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How to Transfer Pokemon from GO to Home

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

How to Transfer Pokemon from GO to Home

Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME lets you move your favorite catches into the main series games (like Sword/Shield, Scarlet/Violet) or simply store them safely in the cloud. This guide walks you through the entire process, from linking your Nintendo Account to completing the transfer in the mobile app.

What You’ll Need

  • A Pokémon GO account (level 20 or higher is required to transfer).
  • A Pokémon HOME account (free tier is fine for basic transfers).
  • The Pokémon HOME mobile app installed on your phone (iOS or Android).
  • A Nintendo Account linked to your Pokémon HOME app.
  • A stable internet connection on your phone.

Step-by-Step

  1. Download and open Pokémon HOME on your mobile device. If you haven’t already, create a Nintendo Account or sign in with an existing one. This is the same account you’ll use to link with Pokémon GO.
  2. Open Pokémon GO on your phone. Make sure you’re signed in with the account that holds the Pokémon you want to transfer.
  3. Go to the Settings menu in Pokémon GO. Tap the Poké Ball icon at the bottom of the screen, then tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings.
  4. Scroll down to ‘Connected Devices and Services’ and tap it. You’ll see a list of available services; look for ‘Pokémon HOME’ and tap it.
  5. Sign in with your Nintendo Account when prompted. This must be the same Nintendo Account you used in Pokémon HOME. If you haven’t linked before, follow the on-screen instructions to authorize the connection.
  6. Select the Pokémon you want to transfer. After linking, you’ll see a list of Pokémon from your storage. Tap to select up to 25 Pokémon at a time (or fewer if you prefer). Note: You can only transfer Pokémon that are not your current buddy, not defending a Gym, and not a Shadow or a Lucky Pokémon. Mythical Pokémon (like Mew or Celebi) cannot be transferred.
  7. Tap ‘Transport’ to send the selected Pokémon. You’ll see a confirmation screen showing the Pokémon you’ve chosen. Confirm the transfer.
  8. Open Pokémon HOME on your phone again. You should see a notification that Pokémon have arrived. Go to the ‘Pokémon’ tab, then select ‘Pokémon GO’ from the menu on the left. You’ll find your transferred Pokémon in the ‘Basic Box’ or a box you designate.
  9. Move them into a box of your choice (optional). You can drag them to any box in your HOME storage. From there, you can use them in compatible games or trade them.

Common Mistakes

  • Using different Nintendo Accounts: The most common mistake is linking Pokémon GO to a different Nintendo Account than the one used in Pokémon HOME. Double-check both are the same.
  • Transferring from the wrong Pokémon GO account: Make sure you’re signed into the GO account that has the Pokémon you want. Once transferred, they go to the HOME account linked to that GO account.
  • Forgetting to confirm the transfer: The transfer isn’t complete until you tap ‘Transport’ and then confirm. Some users think selecting Pokémon is enough.
  • Ignoring restrictions: Trying to transfer a Shadow, Lucky, or currently assigned Pokémon will fail. Remove them from Gyms, change your buddy, or purify Shadows first (though purifying changes the Pokémon).
  • Not updating the apps: If either app is outdated, the connection may fail. Update both Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME to the latest versions.

Tips

  • Plan your transfers: You can only transfer a limited number of Pokémon per day (the Go Transporter energy system). The free tier allows one full transport (up to 25 Pokémon) per week, but you can earn more energy by sending Pokémon to HOME and then transferring them to Professor Willow in HOME (for candy).
  • Use the ‘Search’ function: In Pokémon GO, you can search by name, CP, or other filters to quickly find the Pokémon you want to move.
  • Check IVs before transferring: Once a Pokémon is in HOME, you can’t send it back to GO. Make sure you don’t want it for battles or trades in GO.
  • Transfer in bulk: Select up to 25 at once to save time and energy.
  • Keep an eye on events: Sometimes Niantic offers double transfer energy or special bonuses, so it’s worth waiting for those if you have a large batch.

Troubleshooting

  • Error: ‘Unable to connect to Pokémon HOME’: This usually means your Nintendo Account isn’t linked or the link has expired. Go to Pokémon GO Settings > Connected Devices and Services > Pokémon HOME, and relink the account. Also, ensure both apps are updated.
  • Pokémon not appearing in HOME after transfer: Sometimes there’s a delay. Close and reopen the HOME app, or wait a few minutes. If they still don’t show, check your ‘Pokémon GO’ box in HOME—they might be there but not in your main boxes.
  • Transfer button is grayed out: This means you have no eligible Pokémon selected. Check that you haven’t selected any that are in Gyms, your buddy, or are Shadow/Lucky. Also, check if you have enough Go Transporter energy (the bar at the top of the selection screen).
  • Go Transporter energy is empty: You can wait for it to recharge (it refills over time, roughly 10,000 energy per week) or you can earn energy by sending Pokémon to HOME and then transferring them to Professor Willow in HOME (you get 100 energy per Pokémon).
  • Nintendo Account linking fails: Try logging out of both apps and logging back in. Also, clear the cache of Pokémon HOME (in your phone’s settings) and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Shiny Pokémon?

Yes, Shiny Pokémon can be transferred, but they consume more Go Transporter energy (2,000 energy instead of the usual 10 per Pokémon). Make sure you have enough energy.

Can I transfer Pokémon back to Pokémon GO?

No. Once a Pokémon is sent to HOME, it cannot be sent back to Pokémon GO. The transfer is one-way.

Do I need a Nintendo Switch to use Pokémon HOME?

No, you can use the mobile app on your phone to receive Pokémon from GO. A Switch is only needed if you want to move them into the main series games (like Sword/Shield or Scarlet/Violet).

What happens to the Pokémon’s stats and moves?

All stats, moves, and abilities are preserved when transferred. However, the Pokémon’s level, CP, and IVs are recalculated based on the main series games’ mechanics. For example, a CP 2000 Pokémon in GO might become level 20 in HOME.

Can I transfer from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon GO?

No, transfers are one-way only: from GO to HOME. You cannot send Pokémon from HOME back to GO.

Is there a cost to transfer?

The Pokémon HOME basic (free) plan allows you to transfer Pokémon from GO, but you can only have 30 Pokémon in your HOME basic box. If you need more space, you’ll need a paid Premium Plan (which also allows more Go Transporter energy).

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