The quest for achieving the ultimate Pokemon Go experience leads many players to wonder about jailbreaking the game.
Jailbreaking, in the context of Pokemon Go, refers to bypassing the official game restrictions to unlock enhanced features and capabilities.
This is not an official method recommended by Niantic, the game’s developer, and it does come with its risks, which we will discuss later on.
However, it’s a topic worth exploring for those interested in taking their Pokemon Go adventure to the next level.
What is Jailbreaking?
Jailbreaking is a process that removes the limitations imposed by the device manufacturer, allowing users to gain full access to the operating system.
This opens up the possibility to customize the device and install unofficial apps that are not available on the official app store.
In the case of Pokemon Go, jailbreaking enables players to access features and tools that are otherwise restricted.
Players resort to jailbreaking Pokemon Go to access features such as fake GPS, automated gameplay, and the ability to find rare Pokemon more easily.
These enhancements can significantly boost a player’s progress in the game, but it’s crucial to understand that they also violate the game’s terms of service.
Protecting Your Account and Device
If you decide to proceed with jailbreaking Pokemon Go, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to protect your account and device. Make sure to research thoroughly and use reliable tools and methods to minimize the risks associated with jailbreaking.
How to Jailbreak Pokemon Go: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation
Before attempting to jailbreak Pokemon Go, ensure that you back up your device. This is a crucial step to protect your data in case anything goes wrong during the jailbreaking process.
Additionally, make sure that your device is compatible with the jailbreaking tools you plan to use.
Choosing the Right Tools
Selecting the appropriate tools for jailbreaking is paramount. There are various tools available online, but it’s important to choose reliable and well-reviewed options to ensure a smooth and safe jailbreaking process.
Executing the Jailbreak
Once you have selected your tools and backed up your device, follow the instructions provided by the jailbreaking tool to initiate the process.
This will typically involve connecting your device to a computer, running the jailbreaking software, and following the on-screen prompts.
Step 1: Back Up Your Data: Before starting the rooting process, make sure to back up all important data on your device.
This includes contacts, photos, apps, and any other important files. You can use Google’s backup feature or any third-party app to securely back up your data.
Step 2: Ensure Your Device Has Sufficient Battery Life: Ensure that your device has at least 50-80% battery life.
The rooting process can sometimes take a while, and you don’t want your device to run out of power during the process.
Step 3: Enable USB Debugging: Go to ‘Settings’ on your Android device. Scroll down to ‘About Phone’ and tap on it.
Find ‘Build Number’ and tap it multiple times until you see a message that says ‘You are now a developer!’
Once this is enabled, go back to the ‘Settings’ menu and you should see a new option called ‘Developer Options’. Open it and enable ‘USB Debugging’.
Step 4: Unlock Your Bootloader: The bootloader is a program that determines what gets loaded onto your device when it starts up.
By default, most devices have a locked bootloader, which prevents users from installing custom operating systems.
The method to unlock the bootloader varies by device, but you can generally find instructions on your device manufacturer’s official website or forums like XDA Developers.
Step 5: Install a Custom Recovery: A custom recovery is a third-party recovery environment that replaces the default recovery on your device.
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a popular option. You can download the appropriate version for your device from their official website and install it using fastboot commands.
Step 6: Download and Install the Rooting Software: Download the rooting software that is compatible with your device.
Some popular options include Magisk and SuperSU. Transfer the downloaded file to your device’s internal storage.
Step 7: Boot Into Recovery Mode: Boot your device into recovery mode.
The method to do this varies by device, but it generally involves turning off your device and then holding down certain buttons (like Power + Volume Down) until the device boots into recovery mode.
Step 8: Flash the Rooting Software: In the custom recovery, look for an option that says ‘Install’, ‘Install ZIP’ or something similar.
Navigate to the location where you saved the rooting software, select it, and follow the on-screen instructions to flash it onto your device.
Step 9: Reboot Your Device: Once the flashing process is complete, reboot your device.
This might take longer than usual because the device is configuring itself with the new root access.
Step 10: Verify Root Access: Once your device has restarted, download a root checker app from the Google Play Store to verify that your device has been successfully rooted.
Installing Pokemon Go-Specific Mods and Tweaks
After successfully jailbreaking your device, you can proceed to install mods and tweaks specifically designed for Pokemon Go. Some good tweaks to search for are:
1. Location Spoofing Apps: These apps allow players to change their GPS location in the game, enabling them to catch Pokémon from different parts of the world without physically traveling there.
Apps like Fake GPS Go and GPS Joystick are popular choices. However, Niantic has implemented strong measures to detect and prevent location spoofing.
2. IV Checkers and Calculators: IV (Individual Values) are hidden stats that determine how good a Pokémon can potentially get in terms of its actual statistics.
Apps and tools like Poke Genie and Calcy IV help players calculate the IVs of their Pokémon without needing to guess or do complex calculations.
3. Automated Walking Apps: These apps simulate walking in the game, helping players hatch eggs and find new Pokémon without having to physically walk around.
Apps like Pokémon Go Plus and PokéWalk work in the background to simulate walking.
4. Fast Catch Trick: While not a software tweak, the Fast Catch Trick is a widely used technique in the Pokémon Go community.
By dragging the Pokéball menu in the catch screen and then throwing a Pokéball, players can skip the catch animation, saving time, especially during events with increased spawn rates.
5. Enhanced Throw Apps: These are apps that help players achieve consistent Great or Excellent throws, increasing the chances of catching Pokémon. Some players use modified versions of the game that include this functionality.
6. Third-Party Maps and Trackers: Apps and websites like PokéHunter and The Silph Road offer real-time tracking of Pokémon spawns, raids, and other in-game activities. However, Niantic has cracked down on these services, and many of them have ceased operation.
7. Quick Switch Technique for Battles: This is a technique used in player-vs-player (PvP) battles where players quickly switch between Pokémon to gain a strategic advantage. Apps like PvPoke help players practice this technique and plan their battle strategies.
8. Enhanced Notification Services: Some players use apps that send them notifications for rare Pokémon spawns, high IV Pokémon, or when there is a raid starting nearby.
9. Battery Saving Tweaks: Since Pokémon Go can be quite draining on a device’s battery, there are various tweaks and settings changes players can make to optimize battery usage.
10. AR+ Mode Tweaks: For devices that support AR+ mode, there are tweaks available that enhance the AR experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable.
These mods can unlock a variety of enhanced features, including fake GPS and automated gameplay.
Is Jailbreaking Pokemon Go Legal?
Jailbreaking your device and modifying Pokemon Go is legal, but it does violate the game’s terms of service, which can result in consequences such as account suspension or bans.
Can Jailbreaking Harm My Device?
Yes, jailbreaking can expose your device to security vulnerabilities and potential threats. It’s crucial to back up your data and use reliable jailbreaking tools to minimize the risks.
Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Jailbreaking Pokemon Go offers players the ability to unlock enhanced features and capabilities, providing a unique gaming experience.
However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons, considering the associated risks and the impact on the game’s community.
By making informed decisions and prioritizing fair play, players can enjoy Pokemon Go to its fullest while maintaining a positive and respectful gaming environment.