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To turn off AR in Pokémon GO, open the game’s Settings and switch off the AR option. For a quick change during a wild Pokémon encounter, tap the AR toggle in the upper-right corner of the screen.

Turn off AR from Settings

  1. Open Pokémon GO and go to Settings.
  2. Switch off the AR option. Niantic’s Catching Pokémon in AR mode guide describes managing AR through Settings.

Menu wording or placement may vary between app versions. To turn AR back on, return to Settings and enable the AR option.

Turn off AR during a wild encounter

If you are already trying to catch a wild Pokémon, tap the AR toggle in the upper-right corner of the encounter screen. This turns off AR for the encounter without requiring you to leave it. Niantic documents both the encounter toggle and the Settings option in its catching guide.

What changes when AR is off?

Turning AR off does not affect every photo feature in the same way. Niantic distinguishes wild encounters, Buddy photos, and GO Snapshot photos of Pokémon you have caught.

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megacom DuoMon 1P/2P dual account Auto Catcher compatible for Pokemon Go Plus - Compact Go Accessory with Auto Catch, Voice Notifications - Faster Wireless Bluetooth for Pocket Go Game (Blue)
  • ✅ FASTER & BETTER AUTO CATCHER: Now you can complete your box faster with the megacom DuoMon, which will drastically speed up the catching and collecting process so you can become the ultimate trainer faster.
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Feature What to expect with AR off
Wild encounters Most can continue using AR, but AR is optional. Niantic says some Pokémon that previously required AR, including Mew and Celebi, no longer require it.
Buddy interaction and photos You can interact with and photograph your Buddy against a static background when AR is disabled or the device does not support AR. The AR experience itself requires AR enabled both on the device and in Pokémon GO.
GO Snapshot of caught Pokémon other than your Buddy Niantic describes this as requiring AR. Its guidance says players whose devices do not support AR can disable AR to photograph wild Pokémon; it does not describe this as a way to take AR photos of other caught Pokémon without AR support.

These distinctions are from Niantic’s What’s changing with AR in Pokémon GO? guidance. Static-background photos are not AR photography; they let you take photos without placing the Pokémon into a live camera view.

Device requirements for GO Snapshot

Niantic’s GO Snapshot help page lists an iPhone running iOS 15 or later. For Android, it lists 64-bit devices that support ARCore; beginning in March 2025, ARCore must be installed from Google Play on supported devices. Requirements can change, so check Niantic’s current page for the latest compatibility details.

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Brook Pocket Auto Catch Plus with Keychain - Upgraded Version of Auto Catch, Auto Spin, Catching Pocket Monsters, Collecting Items, Wristband Bracelet Auto Catcher Accessory [Exclusive Version]
  • 【Automatic Catch & Spin】 Hands-free device that automatically catches Pocket Monsters and spins stops, helping you collect items and level up without constant screen time.
  • 【Stable Bluetooth Connection】 Upgraded wireless performance ensures a fast, stable link to your smartphone, reducing disconnects during walks, events, and long play sessions.
  • 【Enhanced Auto-Detection】 Improved sensors increase catch and spin responsiveness, maximizing efficiency for both casual explorers and dedicated players.
  • 【Wearable Comfort Design】 Lightweight wristband-style build offers all-day comfort. Easy one-button control and clear LED indicators let you check status at a glance.
  • 【Long-Lasting Battery】 Rechargeable battery provides extended gameplay support, making it ideal for community days, travel, or daily auto-catch routines.

Niantic also says photos remain possible without AR support using a static image background. For Buddy photos, that is the non-AR option described in its AR changes guidance.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 3
Brook Pocket Auto Catch - Auto catch compatible for Pokemon Go plus, Catching Pokemon and collecting items just got easy
Brook Pocket Auto Catch - Auto catch compatible for Pokemon Go plus, Catching Pokemon and collecting items just got easy
Device requires Bluetooth low-energy compatible smartphone with Pokémon GO app installed.
$44.50
SaleBestseller No. 4
Pokémon GO Plus +
Pokémon GO Plus +
The packaging is Japanese, but item works the same as the US version.; Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
$149.99
SaleBestseller No. 5
Pokemon Go Plus +
Pokemon Go Plus +
Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!; Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
$199.99
Best Value
Sale
Pokemon Go Plus +
  • Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
  • Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
  • Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
  • There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
  • Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Rank #4
Sale
Pokémon GO Plus +
  • The packaging is Japanese, but item works the same as the US version.
  • Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
  • Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
  • Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
  • There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
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Brook Pocket Auto Catch - Auto catch compatible for Pokemon Go plus, Catching Pokemon and collecting items just got easy
  • Auto catch Pokemon and collect items. Vibration feedback. Enjoy Pokemon Go on the move without looking at your smartphone! It will also tell you when it’s time to recharge the battery. If there is connection problem of the device, please make sure you have updated the app to the latest version.
  • Device requires Bluetooth low-energy compatible smartphone with Pokémon GO app installed.
  • Compatible with Android devices with 2 GB RAM or more, Bluetooth Smart (Bluetooth Ver. 4.0 or higher) capability, and Android Ver. 4.4-6.0 installed.
  • Compatible with iPhone 5/5c/5s/SE/6/6s/6s Plus/7/7 Plus devices with iOS Ver. 8-10 installed.
  • Please charge for two hours before use it. If the device can't be connected after update ( no matter phone's or the product's update ) , please delete the bluetooth history of the device and pair again in the game.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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