How To Fix ‘Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate’ Error

Many of our childhood memories include watching Pokémon. So when Nintendo introduced the game Pokémon Go, it was like a dream come true. Many of us are hooked to this game to date.

Having millions of players all over the world, this game is one of the most popular games to have ever been created. Although seemingly perfect, this game too has a few glitches and errors. We are going to discuss one of the errors in this game.

‘Pokemon Go’ is an augmented reality (AR) game that has enthralled millions of players worldwide. However, the game isn’t without its issues. One problem that players frequently encounter is the “Unable to Authenticate” error.

This guide will delve into the causes of this error, discuss the implications of device bans, and touch upon the topic of spoofing in ‘Pokemon Go’.

What Does ‘Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate’ Mean?

The “Unable to Authenticate” error in Pokemon Go signifies that the game servers are unable to verify your login credentials. This error can occur for various reasons and often prevents players from accessing the game, thereby disrupting the gaming experience.

Causes of ‘Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate’ Error

1. Server Issues

Sometimes the game servers are down, and nobody can log in. In such cases, the issue usually resolves itself once the servers are back up.

2. Invalid Credentials

Entering the wrong username or password can also trigger this error.

3. Google Account Sync Issues

If you’re using a Google account to log in, make sure it’s properly synced with your device.

4. Incompatibility

Older devices or unsupported operating systems might not be able to run the game, leading to this error.

5. Soft or Permanent Bans

If you’ve violated the game’s terms of service, your account may be temporarily or permanently suspended, causing this error.

6. Unstable Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection can also prevent proper authentication.

7. Cached Data

Sometimes, clearing the cached data for the Pokemon Go app can resolve this error.

How To Fix Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate Error on Android and iOS

While trying to provide you with a list of solutions for the Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate error, we will try our best to explain it in simple terms so that even the nontech buffs and novices can understand that process.

There is a list of eight solutions. You can try all the steps and one of them is definitely going to work to solve the Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate error. So without further ado, let’s get right into it.

Solution 1: Check Airplane Mode Status

It’s pretty obvious from the very title that you need to switch your airplane mode on and off to get this solution to work. Now generally most of us have a clear idea about how to switch the airplane mode on and off because we often do it.

But to those of you who do not have an idea about this feature of your phone, here are the steps to do it (feels silly to describe it):

Step 1: When you are displayed with the error message on opening the app, exit the game, and close the app.

Step 2: Go to the Settings of your phone and switch the airplane mode on. You can also find easy access to airplane mode if you check in your notification bar panel by pulling down or up (depends on your phone model).

Step 3: The next step is to restart the game Pokémon Go.

Step 4: Now drag your notification bar panel and switch off your airplane mode. You can simply do this by tapping on the airplane icon. It’s easy to spot.

Step 5: Try to login into your game once again by entering your password.

This basically completes the process. If you can log in then there is no problem. However, if it is unsuccessful then there is no need to be disheartened. You can proceed to the next step. There are seven more steps to go, so there is no need to panic.

Solution 2: Check Pokemon Go Server Status

The next step is checking the Pokemon Go Server Status. There are generally no steps to be undertaken in this solution. Since this is a very popular game and has players all over the world it can happen at times that many players are playing the game at the same time.

This can cause some problems with the server and result in the “Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate” error which is in the spotlight today. The servers go down when several hundreds of players try to log in and play at the same time so it is important for you to check out their server status for once to see if their servers are working or are they down.

If you find that they are down then you need to patiently wait because their team is working on it and the server will be up in a few hours. But if you find that their server is not down then you can proceed to the next step.

Solution 3: Create a Force Stop and Again Launch Game

You can also try to force stop the game and launch this game again. That works for some players. Now to do this then you have to follow the following steps:

For Android:

Step 1: Go to the settings of your phone.

Step 2: Find the tap ‘Apps‘ and click on it.

Step 3: Find ‘Pokemon Go‘ and open it.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Force Stop‘ button and relaunch the game.

For iPhone:

Step 1: Go to the list of the recently used apps and close Pokemon Go from there.

Step 2: Launch the game again.

If the problem or error is not solved when you relaunch the game then proceed to the next step.

Solution 4: Try to Login with Google Account

A very common reason behind this ‘Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate‘ error is caused by the server you choose to log in from. If you are trying to log in through a PTC server then it is likely that you will be shown the error message.

Many Pokemon Go users like to use the Pokemon Go Trainer Club account. If your error is persisting, you can do the following steps:

Step 1: Try to log in from your Google Account. At this age, we all have a Google Account. It’s impossible to function without it.

Step 2: If you try to login from your Google Account and the error message is gone then you can start playing your game.

Step 3: If it is still displaying the Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate error message then proceed to the next step.

Solution 5: Check your Saved Password

This is for those who have several Google accounts. You can choose which account you are playing Pokemon Go from. If your present account is not functioning then you can switch accounts. This has helped some of the problems in solving the error into consideration.

Solution 6: You Clear Caches on Your Device

The next solution for the “Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate” error is to clear the caches of your device. To do this you can follow the following steps:

Step 1: Go to the settings of your phone.

Step 2: Find the “Apps” tab and open it.

Step 3: Search for the Pokemon Go app. Once you find it, open it.

Step 4: You can find the ‘Clear Cache‘ option here. Click on it and confirm.

Step 5: Try to clear the data too. It is usually present next to the clear cache option.

Step 6: Start the game again.

If the error message is removed then you are set to play the game. Unfortunately, if it still persists then go on to the next solution.

Solution 7: Are You Using iOS 9 or iOS 10

If you are an iPhone user then you need to check if you are on iOS 9 or iOS 10. Pokemon Go Version 1.73.3 is compatible with both. But if you are on iOS 9 and facing the error problem then you can proceed to upgrade your iOS to iOS 10.

After upgrading your system, try to login into your game again. If the error message is not displayed then well and good but if it is still there then read on to the next solution.

Solution 8: Go to the Pokemon Support

If all the above options fail and you still get that error message on your phone screen then the best option for you is to contact the Nintendo Team for help.

You can visit their support page and post your problem. They have excellent customer support service and they will surely sort out your problem for you.

Can Pokémon GO Ban Your Device?

Yes, Niantic, the company behind ‘Pokemon Go’, has a strict policy against cheating and violation of their terms of service.

If caught, your account or device can be temporarily or permanently banned. Actions that can lead to a ban include using third-party software, botting, and spoofing.

How Do You Spoof Pokémon GO?

Note: Spoofing your location in ‘Pokemon Go’ is against the game’s terms of service and could lead to your account being banned. This section is for informational purposes only.

Spoofing in ‘Pokemon Go’ means falsifying your GPS location to trick the game into thinking you’re in a different place than you actually are. Spoofing is usually done through third-party apps or software that alter your device’s GPS data.

While this may sound tempting to catch rare or regional Pokemon, it’s essential to remember that spoofing is considered cheating and can result in account suspension or permanent bans.

Conclusion

We hope that you find the solution to the Pokemon Go Unable To Authenticate error problem in the aforementioned list.