automates certain in-game actions. The accessory may stop working due to a failed connection or incorrect settings.

Common issues include:

• Bluetooth connection issues: Your phone may have difficulty automatically reconnecting to a Gotcha that was previously paired.

• Incorrect game settings: Pokémon GO may not have the necessary accessory permissions enabled.

• Auto-catch settings: The accessory may have notifications and automatic actions for Pokémon or PokéStops disabled.

• Low battery: A Gotcha that isn't properly charged may disconnect or function erratically.

• Old pairing conflicts: An old connection could be preventing the game from starting a new session.

• Game or iOS updates: Software changes can sometimes cause temporary compatibility issues with accessories.

• In-game restrictions: A full item bag, lack of Poké Balls, distance restrictions, or other gameplay elements can influence outcomes.

Knowing the exact symptom will help you to apply the correct fix, rather than repeatedly pairing and disconnecting the device.

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Part 2. How to Fix Pokémon GO Gotcha Not Working

Try these seven fixes in order. After each major change, reconnect your Gotcha with Pokémon GO and test whether it functions as it should.

2.1 Gotcha is not connecting to Pokémon GO

If your Gotcha isn't showing up in Pokémon GO or won't connect, try refreshing the Bluetooth connection. You can also ask other players about this issue on social media and community platforms like Reddit.

• Check that the Gotcha is charged and turned on.

• Open Pokémon GO and tap the Poké Ball icon.

• Go to Settings, then Connected Devices and Services. The menu names may differ slightly between versions.

• Choose the Pokémon GO Plus accessory option.

• If needed, put your Gotcha into pairing mode. Select it when it appears on screen.

• If it still won't connect, close and reopen the game, then try again.

  

Before deleting any saved Bluetooth pairing on your phone, check the Gotcha manufacturer's instructions. Many Pokémon GO accessories should be connected through the game, not paired through the phone's Bluetooth settings.

Finally, make sure Bluetooth is on and that Pokémon GO has the required permissions: nearby-device access on Android or Bluetooth access on iOS.

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2.2 Gotcha connects but doesn't catch Pokémon

In some cases, the Gotcha connects, but Pokémon are not caught automatically.

You will first need to go into the Pokémon GO Plus settings in the game and ensure that Pokémon catching notifications and the corresponding automatic actions are turned on. After that, you will want to check the settings on the device itself, as the controls on the Gotcha can vary between models.

After that, you will want to verify what types of Poké Balls you have available. Many models of auto-catchers are configured to only use regular Poké Balls for automatic catches. The device may be able to spot Pokémon but not catch them if you don't have any to hand.

You should also verify the following:

• Your Pokémon storage is not full.

• You have not exceeded a daily or other limit.

• The accessory is still connected in Pokémon GO.

• You are in range of the Pokémon you are trying to catch.

• The game is not showing an error that you need to respond to.

If the issue persists, you can try disconnecting the accessory through the game, restarting Pokémon GO, and then reconnecting it. You can test the connection with a Pokémon near you before assuming the Gotcha is broken.

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2.3 Gotcha isn't spinning PokéStops

If your Gotcha catches Pokémon but doesn't spin PokéStops, it could be the settings of the device, your inventory, or your location.

Go to the Pokémon GO Plus settings and enable PokéStop notifications as well as Item collection. If your (particular Gotcha model) has separate controls for spinning stops, make sure they are turned off.

Then try these troubleshooting tips:

• You're too far away: Get closer to the PokéStop.

• Your item bag is full: Clear up some space in your bag so you can collect more items.

  

• The stop is not available momentarily: Take a break and sprint another PokéStop.

• The accessory is disconnected: Ensure the accessory is related in the game with an indicator light in Pokémon GO.

• The game is banned: Make sure no warning for gameplay is issued or your account is limited.

If your Pokémon catching is fine, but you aren't spinning PokéStops at all, concentrate on your PokéStop settings and item bag before you reset the whole accessory.

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2.4 Gotcha keeps Disconnecting

Constantly being disconnected can disrupt auto-hunting and item collection, mainly if you were in a long hunting session.

To maintain a stable connection, bring your phone and Gotcha near while you work to charge the accessory, and don't introduce Bluetooth interference where it's not needed. See if the connection does drops on a timer as Pokémon GO accessories disconnect from time to time.

Attempt the following troubleshooting:

• Unpair Gotcha from Pokémon GO.

• Toggle Bluetooth Off and On.

  

• Reboot the game.

• Reconnect the accessory in game from the accessory menu.

• Give it a few minutes for the test, while your phone is close at hand.

If that doesn't resolve the issue, reboot your phone and look for updates to Pokémon GO. You can also check the app's permissions and battery restrictions on Android. On iOS, confirm that Bluetooth Access is still allowed.

Don't repeatedly reset the device before confirming that the issue is actually game or phone-related.

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2.5 Pokémon GO Gotcha Not Working After an iOS or Pokémon GO Update

If your Gotcha Pokemon Go not working with iOS update, the cause of the problem could be modified permissions, a temporary game bug, or incompatibility of the accessory.

​Try these solutions:

• Update Pokémon GO: Check the App Store or Google Play for an updated version that may fix known issues.

• Ensure Bluetooth Permissions Are On: On your iPhone, go to Settings and make sure Pokémon GO has access to Bluetooth.

• Restart your phone: This will fix any temporary Bluetooth or background processing issues.

  

• Reconnect the accessory: Unpair Gotcha in Pokémon GO, then pair again with the accessory in the Pokémon GO in-game accessory menu.

• Check compatibility: Refer to the Gotcha manufacturer's instructions for your particular model and software version.

If the Pokémon GO patch has severed your connection, wait for the developer to address a (confirmed) compatibility problem. Don't download or install unofficial versions of the game, or try to downgrade the game with unreliable sources.

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Part 3. Gotcha Still Not Working? Try an Online Pokémon GO Auto-Catcher

If you have gone through all the above fixes and your Gotcha still won't connect, we recommend using a different Pokémon GO auto-catching solution instead. One of the best and most renowned names is the Tenorshare iAnyGo Pokémon GO Auto-Catcher. Look at its current features and requirements to see if it is a good fit for your needs.

Here are the latest features you can enjoy:

• Auto Pokémon Catching: It try to catch Pokémon that is close without you having to tap on the screen for each encounter.

• Auto PokéStop Spin: Spins nearby PokéStops and Gyms to gain useful items.

• Auto Tap Simulation: This tool sends virtual tap signals to catch or spin when wild Pokémon or PokéStops are encountered.

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Connects using Bluetooth-based pairing with the accessory feature for Pokémon GO.

• No Additional Hardware Needed: Simulates Auto-Catching in the Style of the Pokémon GO Plus without a physical accessory.

• Background Catching: Allows Pokemon catching and item collecting while multi-tasking or when the game is running in the background, although this is dependent on the user's connection and device.

• Compatible with iOS and Android: Compatible with select iPhone and Android phones.

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3.1 How to Use iAnyGo Auto-Catch

Let's now discuss the steps to use it:

• After downloading the latest version of iAnyGo from the official website, enable Game Mode to activate the auto-catch.

  

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• Select the auto-catch icon and press the 'Try Now' button.

  

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• Adjust the Bluetooth settings on your PC via the 'Computer Management' tab. Choose the 'Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R)' option from the Bluetooth menu.

  

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• Change the device name to 'Pokemon GO Plus' in Advanced Settings.

  

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• Now link the iAnyGo auto-catch with the Pokémon GO app by setting 'Always Allow' for permissions.

  

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• On the Pokémon app, choose the red Poké Ball and tap on Accessory Devices in Settings.

  

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• Finally, click the 'Pokemon GO Plus auto-catcher' when it's available. It will start showing the details of Pokémon caught.

  
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FAQs About Pokémon GO Gotcha

How do I reset my Pokémon GO Gotcha?

Turn off Gotcha from Pokémon GO, then turn off your phone and accessory, then after turn them back on and pair it again from the game's accessory settings. If that doesn't work, look up the instructions for your particular model before trying a factory reset.

Should I connect Gotcha through Bluetooth or Pokémon GO?

Generally, you initiate the connection from within Pokémon GO using the connected-device feature. The game is what handles the connection to the accessory, and trying to connect the device separately through your phone's Bluetooth settings will very likely not fix this issue.

Is Pokémon GO Gotcha Safe? Can You Get Banned?

A physical Pokémon GO Gotcha is made for the supported gameplay, but third-party accessories may come with some risk. A Pokémon GO Gotcha ban isn't guaranteed, but play nice and within Niantic's rules as they stand and avoid modded game clients and unauthorized tools.

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Final Thoughts

If your Pokémon GO Gotcha isn't working, check that Bluetooth is connected and that catching, PokéStop access, battery, and storage settings are all in order. Issues that appear after an update may clear up if you restart the game and reconnect the device. If they don't, look for troubleshooting advice for your specific model or contact the manufacturer.

You could also consider alternatives such as Tenorshare iAnyGo, but check what it currently supports and make sure you understand Pokémon GO's rules before using any third-party tool.