So you caught an absolute beast in Pokémon GO and want to bring it over to your main Pokémon Home collection? Maybe that perfect IV Shiny Eevee? I get it – transferring pokemon from go to home opens up a whole new world of gameplay. But man, when I first tried this, I wasted SO much energy messing up transfers. That’s why I’m breaking down every step and trap door in this process.
What You Absolutely Need Before Starting
Don’t even open the apps until you’ve got these four things ready. Trust me, it’s frustrating when you hit a roadblock mid-transfer:
- Both apps installed and updated: Pokémon GO (iOS/Android) and Pokémon HOME (Switch/mobile)
- Linked Nintendo Account: Same account on both HOME and your Switch
- GO Transfer Energy: That blue bar in the transfer screen isn’t just decoration
- Stable WiFi connection: Don’t risk a transfer failure with spotty data
Account Linking Demystified
Remember when I said I wasted energy? Yeah, that happened because I didn’t realize my Switch and phone used different Nintendo accounts. Here’s how to avoid that mess:
- In Pokémon HOME on Switch: Settings > Linked Accounts
- In Pokémon GO: Settings > Connected Devices > Pokémon HOME
- Log in with identical Nintendo credentials on both
Pro Tip: If you see error code 801, your accounts aren’t talking. Happened to me twice before I figured it out.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Transferring Pokemon from Go to Home
Okay, let’s get that Shiny Gyarados moved! Follow these steps exactly:
- Open Pokémon GO and tap the Pokéball
- Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Pokémon HOME
- Sign in to your Nintendo Account (again!)
- Choose which monsters to transfer – max 50 at once
- Confirm the energy cost (more on this nightmare later)
- Wait for the transfer code to generate
- Now open Pokémon HOME on Switch/mobile
- Select Options > Move Pokémon > Bring from Pokémon GO
- Enter that transfer code when prompted
Seriously, write down that code or screenshot it. I had one expire after 3 minutes once.
Transfer Energy: The Good, Bad and Ugly
This system drives trainers nuts. Here’s why:
| Pokémon Type | Energy Cost | Recharge Time |
|---|---|---|
| Common (Pidgey, Rattata) | 5 energy | 10 energy/hour Full recharge: 7 days |
| Legendary (Mewtwo, Rayquaza) | 1000 energy | |
| Shiny Legendary | 2000 energy |
Translation? If you transfer one Shiny Mewtwo, you’re locked out for over 8 days. Ridiculous, right? My advice: transfer common Pokémon first to fill your HOME Pokédex while energy recharges for big transfers.
What You Absolutely Cannot Transfer (Save Yourself the Headache)
Not every Pokémon can make the jump. I learned this the hard way trying to move costume Pikachus:
- Mega-Evolved Pokémon: They revert to normal form mid-transfer
- Shadow Pokémon: Must be purified first
- Event Pokémon with special costumes: Party hat Charizard? Stays in GO
- Pokémon knowing exclusive moves
- Favorites or Buddy Pokémon: Unfavorite/unbuddy them first
The IV Reshuffle Shock
This one hurts. Your perfect 100% IV Dragonite? Its stats will change during transfer. Here’s why:
- GO uses 3 IV bars (Attack/Defense/HP)
- Main games use 6 stats (including Sp. Atk/Sp. Def/Speed)
- Formula converts stats randomly within ranges
My 98% Tyranitar dropped to 82% in HOME. Not cool, but at least the CP stays similar.
Why Bother Transferring? Real Trainer Benefits
Despite the energy system, transferring pokemon from go to home gives you:
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Meltan Box Access | Transfer ANY Pokémon to GO → Get Mystery Box → Catch Meltan |
| Complete National Dex | Regional exclusives like Tropius fill gaps without trading |
| Use GO Pokémon in Main Games | Bring that Shiny Giratina into Pokémon Scarlet/Violet |
| Free Up GO Storage | 400 storage slots cost 200 coins ($1.99) – transfers save money |
Honestly? The Meltan box alone is worth it. I get 60+ Meltan candy every 3 days this way.
Horror Stories: Where Transfers Go Wrong (And How to Fix)
Based on my blunders and forum nightmares:
Error Code 0x1609: Usually means GPS signal lost during transfer. Fix: Enable precise location, restart phone.
- Pokémon stuck in limbo? Check GO’s transfer history first. If missing, contact support with exact transfer time.
- Missing Candy/Stardust? Transfers don’t move these – spend them first!
- Pokémon appearing as eggs? Update HOME to latest version.
Reddit user TrainerMike92 lost a Lucky Mewtwo to error 800. Took 3 support tickets over a month to recover it. Always screenshot your transfer!
Your Pokémon GO to HOME Transfer Questions Answered
Can I transfer back from HOME to GO?
Nope. Once they leave GO, they’re gone forever from mobile. That’s why I never transfer my best raid attackers.
Do Shinies stay shiny after transfer pokemon from go to home?
Yes! Thank Arceus. My shiny Ho-Oh kept its gold feathers. Shinies and luckies retain their status.
Can I transfer to Pokémon Sword/Shield directly?
Not straight from GO. Must go GO → HOME → Sword/Shield. And only if that species exists in the game.
Why is my transfer option grayed out?
Three common culprits: energy depleted, buddy Pokémon selected, or poor internet. Try force-closing both apps.
How long do transferred Pokémon stay in HOME?
Free accounts: 30 days. Paid: Unlimited. I lost 20 Pokémon when my free trial expired – don’t be me.
Alternative Routes When Direct Transfer Fails
If energy costs are killing you, try these workarounds:
- Send to Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee first: From GO Park → HOME → Other games. Costs zero energy!
- Trade with friends: Swap duplicates before transferring to save energy
- Focus on low-energy Pokémon first: Build energy while transferring commons
My strategy? Every Sunday I dump 20 common Pokémon into HOME. Takes 100 energy, recharges by Tuesday.
When Is Pokémon HOME Premium Worth It?
At $3/month, consider Premium if you:
- Transfer more than 30 Pokémon monthly
- Want to move massive amounts at once (up to 6,000)
- Need to store Pokémon long-term
For casual trainers? Probably not. I only upgraded when prepping for Scarlet.
Final Checklist Before Hitting Transfer
Avoid regret with this 30-second scan:
- ☑ Pokémon isn’t favorited or buddied
- ☑ No special costumes/moves
- ☑ Enough transfer energy (confirm cost!)
- ☑ Screenshot taken (for proof)
- ☑ Charger plugged in (transfers drain battery)
Got all that? Go send your monsters on their one-way trip! Just maybe… think twice about transferring that Shundo.
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