Through the AR camera, you can interact with Pikmin and take photos with them.
Note
To interact with Pikmin in AR, Pikmin Bloom must have permission to access the camera.
When using AR mode, check the safety of your surroundings carefully.
How to use AR mode
AR mode can be accessed through the following three scenarios.
Tap the whistle in the bottom right-hand corner of the home screen, go to the garden screen and tap the AR button in the top left-hand corner of the screen.
Swipe up on the home screen and tap the AR camera tab that appears.
Select each Pikmin individually and tap the AR button in the top left corner of the screen.
When the message "Searching for a surface" appears, focus the camera on a flat surface, such as a floor or a desk. Pikmin will appear when a flat spot is in focus.
At first, only the Pikmin in the squad (except when you select individual Pikmin) are displayed, but if you tap the Pikmin tab on the right side of the screen, you will be taken to the Pikmin selection screen, where you can select the Pikmin of your choice to be displayed. (You cannot select Pikmin that have been sent to your expeditions)
You can also gather Pikmin by tapping the whistle tab on the right side of the screen. You can also hold down the whistle to keep the Pikmin in place for longer, making it easier to take photos of them. However, after a while the Pikmin will start to move freely.
Tap the button to take a picture.
Tap the button to re-detects the flat surface.
Tap the button to view the photo you have taken.
Tap the button to exit AR mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
The message "Searching for a surface" appears and the Pikmin do not appear.
Please move the camera slowly towards a flat surface such as a floor or a desk. If the situation does not improve, please use the refresh button (rounded arrow) on the left side of the three buttons at the bottom of the AR screen to re-detect and see if the situation improves. Moving to a larger area may also help.
(Android)I can't find the "AR" button.
If you are using an Android device, please try to install Google Play Developer Service (AR) from the Google Play Store. If Google Play Developer Services (AR) does not appear on your device, it may be an unsupported device. For more information, please check the following website.
Please note that if your device is not supported by Google Play Developer Service (AR), you will not be able to use the AR function.
Google Play Developer Service (AR)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.ar.core
Pikmin Bloom supported devices (Android)
https://niantic.helpshift.com/a/pikmin-bloom/?p=web&s=troubleshooting&f=supported-devices-android