Your Pokemon Go Plus needs a full charge to connect to your phone

The Pokemon Go Plus will not work at all if the battery is completely dead. When the device has no charge, it cannot power on, cannot connect to your phone via Bluetooth, and cannot detect Pokemon or Pokestops around you. You will see no lights, hear no vibrations, and the app will show it as disconnected.

A dead battery is the most common reason a Pokemon Go Plus stops working suddenly. If your device was working yesterday and stopped today, the battery ran out. Charge it for at least 30 minutes before trying to use it again.

Key Takeaways

  • A completely dead Pokemon Go Plus will not power on or connect to your phone, so charging is the first step when the device stops responding.
  • The device needs roughly 1 to 2 hours for a full charge from empty, though you can use it after 30 minutes of charging.
  • A low battery will still connect and work, but the light will blink red and the device may disconnect during play.
  • If your Pokemon Go Plus still will not connect after charging for two hours, the battery itself may be damaged and the device may need replacement.

How long it takes to charge a Pokemon Go Plus

A Pokemon Go Plus charges via a standard micro-USB cable, the same type used by many Android phones and older devices. Plug the cable into any USB power source — a wall adapter, computer, or power bank — and connect it to the device's charging port on the bottom.

From completely empty, the device takes 1 to 2 hours to reach a full charge. You do not have to wait that long to use it. After 30 minutes of charging, the battery will have enough power to turn on and connect to your phone. If you are in a hurry, 30 minutes is enough to get your free guide, though the battery will drain faster during play.

The device will not show a charging indicator on the screen because the Pokemon Go Plus has no screen. You will know it is charging if the cable is plugged in and the port is making contact. Once fully charged, you can unplug it and use it for several hours of active play before the battery runs low again.

What happens when the battery gets low during play

A low battery does not stop the Pokemon Go Plus from working, but it will show warning signs. The LED light on the device will blink red instead of its normal color. The device may also vibrate differently or disconnect from your phone without warning.

If you see the red blinking light, charge the device within the next 30 minutes of play. Waiting too long will cause it to shut down mid-session, and you may miss Pokemon or Pokestops that appear while it is offline. The app will show a disconnection message when this happens.

Why your Pokemon Go Plus might not work even after charging

If you have charged the device for a full 2 hours and it still will not turn on or connect to your phone, the battery itself may be damaged. Lithium batteries in wearable devices can fail after repeated charge cycles, especially if the device is several years old or was exposed to water or extreme heat.

Before assuming the battery is dead, try these steps: unplug the cable and wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in and charge for another 30 minutes. Sometimes the device needs a reset. If the light still does not turn on after that, the internal battery has likely failed and the device will need to be replaced.

Water damage is another common cause of charging failure. If your Pokemon Go Plus was exposed to rain, sweat, or water, the charging port may be corroded even if the device worked before. In that case, no amount of charging will restore it.

How to tell if your Pokemon Go Plus is fully charged

The Pokemon Go Plus does not display a battery percentage or charging status on a screen. Instead, you judge the charge level by the LED light color and behavior. When the device is fully charged and turned on, the light will glow steadily in its normal color — usually blue or green depending on your device model.

If the light is off or very dim after you have charged for 2 hours, the device is fully charged and ready to use. Unplug the cable and turn on Bluetooth on your phone, then open the Pokemon Go app and connect the device through the app settings. The light should brighten and the app should show the device as connected within 10 seconds.

Tips for keeping your Pokemon Go Plus battery healthy

Charge the device regularly, even if you have not used it in a few days. Lithium batteries lose charge over time, and letting the battery drop to zero repeatedly shortens its lifespan. A good habit is to charge it overnight once a week, or after every 4 to 6 hours of active play.

Keep the device away from extreme heat and moisture. Do not leave it in direct sunlight, in a hot car, or near water. If you play in rain or sweat heavily, dry the device and charging port with a soft cloth before storing it. These steps will help the battery last longer and reduce the risk of charging failure.

Use only the original micro-USB cable or a certified replacement. Cheap third-party cables may not deliver the correct power level, which can damage the battery or prevent it from charging fully. If your original cable is lost or damaged, buy a replacement from the official Pokemon Center or a trusted electronics retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Pokemon Go Plus while it is charging?

No. The device cannot connect to your phone while the charging cable is plugged in. You must unplug it first, wait a few seconds for it to fully power on, then open the app and connect. This takes about 30 seconds total.

What if the charging port is loose or damaged?

A loose port will prevent the cable from making solid contact, and the device will not charge. Try gently cleaning the port with a dry cotton swab to remove dust or lint. If the port itself is bent or cracked, the device cannot be repaired and will need replacement.

How often do I need to charge the Pokemon Go Plus?

With moderate use — playing 2 to 3 hours per day — the battery lasts 3 to 4 days before needing a charge. Heavy use drains it faster. Charge it once a week at minimum, or after every 4 to 6 hours of active play, to keep the battery healthy long-term.

Will the Pokemon Go Plus work with a power bank?

Yes. Any USB power bank with a standard micro-USB output will charge the device. This is useful if you are traveling or playing away from home. Just plug the cable into the power bank instead of a wall outlet.

Is it bad to leave the Pokemon Go Plus plugged in overnight?

No. Modern lithium batteries have overcharge protection, so the device will stop charging once the battery is full. Leaving it plugged in overnight will not damage the battery or reduce its lifespan.