Transfer Pokemon Go to New Phone: Full Guide
Yes, you can transfer your Pokémon GO account to a new phone without losing progress, and the process takes about five minutes. You only need your login method (Google, Facebook, Apple, or Niantic Kids) and your new device; your Pokémon, items, and progress are stored on Niantic’s servers, not on your old phone.
How Pokémon GO Saves Your Data
Pokémon GO stores all game data—your Pokédex, Pokémon, items, coins, medals, and level—on Niantic’s servers, linked to the account you log in with. Your phone only holds the app itself and temporary cache files. This means transferring is about logging into the same account on the new device, not moving files between phones. The game does not support local backups or device-to-device transfers; the account is the single source of truth.
Preparing Your Old Phone
Before you switch, make sure your account is securely linked to a login provider. This is the most common point of failure during transfers.
- Open Pokémon GO on your old phone.
- Tap the Poké Ball icon, then Settings (gear icon).
- Scroll to “Account” and check which providers are linked: Google, Facebook, Apple, or Niantic Kids.
- If only one is linked, link an additional one (e.g., add Facebook if you only have Google) to avoid lockout.
- Write down the exact email or username and password for the linked provider.
If you used “Sign in with Google” and have two-factor authentication enabled, have your authentication app ready on the new phone as well.
Installing and Logging In on the New Phone
On your new phone, download Pokémon GO from the official app store (Google Play or Apple App Store). Then follow these steps:
- Open the app and tap the appropriate login button that matches your linked provider.
- Enter the same credentials you used on the old phone. Do not create a new account.
- If prompted, choose “This is me” or confirm the account details.
- Wait for the game to load. Your progress will appear automatically—no additional transfer code is needed.
Your Pokémon, items, and settings will sync from Niantic’s servers. Your avatar customization, friend list, and medals will also be there.
What About Pokémon GO Plus / Poké Ball Plus?
If you use a Pokémon GO Plus or Poké Ball Plus accessory, you must re-pair it with the new phone. Open the game, go to Settings, then “Pokémon GO Plus / Poké Ball Plus,” and follow the pairing instructions. The accessory can only be connected to one phone at a time, so disconnect it from the old phone first if it’s still paired.
Common Problems and Fixes
Most transfer issues are login-related, not account-related. Here are the typical problems and how to resolve them:
- “Unable to authenticate” error: This usually means the login provider is temporarily down or your credentials are wrong. Double-check the email and password, and try again after a few minutes.
- Account not found: You may have accidentally created a new account on the new phone. Log out, then log in with the correct provider that was linked on the old phone.
- Google login loop: If you have multiple Google accounts on the new phone, ensure you select the correct one. Clearing the app cache or reinstalling can also help.
- Niantic Kids account: If you used a Niantic Kids account, you need the parent’s PIN to log in. Have that PIN ready.
- Lost progress after login: If you see a low-level character, you logged into a different account. Log out and try the other login provider.
Transferring Between iOS and Android
Pokémon GO is fully cross-platform. You can move from an iPhone to an Android phone or vice versa without any special steps—just log in with the same account. The only difference is that if you purchased PokéCoins on iOS, they do not transfer to Android (and vice versa) because of app store policies; your remaining coin balance stays on the platform where you bought it. Your Pokémon, items, and progress do transfer.
Safety and Account Security
Never share your login credentials with anyone. Niantic will never ask for your password. Be cautious of third-party apps that claim to “transfer” your account—they are scams. Only log in through the official Pokémon GO app. If you sell or give away your old phone, make sure to log out of Pokémon GO on it first, and consider unlinking it from your account if you no longer have access to the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to transfer anything from the old phone?
No. Your game data is stored on Niantic’s servers. The only thing you need is your login information. You do not need to copy files, use a transfer cable, or back up the app data.
What if I don’t remember which login provider I used?
On your old phone, open the game, go to Settings, and look at the “Account” section. It will show which providers are linked. If you no longer have the old phone, try each provider (Google, Facebook, Apple) with the email you commonly use. If none work, contact Niantic Support with as much account information as you can provide.
Will my PokéCoins transfer to the new phone?
Your PokéCoin balance is tied to your account, but coins purchased on iOS cannot be used on Android and vice versa. Coins earned by defending gyms do transfer because they are added to your account balance directly. If you have leftover purchased coins, consider spending them before switching platforms.
Can I play on two phones at the same time?
No. Logging in on a new phone will automatically log you out on the old one. You can switch back and forth, but you cannot be logged in on two devices simultaneously.
What happens to my Adventure Sync data?
Adventure Sync data (steps counted) is stored on your device and synced to the game when you open it. When you switch phones, you may lose the last few days of un-synced steps if you didn’t open the app on the old phone before switching. After logging in on the new phone, enable Adventure Sync again in Settings.
Is there a way to transfer without logging in?
No. The only official way to access your account on a new device is by logging in with your linked provider. There is no code-based transfer system like some other games.
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