How to send Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME step by step

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If you've been playing Pokémon GO for a while, you've probably felt that some of your creatures deserve a more permanent home than just the game's storage box. Thanks to Pokémon HOME, the official cloud storage service for the series , you can gather a large part of your collection in one place and, in many cases, transfer it to the main Nintendo Switch games. However, the process has its nuances, and not everyone knows exactly how it works.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know to send Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME : how to link accounts, how to use the GO Transporter and its energy, what limitations exist, which Pokémon can't be transferred, how to claim creatures in HOME, and even an advanced trick to move certain Pokémon from GO to games like Sword, Shield, or Shining Pearl when they appear to be locked. Let's get started.

What is Pokémon HOME and how does it relate to Pokémon GO?

Pokémon HOME is a cloud storage service available for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices that acts as a central hub for the series. The idea is very simple: to gather most of your Pokémon from different compatible games in one place, manage them easily, and, when the game allows it, move them between titles.

In the specific case of Pokémon GO, the transfer is one-way : you can transfer Pokémon from GO to HOME, but there's no option to return them to Pokémon GO once the transfer is complete. This is crucial because any transfer you make will be permanent and irreversible , so you should choose your Pokémon carefully.

For this connection to work, you must link your Pokémon GO account to the Nintendo account that uses Pokémon HOME . Once linked, you'll open a direct channel between the two apps, allowing you to send Pokémon using GO Transporter, an internal transfer system powered by energy.

Another important advantage is that you don't need a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership or a premium Pokémon HOME plan to send Pokémon from Pokémon GO. The connection is available to any player who meets the basic requirements and has both apps properly configured.

Requirements to activate the connection between Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME

Before you start sending Pokémon, you should be aware that there are some minimum requirements to activate the connection between Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME . They are quite simple, but if you fail to meet any of them, the system will not allow you to link the accounts.

First, you need an active Nintendo Account . This is the same account you'll use to log in to Pokémon HOME and which you'll need to select in Pokémon GO when you link your account. It's crucial that you log in correctly, as the Nintendo Account you use for Pokémon GO must be the same as the one you use for Pokémon HOME where you want to receive the Pokémon.

You also need to have the Pokémon HOME app set up and linked to that Nintendo Account . You can use the mobile version or the Nintendo Switch version (or both), but the account must be created and linked to your Nintendo user account.

Once you've completed these preliminary steps, the option to connect to Pokémon HOME will be enabled in Pokémon GO's settings menu. From there, you can access the specific shipping section and the GO Transporter, the virtual device that allows you to transfer Pokémon.

Keep in mind that Pokémon you send to Pokémon HOME cannot be returned to Pokémon GO . It's not a two-way transfer; it's a permanent transfer. If you transfer a Pokémon that you later miss in GO, there's no official way to get it back in that game.

How to link your Pokémon GO account with Pokémon HOME step by step

The first practical step is to link your accounts. The process is quick, but it's best to do it carefully to ensure everything is linked correctly. These are the steps to follow within Pokémon GO:

• Open Pokémon GO and tap the Poké Ball which appears at the bottom of the map screen to access the main menu.
• In the upper right corner, tap Options to enter the game settings menu.
• Scroll down until you find the section Pokémon HOME and play it.
• Choose Log In and enter your Nintendo Account details associated with Pokémon HOME.

Once you successfully log in, the apps will be permanently linked . Your basic HOME account information, such as your username and ID, will appear in the corresponding section of the Pokémon GO options menu and will be saved until you log out.

It's recommended to verify that the username and ID displayed in Pokémon GO exactly match those of your Pokémon HOME account . This ensures you're sending Pokémon to the correct location and not to a different profile you might have accidentally created.

Once the connection is established, from the Pokémon HOME section of the options menu you can tap on Send Pokémon to start the transfer process, which is managed through the GO Transporter.

How the GO Transporter and GO Transporter Energy work

The GO Transporter is the internal system Pokémon GO uses to move your creatures from the game to Pokémon HOME . It's not a physical object or a bag item, but rather a built-in function that consumes a kind of virtual "fuel" called GO Transporter Energy (GTE).

This GO Transporter Energy is a limited resource: you start with a bar of up to 10.000 energy points that will be used up each time you send Pokémon. Each creature has its own energy cost, which depends on factors such as its species, whether it's shiny, whether it's legendary, etc. The game will show you how much energy you'll use before confirming the transfer.

When you use some of that energy, the Portkey doesn't become permanently locked; instead, it automatically recharges over time . The base recharge rate is 1 energy point per minute, meaning that to fully recover 10.000 points, you need approximately 6 days, 22 hours, and 40 minutes without using any more energy.

If you don't want to wait that long, the game lets you instantly recharge using PokéCoins . The ratio is simple: 10 energy points for every PokéCoin spent. That means if you need to restore your entire energy bar from 0 to 10.000, you'll have to spend 1.000 PokéCoins.

The practical operation is as follows: access the Send Pokémon option within the Pokémon HOME section of the GO settings, check the available energy and estimated recharge time, select which Pokémon you want to transfer, and confirm the energy usage. If you accept, GO Transporter will consume the corresponding amount and proceed to send the selected Pokémon to HOME.

GO Transporter energy cost by Pokémon type

Each shipment you make will consume a specific amount of ETG depending on the Pokémon's characteristics. While the exact values ​​may vary according to the game's internal tables, the general idea is that "special" Pokémon (shiny, legendary, mythical, etc.) require more energy than regular Pokémon.

For example, a common Pokémon with nothing remarkable about it consumes very few energy points , allowing you to send a good number of them with a single charge of 10.000. In contrast, a legendary, a rare, or a shiny Pokémon can have a much higher cost, so in a single transfer you could run out of energy if you select too many special specimens.

Before confirming the shipment, the game itself will show you a summary with the list of selected Pokémon and the total energy cost of transporting them . There you'll see how much ETG you need and can decide if it's worth it right now or if you'd rather wait for it to recharge or for more PokéCoins.

This system forces you to plan your moves a bit . It's not the same to dedicate all your energy to a single Shiny Legendary as it is to transfer many regular Pokémon to free up space in GO and complete your collection in HOME.

In any case, as long as you have enough ETG to cover the total cost of the selected Pokémon, you can proceed with the transfer without problems.

How to send Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME

Once the accounts are linked and you understand the energy system, you can get started. The process for sending Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME is done entirely within the GO app and consists of several clear steps.

• Sign in Options From the Pokémon GO home screen, select the section Pokémon HOME.
• Press on Ship Pokémon (If the accounts are already linked, it will take you to the next menu).
• The game will show you how much How much energy does your GO Transporter have left and how long is left to fully recharge?Click Continue if you agree.
• Select the Pokémon you want to transfer to HOME from the list. You can select multiple Pokémon at once, as long as you have enough ETG.
• Confirm your selection: you will be shown the total amount of energy that will be consumed. If everything is correct, press [button name]. Move to complete the shipment.

When you accept, the Pokémon will be removed from your GO box and will be available to be transferred to Pokémon HOME. Additionally, for each Pokémon transferred, you'll receive 1 Candy of the corresponding species as a reward , which is great for powering up other Pokémon of that same species in Pokémon GO.

It's crucial to carefully review the list before pressing the final button, because Pokémon sent through this list can never be returned to Pokémon GO . If you make a mistake and send one you didn't intend to, there's no official way to undo the transfer.

How to receive Pokémon in Pokémon HOME after shipping

Once you've used GO Transporter, the Pokémon won't automatically appear in your HOME boxes. They'll be placed in a sort of receiving "queue" that you have to manually claim from Pokémon HOME . The process is very simple.

• Open the app Pokémon HOME on your mobile (or on the platform you use).
• Upon startup, a message should appear indicating that A connection with Pokémon GO has been detected and that there are Pokémon ready to receive.
• Select option Yes to accept the transfer.
• Then tap on View transferred Pokémon and then on Receive Pokémon to complete the process and have them go to your boxes.

If you accidentally tap "No" and reject the initial message, you won't lose the Pokémon. You can close the app, reopen it, and repeat the process until you accept the delivery . Alternatively, you can go directly to the HOME menu: go to Settings > Pokémon GO Connection > Receive Pokémon and follow the instructions to retrieve the pending delivery.

Also note that if you still have unclaimed Pokémon in Pokémon HOME from a previous transfer , you won't be able to send new Pokémon from Pokémon GO until you've received them all. This prevents too many unclaimed transfers from accumulating.

Before accepting the transfer, you should check the available space in your Pokémon HOME boxes . If you don't have enough slots, you won't be able to complete the transfer and will have to free up space by moving or transferring Pokémon within HOME itself.

Pokémon that cannot be sent from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME

Not all Pokémon you have in GO are eligible to be transferred to HOME. There's a fairly clear list of Pokémon types that the game automatically blocks and doesn't allow you to select on the GO Transporter screen. It's important to know these so you don't drive yourself crazy trying to figure out why a particular creature isn't among the options.

The following Pokémon cannot be sent to Pokémon HOME from GO:

• Spinda.
• The Pokémon you have marked as favorites.
• Tu Buddy Pokémon figure.
• The Pokémon that are Defending Gyms at that moment.
• The Pokémon with costumes or special outfits.
• Pokémon in state darkness (Shadow).
• The Pokémon that are mega-evolved at that moment.

In addition to those, there are other special cases. For example, Gigantamax Pokémon cannot be sent to HOME , and Pokémon caught with special event Poké Balls, such as GO Safari Balls , are also excluded from transfer.

Regarding Lucky and Purified Pokémon, be very careful because, although they can be transferred, they lose their special status upon arrival in Pokémon HOME . Lucky Pokémon cease to be Lucky, and Purified Pokémon cease to be Purified, so you'll have to consider whether it's worth it or if you prefer to keep them in Pokémon GO with that status.

There are also several cases where, even after being sent out, the Pokémon can change form during the journey . Some known examples include:

• Giratina Origin Form happens to be Giratina Modified Form in HOME.
• Cherrim Sunny Shape becomes Cherrim Hooded Form.
• Castform Sun, Rain or Snow They transform into Castform in their normal form.

As new Pokémon and forms are added to Pokémon GO, the list of restrictions and form changes may expand . Therefore, the transfer confirmation screen will always tell you if the Pokémon you're transferring will undergo any form changes upon arrival in Pokémon HOME.

The Mystery Box and Meltan when sending Pokémon to HOME

A very interesting incentive to connect Pokémon GO with HOME is the possibility of obtaining the Mystery Box if you don't already have it. This special Pokémon GO item allows you to make the Mythical Pokémon Meltan appear in the wild for a limited time.

If this is your first time transferring items from GO to HOME and you don't yet own the Mystery Box, the game will automatically give you one upon completing your first transfer . From that point on, you can activate it from your inventory to start a sort of "personal event" where Meltan will begin appearing around you.

After using the Mystery Box, you'll have to wait seven full days before you can activate it again. To reuse it, you must send at least one Pokémon to Pokémon HOME (or Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! / Let's Go, Eevee!). In other words, each activation of the Mystery Box is tied to a new transfer after that waiting period.

The Mystery Box is one of the few ways to get Meltan and its evolution Melmetal in Pokémon GO, so taking advantage of the connection with HOME to unlock it is a highly recommended move if you're interested in completing the Pokédex with these unique Pokémon.

Privacy and data shared with The Pokémon Company

When you link your Pokémon GO account to Pokémon HOME, a limited exchange of information takes place with The Pokémon Company . This exchange is necessary for the system to identify your Pokémon, your profile, and complete transfers.

Specifically, some basic data is shared, such as your Trainer name and information about the transferred Pokémon (species, relevant characteristics, etc.), during the transfer process. This is not a complete dump of your account, but rather the essential data needed for Pokémon HOME to correctly receive the creatures.

All this data is subject to The Pokémon Company's privacy policy . This means that its processing and storage are governed by its own security and data protection rules, independent of those of Niantic or Nintendo, although aligned with current regulations.

Advanced trick: How to move Pokémon from GO to Switch games when they appear locked

There's one detail that has caused headaches for more than one player: sometimes, when trying to use a Pokémon from GO in a Switch game (like Sword, Shield or Shining Pearl), HOME displays the message that that Pokémon has not been found in that game or that it is not suitable for transfer, even though in theory it should be possible.

One of the reasons for this block is that your original trainer (OT) and Pokémon ID in GO match the original trainer (OT) and account ID in HOME . In some cases, this causes HOME to treat it differently and not allow you to move it to the target game, even though the Pokémon is technically compatible.

The solution some players have used involves creating a second profile on the Nintendo Switch with its own HOME account . Even the free version of HOME with a single box is usually enough to perform this trick, so you don't need a premium plan to try it.

If the Pokémon is already eligible to be transferred to a specific game (for example, Sword and Shield), the procedure would be as follows: First, transfer the Pokémon from HOME to that game . Then, close the HOME application and reopen it, but this time launch HOME with the second account you created on the other console profile.

On the screen displaying the available games in HOME, you can click on the profile name above the game icons to switch to your main profile's saved data. Open the corresponding game from there and transfer the Pokémon back to the second account's HOME account. This will assign the Pokémon a different ID to the second HOME account than the one on your main account.

Once the Pokémon's ID in GO no longer matches the ID on the main HOME account, the system usually allows you to move that Pokémon to any compatible game without restrictions . This is how some players have managed to transfer, for example, a Celebi from GO to Shield or a Deoxys from GO to Shining Pearl.

If the GO Pokémon you're interested in can't be sent directly to any game from Pokémon HOME (i.e., it's locked to everyone), there's another option: using the friend trade feature within Pokémon HOME . To do this, you'll need someone to lend you their phone or for a friend to create a second Pokémon HOME account and add you as a friend.

Log in with that second account on your device, add each other as friends in HOME, and perform a friend trade from your primary account to that second account . Again, the goal is for the Pokémon to change its ID and no longer match the one in your primary HOME account, which in many cases unlocks its use in Switch games.

These types of maneuvers are not officially documented, but some players have successfully tested them , so they could be an interesting option if you want to get the most out of the connection between Pokémon GO, HOME, and console titles.

With all of the above, you now have a fairly complete understanding of how transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME works, its limitations, the advantages it offers, and the tricks you can use when things get tricky. Mastering this connection allows you to breathe new life into your mobile captures, make better use of GO events , complete collections in HOME, and, in many cases, bring your favorite Pokémon to the main Nintendo Switch adventures without losing them along the way.