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How to play Pokémon GO on PC and Mac

AndroidPIT Pokemon on PC
© nextpit

Pokémon GO is currently the hottest game on Android. It's sparked plenty of debate and everyone has their own opinion on it. But not everyone wants, or has the opportunity, to walk the streets with their smartphone in hand. For those people, here's how you can play Pokémon GO on PC and Mac.

You might have gathered from the dozens of tragic news stories that Pokémon GO is usually played outdoors. But even if the game is, by definition, intended for Android and iOS smartphones to enjoy outside, it is also possible to enjoy the game from your computer chair.

Before we begin, I want to clarify that this is not a method for installing Pokémon GO on your PC to your Mac using an Android emulator. This is no doubt possible, but also illegal. This method makes use of screen mirroring, which means you will still need a smartphone running Pokémon GO to make use of it.

AndroidPIT pokemon rental apps
Tired of playing on a smartphone? Play Pokémon GO on your computer instead. / © NextPit

How to play Pokémon GO on PC and Mac

The free app Vysor lets you mirror the screen of your Android smartphone on your PC or Mac. Naturally, you won't be able to hunt Pokémon in bars, museums or parks and collaborate with others on this grand adventure while at your computer. But indoors, you'll still encounter Pokémon which you can catch.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, you'll need to make sure USB debugging is enabled in your smartphone settings. And to do that, you must first ensure developer options is enabled.

Go to SettingsAbout phone and tap Build number seven times. Congratulations, you're not a developer. Next, return to your settings menu and Developer options will appear at the bottom; tap it. The USB debugging mode option will be found in that menu, so make sure you enable it before continuing. 

Find out some more cool stuff this allows you to do in our Developer Options tips and tricks article. 

Download and install Vysor for Chrome

Install the Vysor for Chrome extension in the Chrome web browser on you computer. Note that it is only available for Google Chrome, so if you use Firefox or Internet Explorer, this trick won't work.

After this, on Windows, you must also install these ADB android drivers. You can also install the Vysor app on your Android smartphone by downloading it from Google Play but it will be installed automatically when you connect your smartphone. 

Once the extension and ADB drivers have been installed, plug your smartphone into your computer with a USB cable and select "enable USB debugging" on your device when prompted.

AndroidPIT vysor pokemon go
This is the Vysor interface you'll see on your computer. / © NextPit

After a while, the screen of your smartphone will automatically appear on your computer (this is what is called the mirror screen). You can then open the Pokémon GO app and you will see it played in a window on your monitor.

androidpit play pokemon go on pc
It's possible to hunt Pokémon while sitting in a chair. / © NextPit

Now all you need to do now is wait patiently for these little monsters to approach you. If you leave your phone switched on in your pocket, your phone will vibrate to notify you whenever a Pokémon is close by. The good news is that catching a Pokémon is quite easy using a mouse.

androidpit play pokemon go on pc2
Catch 'em all. / © NextPit

Are you captivated by Pokémon GO? Let us know in the comments. 

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Pierre Vitré

Pierre Vitré
Head of Content

Pierre has a strong passion for new technologies and mobile since its first StarTac. Android user since 2011, Pierre became totally hooked. He never leaves his smartphone and smartwatch and still believes in the success of Google Glass. That's why he joined AndroidPIT.fr to be the head of content.

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6 comments
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  • Hernandez Giordano 1
    Hernandez Giordano Aug 22, 2016 Link to comment

    This is considered Cheat / Hack and may result in punishment for Ninantic?


  • Sherzod Abdujabborov 14
    Sherzod Abdujabborov Aug 11, 2016 Link to comment

    Seems like the hype is dwindling... Or is it only my feed?


  • Pervaiz Shaikh 1
    Pervaiz Shaikh Aug 11, 2016 Link to comment

    the galaxy s7 edge only 15 days of very light use and the screen wouldnt turn on, phone still seems to be working but the screen is dead


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Aug 11, 2016 Link to comment

      Sorry to hear that, Pervaiz

      Sherzod Abdujabborov


    • 51
      Deactivated Account Aug 11, 2016 Link to comment

      There is a forum for that :-)


    • Mark G. 28
      Mark G. Aug 11, 2016 Link to comment

      You should return the device under warranty for repair or replacement.

      It's not often a new device would develop such faults but it can happen. It's more likely to be caused by accidentally dropping the phone.

      You can take the device to a repair centre who can replace the screen or repair any damage. Just search Google for one in your local area.

      Peace ✌

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