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Pokémon GO PokéStops: What They Do and Why They Matter

PokéStops replenish possible items, provide a route to Field Research, and connect Pokémon GO activities with real-world places.
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PokéStops are interactive real-world locations that help you restock items, collect Field Research, discover places in your area, and take part in activities such as Lures and Showcases. Walk within range, tap a stop, and swipe its Photo Disc to spin it; the exact items you receive can vary.

What a PokéStop does

A PokéStop connects a place in the real world with in-game activities. When you are close enough, tap the stop and swipe its Photo Disc to receive possible items. After a spin, the stop turns purple and becomes temporarily inactive; it returns to blue when it can be spun again. Niantic’s PokéStop and Gym guide explains the basic interaction.

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What you can get from PokéStops

Items for your inventory

Possible drops include Poké Balls, Potions, Eggs, and other items. Rewards are not guaranteed to be identical each time. Niantic’s current PokéStop visiting guide also describes Gold-colored stops that may provide Mysterious Coins and additional items.

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Gyms also have Photo Discs, but they are a separate game feature; a Gym is not a PokéStop.

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Field Research tasks

Spinning a PokéStop can give you a Field Research task. Complete tasks to earn stamps, and collect seven stamps to achieve a Research Breakthrough. A sponsored in-game location may offer a specially labeled task. Task details, event tasks, and collection limits can change, so check the current Field Research rules in the Help Center if a specific limit matters to you.

How PokéStops encourage exploration

Niantic places PokéStops near locations intended to encourage exploration, exercise, or social interaction. A ring around a stop marks a location you have not spun before; spinning it removes the ring. The associated Wayspot details may include a description and photos, giving you context about the place. Some Trainers may also have access to additional photos and photo voting as those features roll out.

Visiting stops can earn XP, and medals track milestones such as stops visited. Niantic’s medals guide covers those milestones; it does not establish a fixed XP amount for each visit.

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Activities that use PokéStops

Lures

You can install a Lure Module at a PokéStop to attract wild Pokémon, and nearby Trainers can benefit. Niantic says a standard Lure usually lasts 30 minutes, though duration can vary by season or event. Special Lures have different attraction effects and can enable certain evolutions. See the Lure Module guide for details.

Showcases

Some stops host PokéStop Showcases, local competitions in which you enter an eligible Pokémon, sometimes through an in-game prompt for a nearby Showcase. Claim any rewards after the Showcase ends. Niantic states that you can have up to three active Showcase entries at once; availability and rules may change. See the PokéStop Showcase guide.

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Ways to spin a stop

You can always use the normal in-app interaction: approach the stop, tap it, and swipe its Photo Disc. For an optional hands-free interaction, Pokémon GO Plus + is a Bluetooth accessory that can alert you near a PokéStop or Gym and spin a Photo Disc; it includes an Auto-Spin setting. It is not required to use PokéStops. Details are on Niantic’s Pokémon GO Plus + page.

The Explorer Gadget is a separate in-game feature that can spin nearby stops while the app is not actively open. Niantic describes it as a phased rollout with eligibility requirements and daily limits, so access is not universal. Check the Explorer Gadget information for current availability.

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