H1 How to Transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME: A Comprehensive Guide
Pokémon HOME has revolutionized the way trainers manage their Pokémon collection across various games. One of its most useful features is the ability to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO, allowing you to bring your beloved companions from the mobile world into core series games like Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, and eventually, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful transfer of your Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME.
H2 Understanding the Requirements and Limitations
Before diving into the transfer process, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and limitations involved.
H3 What You Need:
* **A Nintendo Account:** This account is essential for linking both your Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME accounts. If you don’t have one, you can create one for free on the Nintendo website.
* **Pokémon GO Account:** Obviously, you need a Pokémon GO account with Pokémon you wish to transfer.
* **Pokémon HOME Account:** You’ll need a Pokémon HOME account. You can download the Pokémon HOME app on your Nintendo Switch and/or your mobile device (iOS or Android). Both versions can be linked to the same Nintendo Account.
* **Pokémon GO Transfer Energy:** Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME consumes Transfer Energy. This energy replenishes over time, or you can refill it instantly using PokéCoins.
* **Compatible Pokémon:** While most Pokémon can be transferred, Mythical Pokémon (like Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, and Melmetal) have specific transfer restrictions. Generally, they can only be transferred if you have already registered them in your Pokémon HOME Pokédex.
H3 Limitations to Consider:
* **Transfer Energy:** Each transfer consumes Transfer Energy, and different Pokémon require different amounts. Shiny Pokémon, Legendary Pokémon, and Pokémon with high CP values generally cost more energy to transfer.
* **One-Way Transfer:** Once a Pokémon is transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, it cannot be transferred back to Pokémon GO. This is a one-way trip, so choose wisely!
* **Mystery Box for Meltan:** Transferring any Pokémon to Pokémon HOME from Pokémon GO (or to the Nintendo Switch Let’s Go games) will grant you a Mystery Box in Pokémon GO. The Mystery Box allows you to encounter Meltan for a limited time in the wild in Pokémon GO.
* **Pokémon HOME Limits:** The free version of Pokémon HOME has limitations on the number of Pokémon you can store. The paid Premium Plan offers significantly more storage space.
* **Game Compatibility:** Once in Pokémon HOME, a Pokémon can only be transferred to compatible games. For example, a Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO might be transferable to Pokémon Sword and Shield but not to older games.
H2 Step-by-Step Guide: Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME
Now that you understand the requirements and limitations, let’s proceed with the transfer process.
H3 Step 1: Linking Your Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME Accounts
1. **Open Pokémon GO:** Launch the Pokémon GO app on your mobile device.
2. **Access the Settings Menu:** Tap on the Poké Ball icon at the bottom of the screen, then tap on the “Settings” icon in the top right corner.
3. **Scroll Down to Account:** Scroll down the settings menu until you find the “Account” option and tap on it.
4. **Link Your Nintendo Account:** Under the “Nintendo Account” section, tap “Sign In.” If you already have a Nintendo Account signed in, it will say ‘Linked’. If not, follow the prompts to sign in with your existing Nintendo Account or create a new one. Make sure this is the same Nintendo Account you use for Pokémon HOME.
H3 Step 2: Accessing the Pokémon HOME Transfer Feature in Pokémon GO
1. **Return to the Settings Menu:** Go back to the main settings menu in Pokémon GO.
2. **Find Pokémon HOME:** Scroll down and tap on “Pokémon HOME.”
3. **Send Pokémon:** Tap on “Send Pokémon” button. This will take you to the GO Transporter screen.
H3 Step 3: Selecting Pokémon to Transfer
1. **Choose Your Pokémon:** On the GO Transporter screen, you will see a list of your Pokémon. Select the Pokémon you want to transfer. Keep in mind the Transfer Energy cost for each Pokémon, which is displayed alongside its image.
2. **Review Transfer Energy Costs:** Pay attention to the Transfer Energy cost. The cost varies based on the Pokémon’s CP, whether it’s Shiny, and whether it’s Legendary or Mythical.
3. **Confirm Your Selection:** After selecting your Pokémon, tap the “Transport” button at the bottom of the screen.
4. **Confirm the Transfer Energy Usage:** A confirmation screen will appear, showing the total Transfer Energy required for the selected Pokémon. Confirm that you want to proceed by tapping “Transport.”
H3 Step 4: Sending Pokémon to Pokémon HOME
1. **Wait for the Transfer:** Pokémon GO will initiate the transfer process. The time it takes depends on the number of Pokémon and your internet connection. The process should only take a few moments.
2. **Claim Your Pokémon in Pokémon HOME (Mobile Version):**
* Open the Pokémon HOME app on your mobile device.
* Tap the button at the bottom of the screen.
* Select “Pokémon GO.”
* Tap “Claim.” This will transfer the Pokémon from Pokémon GO to your Pokémon HOME box.
3. **Claim Your Pokémon in Pokémon HOME (Nintendo Switch Version):**
* Open the Pokémon HOME app on your Nintendo Switch.
* Select “Pokémon GO” from the main menu.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to claim your Pokémon.
H3 Step 5: Managing Your Pokémon in Pokémon HOME
1. **View Your Pokémon:** Once the transfer is complete, your Pokémon will be in your Pokémon HOME boxes. You can view them on both the mobile and Nintendo Switch versions of the app.
2. **Organize Your Boxes:** Pokémon HOME allows you to organize your Pokémon into different boxes, making it easier to manage your collection.
3. **Transfer to Other Games:** From Pokémon HOME, you can transfer compatible Pokémon to other connected games, such as Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, and eventually Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Note that a Pokémon can only be moved if it exists in the target game’s data.
H2 Tips and Tricks for Efficient Transfers
To maximize your Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME transfers, consider these helpful tips and tricks:
H3 Managing Transfer Energy:
* **Plan Your Transfers:** Before transferring, plan which Pokémon you want to move and calculate the total Transfer Energy required. Avoid transferring impulsively to conserve energy.
* **Transfer in Batches:** Transfer multiple Pokémon at once to make the most of each transfer session.
* **Use PokéCoins to Refill:** If you need to transfer Pokémon urgently, you can use PokéCoins to refill your Transfer Energy. However, consider whether the cost is worth it, especially if you can wait for the energy to replenish naturally.
* **Transfer Common Pokémon First:** Transferring common Pokémon with lower CP values can help you manage your storage in Pokémon GO and earn Candies, while minimizing Transfer Energy usage.
H3 Prioritizing Which Pokémon to Transfer:
* **Transfer Pokémon for Living Dex:** A “Living Dex” is a complete collection of every Pokémon species. Transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME helps you build and maintain your Living Dex, especially if you’re missing certain Pokémon in other games.
* **Transfer Shiny Pokémon:** Shiny Pokémon are rare and valuable. Transferring them to Pokémon HOME allows you to preserve them in a centralized location and potentially use them in compatible games.
* **Transfer High-IV Pokémon:** If you have Pokémon with high Individual Values (IVs) in Pokémon GO, consider transferring them to Pokémon HOME for potential use in other games where their stats can be beneficial.
* **Transfer Pokémon Exclusive to Pokémon GO:** Some Pokémon, like Meltan and Melmetal, are primarily available in Pokémon GO. Transferring them to Pokémon HOME is the only way to obtain them in other compatible games.
* **Transfer Region-Exclusive Pokémon:** If you’ve traveled and caught region-exclusive Pokémon in Pokémon GO, transferring them to Pokémon HOME allows you to share them with friends or use them in other games.
H3 Utilizing the Mystery Box:
* **Transfer Regularly:** Transferring any Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME (or Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee) grants you a Mystery Box in Pokémon GO. Open it to encounter Meltan.
* **Evolve Meltan:** Catch multiple Meltan during Mystery Box events and collect Meltan Candies to evolve Meltan into Melmetal. Melmetal is a powerful Pokémon that can be transferred to Pokémon HOME and used in compatible games. Evolving Meltan to Melmetal also requires the use of 400 Meltan Candy.
H3 Optimizing Pokémon HOME Storage:
* **Consider the Premium Plan:** If you plan to transfer a large number of Pokémon, consider subscribing to the Pokémon HOME Premium Plan. The Premium Plan offers significantly more storage space and other benefits.
* **Organize Your Boxes:** Use the box organization features in Pokémon HOME to categorize your Pokémon based on type, region, or other criteria. This makes it easier to find specific Pokémon when you need them.
* **Release Duplicate Pokémon:** If you have multiple copies of the same Pokémon, consider releasing the ones with lower IVs or less desirable natures to free up storage space. Be certain as this is permanent and cannot be undone.
H2 Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the transfer process is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
H3 Issue: Unable to Link Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME Accounts
* **Ensure Correct Nintendo Account:** Make sure you are using the same Nintendo Account for both Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME. Double-check the account details in both apps.
* **Check Internet Connection:** Ensure you have a stable internet connection on both your mobile device and Nintendo Switch (if applicable).
* **Update Apps:** Make sure you have the latest versions of both Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME installed.
* **Restart Devices:** Try restarting both your mobile device and Nintendo Switch to resolve any temporary issues.
H3 Issue: Transfer Energy Depleted
* **Wait for Replenishment:** Transfer Energy replenishes over time. Wait for it to refill naturally.
* **Use PokéCoins:** If you need to transfer Pokémon urgently, use PokéCoins to refill your Transfer Energy.
* **Transfer Less Energy-Intensive Pokémon:** Prioritize transferring common Pokémon with lower CP values to conserve Transfer Energy.
H3 Issue: Pokémon Not Appearing in Pokémon HOME
* **Claim Pokémon:** Make sure you have claimed the Pokémon in Pokémon HOME after initiating the transfer in Pokémon GO.
* **Check Pokémon HOME Boxes:** Verify that the Pokémon are not hidden in a different box in Pokémon HOME.
* **Sync Pokémon HOME:** Try syncing your Pokémon HOME account to refresh the data.
* **Restart Pokémon HOME:** Close and reopen the Pokémon HOME app to refresh its data.
H3 Issue: Error Messages During Transfer
* **Check Server Status:** Verify that the Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME servers are online and not experiencing any outages.
* **Try Again Later:** If the servers are experiencing issues, try transferring again later.
* **Contact Support:** If the issue persists, contact Pokémon GO or Pokémon HOME support for assistance.
H2 Conclusion
Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME is a valuable way to expand your Pokémon collection and utilize your Pokémon in other compatible games. By following this comprehensive guide and understanding the requirements, limitations, and troubleshooting tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful transfer process. Happy transferring, Trainers! Now you can enjoy your hard-earned Pokémon in even more adventures!