How To Add A PokéStop: The Official Guide To Niantic Wayfarer Nominations
Adding a PokéStop requires reaching Level 37 in Pokémon GO and submitting a high-quality nomination through the Wayfarer platform that meets strict criteria for pedestrian accessibility, visual uniqueness, and public safety. By curating nominations that highlight local landmarks, historical sites, or artistic installations, players influence the Niantic Lightship map data which powers both PokéStops and Gyms globally.
Prerequisites and Field Preparation Requirements
Before initiating a nomination, you must ensure you meet the foundational requirements set by Niantic. Submitting low-quality nominations or locations that violate safety guidelines will result in a cooldown period for your account.
- Essential Account Benchmarks: You must be at least Trainer Level 37 to access the nomination tool within the Pokémon GO application settings.
- Site Selection Strategy: Identify locations that foster community engagement, such as parks, statues, murals, public libraries, or specialized architectural landmarks.
- Essential Gear: A smartphone with a stable GPS connection, a high-resolution camera (most modern flagship devices are sufficient), and a local data plan to upload imagery directly from the site.
- Mandatory Knowledge: Review the official Niantic Wayfarer criteria, specifically focusing on the "Safe to access," "Visually unique," and "Encourages exploration" pillars.
- Time Investment: Allow for 10 to 30 minutes per nomination to properly capture photos and write descriptive supporting information, plus a variable review period ranging from several days to several months.
Procedural Workflow for Submitting a Nomination
Step 1: Locating the Nomination Tool
Open Pokémon GO and tap the main menu button, then select the Settings icon in the top right corner. Scroll down to the Uploads section and tap on the Wayfarer menu. Tap the New PokéStop button to initialize the map interface. You will see a satellite view of your current surroundings; you must physically be in close proximity to the location you wish to nominate to ensure accurate GPS tagging.
Step 2: Precise Geo-Location Pinning
Drag the map marker to the exact center of the object or landmark you are nominating. If the item covers a large area, such as a plaza or a mural, place the pin at the most accessible point of the object.
Pro-Tip: Ensure the pin is not placed on private residential property or areas restricted to emergency services, as these are automatic grounds for rejection by the review community.
Step 3: Capturing High-Quality Imagery
You are required to take two distinct photos. The first photo is the object itself, which will serve as the primary visual for the PokéStop. The second photo is the "surrounding area" shot, which helps reviewers verify that the object exists in a safe, publicly accessible space.
Warning: Avoid photos containing people, vehicle license plates, or blurred/low-light images. Use a steady hand and ensure the subject is well-lit and unobstructed by foreground objects like trash cans or parked cars.
Step 4: Crafting the Metadata and Justification
The submission requires a Title, Description, and Supporting Information. The Title should be the official name of the landmark. The Description should provide historical or cultural context. The Supporting Information is the most critical field; it is seen only by reviewers and must explain why the location is significant. Highlight how it encourages exercise, community socialization, or exploration.
How To Nominate A Pokestop In Pokemon Go
Technical Parameters for Successful Nominations
The following table outlines the key dimensions and evaluation criteria used by the Wayfarer community to determine whether a submission becomes a PokéStop, a Gym, or is rejected entirely.
| Criteria Category | Requirement Threshold | Impact on Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian Access | Must be reachable by foot | Mandatory; rejections occur for drive-thrus |
| Uniqueness | Cannot be a generic business chain | High priority for cultural relevance |
| Safety | Must not obstruct emergency exits | Critical; strict zero-tolerance policy |
| Image Quality | Clear, non-blurry, daylight focus | High impact on reviewer confidence |
| Geographic Density | Min 20 meters from existing stops | Influences "S2 Cell" logic for Gyms |
Troubleshooting Common Nomination Failures
Even seasoned players encounter roadblocks. Understanding the root causes of rejection allows for iterative improvement of future submissions.
- Low-Quality Photo or Mismatched Location
- Root Cause: The photo is blurry, or the pin location does not align with the visual landmark provided in the satellite view.
- Actionable Fix: Visit the location again during daylight hours, ensure your GPS is calibrated, and take a clear, high-resolution photo from a stable position.
- The Nomination is Considered "Generic"
- Root Cause: The nomination lacks historical significance or artistic value, such as a mass-produced chain restaurant or a standard park bench.
- Actionable Fix: Research the history of the object. Even if the object is simple, describe its role in the local neighborhood or its specific cultural importance to the community.
- Safety or Private Property Concerns
- Root Cause: The nomination sits on K-12 school grounds, private residences, or military installations.
- Actionable Fix: Cease all attempts to nominate these locations. Pivot your strategy toward public-facing, city-owned, or community-accessible infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my PokéStop nomination rejected?
Most rejections stem from poor photo quality, the location being on private residential property, or the nomination being considered a "generic business." Reviewers look for evidence that the location promotes socialization or physical activity, so ensure your description emphasizes these aspects.
Does every approved nomination become a PokéStop?
Not necessarily. Niantic uses a spatial grid system (S2 Cells). If your nominated location is too close to an existing PokéStop, it may be approved by the community but remain invisible in Pokémon GO while appearing in other Niantic games like Ingress.
Can I nominate a location from home?
No, you must be physically present at the location to place the map pin accurately. The game verifies your current GPS coordinates during the submission process to ensure the accuracy of the Niantic Lightship map.
How long does the review process take?
The timeline varies significantly based on regional activity and the number of active reviewers in your area. It can take anywhere from a few days to several months; you will receive an email notification from Niantic once a decision has been finalized.
Can I upgrade my nomination?
Yes, by participating in the Niantic Wayfarer review process yourself, you earn "Upgrades." Applying an upgrade to your pending nomination prioritizes it in the review queue, significantly reducing the waiting time for a final decision.
Master the Map and Expand Your Community
Start exploring your local area today to identify hidden gems that deserve to be part of the global Pokémon GO map. Elevate your local community by providing high-quality, safe, and accessible locations for fellow trainers to explore.
