Free Guide to Linking Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME

Understanding Pokémon HOME and Pokémon GO

Pokémon HOME is a cloud storage service created by The Pokémon Company that allows players to store and manage their Pokémon across different games and devices. Think of it as a digital vault where your Pokémon can live safely between games. Pokémon GO is the mobile augmented reality game released by Niantic in 2016, where players catch Pokémon in the real world using their smartphones. These two services are separate but can work together through a linking process.

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Pokémon HOME was launched in February 2020 and has become an essential tool for trainers who play multiple Pokémon games. The service stores data about your Pokémon including their species, level, abilities, and items they hold. When you connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, you gain the power to transfer Pokémon from GO to other compatible games like Pokémon Sword, Shield, Scarlet, and Violet. This connection opens up new possibilities for your collection.

As of 2024, millions of players use Pokémon HOME to manage their collections. The service operates on both free and premium tiers. The free version lets you store a limited number of Pokémon, while the premium subscription offers more storage space and additional features. Understanding how these two services connect helps you make better decisions about which Pokémon to transfer and when.

The main difference between these services matters for your gameplay experience. Pokémon GO focuses on catching and battling in real-world locations using GPS technology. Pokémon HOME focuses on storage and collection management. When you link them, you create a bridge that allows movement of creatures between these different gaming experiences. This guide walks through the steps needed to establish that connection.

Takeaway: Before you begin linking, understand that Pokémon HOME stores your Pokémon collection while Pokémon GO is where you catch them. The link between these services lets you move Pokémon from GO into your HOME storage for use in other games.

Requirements and Prerequisites for Linking

Before you can link Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME, you need to meet certain technical requirements. First, you must have active accounts for both services. Your Pokémon GO account can be connected to either a Google account, Facebook account, or a Pokémon Trainer Club account. Your Pokémon HOME account requires a Nintendo Account, which is separate from your Pokémon GO login credentials.

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For Pokémon GO, you need a mobile device running either iOS 13 or later on Apple devices, or Android 7 or later on Android devices. The game must be updated to the current version available in your device's app store. Check your device settings to confirm your operating system version before starting the linking process. If your device is older, you may need to update it or use a different device.

For Pokémon HOME, you can access it through the Nintendo Switch console or through the mobile app on your smartphone. If you plan to use the mobile version, your phone must support it. The Nintendo Switch version requires a Nintendo Switch console and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, though you can view your collection through the mobile app without this subscription. Most players use the mobile app since it is more convenient for managing transfers from Pokémon GO.

You will also need to verify your identity across both platforms. This means confirming your email address on your Pokémon GO account and your Nintendo Account. Keep your login information secure and written down somewhere safe. Some players use password managers to store this information. Having all your account information organized before you begin makes the linking process smoother.

Internet connectivity is essential throughout the entire linking and transfer process. Use a stable Wi-Fi connection rather than mobile data when possible, as transfers can be interrupted by poor connections. Make sure you have enough storage space on your device to accommodate both the Pokémon GO app and the Pokémon HOME app.

Takeaway: Confirm you have a Pokémon GO account linked to Google, Facebook, or Pokémon Trainer Club, plus a Nintendo Account. Your devices must meet minimum OS requirements and have stable internet access before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Process for Linking Your Accounts

The linking process begins in Pokémon GO itself. Open the Pokémon GO app on your mobile device and look for the Poké Ball menu at the bottom of your screen. Tap the Poké Ball icon to open the main menu. From this menu, select "Settings" which appears as a gear icon. Settings contain various options for your account and gameplay preferences.

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In Settings, scroll down until you find the section labeled "Pokémon HOME" or "Connect to Pokémon HOME." This option will display the current connection status. If you have not yet linked the services, it will show that Pokémon HOME is not connected. Select this option to begin the linking process. The game will prompt you to log in with your Nintendo Account credentials at this point.

Enter your Nintendo Account email address and password when prompted. This is the same account you use for Nintendo Switch online purchases and services. If you do not have a Nintendo Account yet, you will need to create one before continuing. Visit the Nintendo Account website directly to set up your account. Once you enter your credentials, the system will ask you to confirm the connection.

After entering your login information, Pokémon GO will ask for permission to connect to Pokémon HOME. This is a security measure that ensures only authorized parties can move your Pokémon. Review the permissions request and select "Authorize" or "Confirm" depending on what your device displays. This authorization step may take a few moments to process.

Once authorized, you should return to the Pokémon GO main screen and the Settings menu should now show that Pokémon HOME is connected. Some players report seeing a confirmation message on their screen. If the connection fails, try logging out completely from both apps and attempt the process again. Poor internet connection is often the reason for failed linking attempts.

After successful linking, do not be alarmed if the apps take a few moments to sync with each other. The servers communicate to transfer your account information and Pokémon data. This synchronization can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on server traffic and your internet speed. During this time, you should not attempt to transfer Pokémon immediately.

Takeaway: Open Pokémon GO, go to Settings, find the Pokémon HOME connection option, and log in with your Nintendo Account. Authorize the connection and wait for the apps to sync before attempting any transfers.

Transferring Pokémon from GO to Pokémon HOME

Once your accounts are successfully linked, you can begin transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME. The transfer process is one-way only – you cannot move Pokémon back from HOME into Pokémon GO. This is an important rule to understand before transferring. Think carefully about which Pokémon you want to move, since they will leave your Pokémon GO collection permanently.

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To transfer a Pokémon, open Pokémon GO and navigate to your Pokémon storage. You can access this by tapping the Poké Ball menu and selecting "Pokémon." Browse through your collection and select the individual Pokémon you wish to transfer. When you tap on a Pokémon's profile, several options appear on the screen. Look for a button labeled "Transfer to Pokémon HOME" or a menu icon (usually three dots) that contains this option.

Before confirming the transfer, Pokémon GO displays information about the Pokémon including its level, attacks, and individual values (often called IVs). You can review this information to make sure you are transferring the correct Pokémon. The game will ask you to confirm that you want to transfer this Pokémon. Once confirmed, the transfer processes and the Pokémon moves to your Pokémon HOME collection.

The time it takes for a transfer to complete varies. Some transfers happen within seconds, while others may take several minutes. Do not close the app or put your phone to sleep during an active transfer, as this can interrupt the process. Keep your internet connection active and stable. After the transfer completes, the Pokémon no longer appears in your Pokémon GO storage.

You can transfer multiple