While it wasn’t available at launch, trading is now here to stay. Learn how to trade in Pokémon GO to exchange collections and help grow your Dex with friends.
- Read more: Pokémon GO – How to Evolve Eevee
Pokémon GO introduced trading in June 2018, and it functions identically to the core series games. As a trainer, you simply exchange one of your chosen Pokémon for one belonging to another trainer that you link to.
1. Meet with the other trainer in person
Trading is strictly limited to trainers that are Level 10 or higher. You need to be in physical proximity to the trainer you are trading Pokémon with. When you both are in the same location, open your Friend List and add each other.
Pokémon traded in GO can only be exchanged once. Certain types, such as Mythical Pokémon (e.g., Mew) cannot be traded.
2. Open the Trading Screen
- Go to the Map View, then tap on your Trainer Profile.
- Visit the Friends tab at the top of the screen.
- Tap the Trainer you want to trade Pokémon with.
- Tap the Trade button to start trading.
3. Choose the Pokémon To Trade
Once you have joined the trading session with a friend, you can select a Pokémon that you wish to trade.
Various stats including CP, HP, and more will randomly change when trading. Furthermore, the amount of Candy required to evolve the Pokémon will change.
Tap the Next button to continue.
4. Confirm Trade
You will see a confirmation option appear after both trainers have selected a Pokémon to trade. There is a Stardust cost requirement. You will earn a certain amount of Candy depending on the distance between where the trading Pokémon were caught. The greater the distance, the more Candy will be earned.
Tap the Confirm button to finish the trade.
Special Trades
Certain Pokémon fall under the category of Special Trades. These kinds of trades require additional Stardust, and can only be performed a certain amount of times per day.
The following are considered special trades:
- New Pokémon/Forms (not in your Dex)
- Legendaries
- Shinies
- Ultra Beasts
Pokémon GO is an augmented reality (AR) game developed by Niantic and released worldwide in 2016 for iOS and Android mobile devices.