Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Android Devices in 2025

Pokemon GO players using older Android devices face a significant change. Upcoming updates in March and June 2025 will end support for 32-bit Android devices, rendering the game unplayable on affected phones. Players using these devices are urged to safeguard their login credentials and upgrade their phones to maintain access to their accounts and game progress.

This change impacts a range of older models, primarily those released before 2015. While Pokemon GO remains popular— boasting over 110 million active players in December 2024— this move by Niantic aims to streamline the game's performance on more current hardware.

The official Pokemon GO website, in a January 9th announcement, detailed the upcoming incompatibility. The first update (March 2025) affects specific Android devices downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store. The second (June 2025) targets 32-bit Android devices obtained via Google Play. While a complete list of affected devices wasn't provided, the announcement confirmed that 64-bit Android devices and all iPhones will remain compatible.

Affected Devices Include (but are not limited to):

• Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, J3
• Sony Xperia Z2, Z3
• Motorola Moto G (1st generation)
• LG Fortune, Tribute
• OnePlus One
• HTC One (M8)
• ZTE Overture 3
• Various Android devices released before 2015

Niantic advises affected players to securely store their login details. While account access will be restored after upgrading to a compatible device, players will temporarily lose access, including any purchased Pokecoins.

Despite this inconvenience, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise. Highly anticipated releases like Pokemon Legends: Z-A (release date pending) and rumored titles, such as Pokemon Black and White remakes and a new Let's Go installment, are on the horizon. Further details regarding Pokemon GO's future may be revealed during a rumored Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27th.