Pokémon Go, developed by Niantic, has been a global sensation since its release. While it provides an engaging augmented reality (AR) experience for millions of users, it’s not without its technical hiccups. One such issue that has perplexed and frustrated many players is Error 29. This error can restrict gameplay in significant ways, especially during raids, diminishing the overall user experience.
In this article, we will examine what Error 29 in Pokémon Go means, what causes it, and, most importantly, how to fix it so you can get back into the game without missing a beat.
What Is Pokémon Go Error 29?
Error 29 typically appears after a player is removed or leaves a raid lobby and then attempts to rejoin the same raid using the same account. The game will show a message such as “Error 29: Raid Lobby Unavailable” or similar wording, which essentially blocks the player from re-entering the raid instance. This error does not seem to affect all players uniformly, and its occurrence can be inconsistent.
Why Does Error 29 Occur?
Understanding the root of the issue is crucial for identifying viable solutions. The main reasons behind Error 29 include:
- Re-entering a Raid Lobby: The most common trigger occurs when players leave a raid lobby—either by choice or due to a glitch—and attempt to rejoin the same raid using the same account.
- Server-side Limitations: Sometimes, Niantic’s servers misflag a player’s session as “locked”, preventing that player from re-entering the raid even though it is still ongoing.
- Connectivity Drops: Temporary network failures or game crashes during raid entry may incorrectly register the user’s data, causing access issues afterward.
How to Fix Error 29
Fortunately, there are several ways to work around or avoid Error 29. Below are reputable methods that many users have found effective:
1. Join a New Lobby with a Different Account
If you’re coordinating a raid with multiple devices or friends, use a different account. Unfortunately, Pokémon Go does not currently allow the same account to rejoin the same raid lobby once Error 29 is triggered. Using an alternate account can help you continue participating in the raid while avoiding the lockout.
2. Wait Until the Raid Resets
If possible, wait for the current raid instance to reset. This means waiting for a short period (typically a few minutes) before attempting to rejoin. Some users have reported success by letting the timer run down for a few minutes before trying to access the raid again.
3. Switch Gyms or Locations
When Error 29 is encountered, try moving to a different gym or raid location. Although it won’t resolve the issue for the currently affected raid, it allows ongoing gameplay with minimal disruption.
4. Contact Niantic Support
If none of the above solutions work, it might be time to escalate the issue. Niantic has an in-game support and bug reporting system. Here’s how to proceed:
- Open Pokémon Go and tap on the Main Menu.
- Go to Settings > Help.
- Tap Contact Us and provide full details of your issue.
While resolution may take some time, providing screenshots and exact timestamps can speed up the support process.
How to Prevent Error 29
Although you can’t always prevent server-related issues, here are a few best practices to reduce your chances of experiencing Error 29 in future raids:
- Avoid Leaving the Raid Lobby: Once you’ve entered a lobby, try to stay until the start of the raid. Exiting for any reason increases the likelihood of running into this error.
- Check Your Connectivity: Ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection before joining a raid.
- Update the App Regularly: Make sure you always have the latest version of Pokémon Go to avoid compatibility or system errors that could exacerbate the issue.
Conclusion
Error 29 is undeniably frustrating, especially during time-sensitive raid events. The issue largely stems from server-side logic and game state miscommunication, making it difficult to fix permanently from the user’s side. However, understanding what triggers the error and how to mitigate it can save you a lot of time and disappointment.
While Niantic may eventually introduce a permanent fix in future updates, being cautious about leaving raid lobbies and maintaining a reliable connection remains the best approach for now. If you are significantly affected, don’t hesitate to report the bug so that the developers are aware of its ongoing impact and can prioritize its resolution.
