The Explorer Gadget no longer only works while Pokémon GO is closed: it now also catches Pokémon and spins PokéStops while you are actively playing, and you can step in and take over. The same update brings a batch of gameplay and quality-of-life changes that have recently rolled out.
The Explorer Gadget now works while the game is open
Until now the Explorer Gadget only did its work while you were out exploring with Pokémon GO not open on your device. That still works the same, but the gadget now also helps while you are actively playing. New to the gadget? Start with our Explorer Gadget explainer.
Switching it on has not changed: Trainers at level 20 and higher tap the Explorer Gadget icon at the top right of the Map View, or find it in the Key Items section of the Item Bag.
Look for the pink Poké Ball
With the gadget on and the game open, a pink Poké Ball icon appears above the Pokémon and PokéStops on the map that the gadget is about to catch or spin.
Want that one yourself? Tap the Pokémon or PokéStop the gadget is working on to catch or spin it yourself.
Once the pink Poké Ball appears over a Pokémon or PokéStop, you only have a limited window of time to override the Explorer Gadget. The post does not say how long that window is.
To see what the gadget caught and how many PokéStops it spun, tap the Explorer Gadget icon on the Map View (or open it from Key Items).
What has not changed
- The gadget still skips Pokémon that are not yet registered in your Pokédex and mighty Pokémon.
- Own a Pokémon GO Plus +? You do not need to unpair it, but the gadget and a paired accessory still cannot be active at the same time.
Other gameplay and quality-of-life updates
- Updated catch summary - after a catch you see a redesigned summary that makes rewards and catch bonuses clearer.
- Dedicated Appraise button - on a Pokémon's summary page, a new button above the Additional Options button gets you to its appraisal faster.
- Power Spot encounters - visiting a Power Spot, or placing a Pokémon at one after winning a Max Battle, no longer triggers special wild encounters around it. The team says this makes wild encounters more consistent for all players.
- Encounter ring indicators - the ring around wild Pokémon attracted by a Lure Module or found while exploring a Route has a new look.
- PokéStop color - spun PokéStops have a different color saturation, so they stand out more clearly from unspun ones.
- Visual effects - the effects around Pokémon attracted by the Mystery Box or the Coin Bag have been updated.
Sources: Pokémon GO - The Explorer Gadget evolves! and the official "What is the Explorer Gadget?" Help Center article.