How to Fix Pokémon Go Failed to Detect Location 12 Safely

Nothing interrupts a Pokémon Go session faster than the frustrating Pokémon Go Failed to Detect Location 12 error. It stops you from playing, blocks your access to the map, and keeps you from catching nearby Pokémon. So, what causes this error - and how do you fix it?

In this guide, we'll break down what Error 12 really means, why it often appears when spoofing, and how to fix it on both iPhone and Android. Let's get you back in the game and hunting Pokémon in no time!

Part 1. What Does Pokémon Go Error 12 Mean & Why It's Triggered

Before we jump into the fixes, it's important to understand what the Pokémon Go Error 12 actually is and why does Pokémon Go say Failed to detect location.

This isn't your standard GPS glitch. Simply put, Error 12 is a location security measure built into Pokémon Go by Niantic. It appears when the game detects that your device's GPS data has been altered or seems unreliable. In other words, the game sees your location as suspicious and blocks access to ensure fair play.

Here are some primary reasons behind this Pokémon Go Failed to Detect Location 12 error:

Reason 1. Conflicting GPS Signal on Your Android/iPhone

The most common cause of Pokémon Go Failed to Detect Location 12 is the use of apps or settings that manipulate your GPS, such as Pokémon Go spoofers. These are often used to fly in Pokémon Go or access locations you're not physically in.

Niantic's anti-cheat system checks for inconsistencies between your real GPS signal and the spoofed one. If it detects a mismatch, the game assumes you're cheating and throws the Error 12 warning. To avoid this, double-check your location settings and use only trusted spoofing tools configured properly.

Reason 2. Unstable or Weak GPS Signal

Sometimes, it's not spoofing at all - it's just bad signal. If you're indoors, in a dense urban area, or surrounded by interference (like tall buildings or thick walls), your device might struggle to maintain a steady GPS connection.

When the signal drops or fluctuates too much, Pokémon Go may display the failed to detect location warning because it can't confirm your current position.

Reason 3. Your Device Isn't Compatible with the Spoofing Tool

This issue is more common on iOS devices, which have stricter security settings. Many GPS spoofing apps require a jailbroken iPhone to work properly. If you try to use one of these spoofers on an unsupported or non-jailbroken device, it could trigger Error 12.

Always make sure your device is compatible with the spoofing tool you're using. For a smoother experience on both iOS and Android, consider using safer and more reliable location changer, which works without jailbreaking or rooting.

Part 2. How to Fix Failed to Detect Location on Pokémon Go on iPhone/Android

Now that you know what causes the Pokémon Go Failed to Detect Location 12 error, let's look at some proven ways to fix it. Whether you're spoofing location on an iPhone or Android, these six proven methods can help you get back into the game quickly.

Way 1. Restart Your Android/iPhone

Sometimes, the easiest fix is also the most overlooked. A simple restart can clear temporary glitches in your phone's Pokémon Go software or GPS system that might be causing the error.

On Android:

Press and hold the power button on your device. Select the "Restart" option and wait for your phone to fully reboot. Once it's back on, open Pokémon Go to see if the error is gone.

On iPhone:

Press and hold the Power + Volume button (or just the Power button, depending on your model). Slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then turn your iPhone back on. Finally, open Pokémon Go and check if the issue is resolved.

Way 2. Clear Pokémon Go Data & Cache

Over time, cached files can become outdated or corrupted, leading to various bugs - including the Pokémon Go Failed to Detect Location error. Therefore, it's suggested to clear the Pokémon Go data regularly to ensure an entire fresh of the app.

On Android:

Go to Settings > Apps > Pokémon Go > Storage > Clear Cache. Then, relaunch the app and see if the issue persists.

On iPhone:

Apple doesn't offer a "Clear Cache" option directly, but you can achieve a similar effect by offloading the app:

✅ Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Pokémon Go > Offload App, and then tap Reinstall App to put it back on your device.

This method refreshes the app while keeping your game data intact.

Way 3. Check Allow Mock Locations Settings in Developer Options [Android]

If you're using Android, this step is especially important. The Pokémon Go failed to detect location 12 error is often triggered when there's a mismatch between your phone's real GPS signal and the one reported to Pokémon Go. Therefore, to spoof your location on Android correctly, you need to enable mock locations - a built-in Android feature for location testing.

Here's how to make sure it's properly configured:

Step 1. Go to Settings > System > Developer options. If you don't see this, go to Settings > About phone and tap Build number seven times to enable it.
Step 2. In Developer options, scroll down to find Allow Mock Locations or Select mock location app.
Step 3. Choose your Pokémon Go spoofer from the list. This is the correct setting to prevent Pokémon Go Error 12.

Way 4. Uninstall Other Spoofers and Try TunesKit Location Changer

If you are seeing Pokémon Go Failed to Detect Location 12 while spoofing, it's likely due to a conflict between multiple location spoofing apps or outdated tools. Low-quality or poorly maintained spoofers can interfere with your phone's GPS and easily trigger Niantic's anti-cheat systems, resulting in Pokémon Go Error 12.

For a stable experience, it's best to remove other unstable location spoofing apps and profiles first.

Then, it's recommended to use more stable tools like TunesKit Location Changer, if you haven't used it. If you've installed it before, try to update it and try other fixes as well. TunesKit is updated frequently to stay compatible with Pokémon Go's latest versions. It helps reduce bugs, prevent detection, and even lowers the risk of getting soft-banned.

Here's a simple guide of how to use fix Pokémon Go Error 12 via TunesKit Location Changer:

Step 1. Download and install TunesKit Location Changer on your Windows or Mac via Try It Free buttons above.
Step 2. Launch the program and connect your iPhone or Android device using a USB cable.
Step 3. Allow necessary permissions asked by TunesKit Location Changer, like enable USB Debugging on Android or tap Trust This Device on iOS.
Step 4. Once connected, click Pokémon Go under Game Mode.

Step 5. A map will appear on the screen and you can choose 5 different movement modes at the top-right corner.
Step 6. Adjust details of your movement plan on the leftside panel and click Start Moving to spoof location on Pokémon Go without Error 12.

Way 5. Refresh Location Services

Sometimes, all your device needs is a quick refresh of the location settings. This simple action can clear minor glitches and help Pokémon Go detect your GPS signal properly. Most importantly, if you don't turn off the Location Services on phone, it will also trigger the Pokémon Go Failed to Detect Location 12 Error.

On Android:

Go to Settings > Location, toggle Location off and wait for 10-15 seconds, then toggle it back. After that, relaunch Pokémon Go with your spoofer or not.

On iPhone:

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > toggle Location Services off. Wait about ten seconds, then toggle it back on. Relaunch Pokémon GO and check if the error is fixed.

Way 6. Reset Network Settings

If your network is unstable or misconfigured, it can affect how your device communicates with GPS servers - causing location detection errors in Pokémon Go. Therefore, resetting your network settings often solves these issues.

On Android:

If you use Google Phone: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth.
If you use Samsumg Phone: Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings.
If you use other Android models, you can find similar settings near the WLAN tab or just type "reset" to find the settings.

On iPhone:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Then, tap Reset > Reset Network Settings and confirm your passcode if prompted.

🌟 Note: This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections, so you will need to reconnect to them afterward.

Part 3. FAQs on Pokémon Go Failed to Detect Location

Part 4. Conclusion

Fixing the Pokémon Go failed to detect location 12 error is entirely possible. By following these steps, you can address the issue whether it's a simple glitch or a more complex settings conflict. For most users, the solution lies in enabling the mock location feature on Android or removing conflicting apps on iOS; alternatively, try TunesKit Location Changer if you prefer spoofing without jailbreaking and rooting.

By correctly configuring your device, you can clear the error and dive back into the world of Pokémon Go without interruption.