How to Play Pokémon GO on PC or Mac with an Android Emulator

You Don’t Have to Play on Your Phone

Has anyone ever experienced their phone battery dying as they were about to reach a hard-to-reach PokéStop? While you’re in the park, using your phone in your hand, suddenly the screen goes dark. Battery’s out. Frustrating? Completely. For example, when you’re on your seventh day running, or when you are searching for a rare monster. These days, there’s an easier and better option. A growing number of enthusiastic gamers are opting for PC and Mac computers over using their phones for gaming. In today’s world, a laptop must allow for both productivity and room for fun, even while engaging in gaming and other activities.

Why Even Bother Playing Pokémon GO on a Computer?

Using a small phone screen can be challenging, especially when trying to multitask. Your work notifications keep interrupting, you’re getting messages that are begging for answers, and there might be a stream playing in the background. Why set up extra challenges if all we want is to have fun? When you have a desktop setup, everything is different. It is much easier to spot each Pokémon and navigate on a bigger display. You can use a keyboard or mouse, not just tap with your fingers. You also don’t need to worry about losing a raid because your computer will continue to work normally, with no overheating or shutdowns. And multitasking? Seamless. Email, edit your files, or stream your meeting—all these tasks can be done on the one device.

What You Need to Get Started

Ensure you know the basics before you begin catching Pokémon on your computer. You don’t have to use advanced tools or learn advanced skills; just a couple of basic things is all you need. Here is what you need to do to get set up:

Stable Internet Connection

It is frustrating when you leave a Gym Battle partway through. To maintain a connection, a solid Wi-Fi or Ethernet link is necessary for exchanging information with Niantic’s servers.

An Android Emulator

An Android Emulator enables you to operate mobile apps with your computer. You don’t need to be an expert to set up or use the simple and fast MuMuPlayer app. It's easy to use; download the app, click once, and you’re done.

Here are the recommended configurations for optimal performance:

Recommended computer configuration: 4-core CPU, 4GB RAM, i5 operating system, GTX950+ graphics card.

It is recommended to enable VT, which will significantly improve emulator performance, reduce screen freezing, and make games run more smoothly.

Recommended performance settings: 2 cores, 2 GB.

Emulator graphics rendering mode: Vulkan and DirectX are both supported.

Step-by-Step: How to Play Pokémon GO on PC or Mac

You’re just a few clicks away from running Pokémon GO on a screen that doesn’t make your eyes squint. Here’s how to do it without breaking anything or your brain.

1. Download MuMuPlayer
   Head to the official site and get the latest version. It’s fast, free, and takes just a minute to start.
2. Install It
   Run the installer. Accept the defaults unless you know what you’re tweaking. Once installed, launch it.
3. Set Up Your Google Account
   Just like any Android device, sign in with your Google account to access the Play Store.
4. Download Pokémon GO from the Play Store
   Search, click install, and you’re nearly there. No extra APKs or shady downloads needed.
5. Customize with Key Mapping and GPS
   MuMu lets you simulate taps and control movement using your keyboard. GPS tools inside the emulator let you “walk” around while staying within Niantic’s fair-use rules.

Want more help? Play Pokémon GO on PC or Mac.

What to Watch Out For (Let’s Keep It Real)

It should be noted that Niantic is not a big fan of third-party tools. The policies outline that the game is meant to be played on a phone, outdoors, exactly as it was designed. This means that using an emulator does have some dangers. Still, sticking to common gameplay usually means most users don’t have to deal with big problems. The company identifies questionable actions, such as jumping from one continent to another in just seconds or spinning the stops at a fast rate. Both hikers can avoid being caught by not jumping, staying in official places, and only using the map for reality-based movements and schedules. If you’re smart instead of sneaky, you should do okay.