Pokémon GO has revolutionized the way trainers interact with the Pokémon world by enabling them to catch Pokémon in real life through their mobile devices. On the other hand, Pokémon Home serves as a sanctuary for trainers to store and manage their Pokémon from various games. For many trainers, connecting Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home is an exciting way to consolidate their Pokémon collections. This article delves into the step-by-step process of linking these two platforms, the benefits of doing so, and some tips to enhance your Pokémon journey.
Understanding Pokémon GO and Pokémon Home
Before we dive into the connection process, let’s briefly overview Pokémon GO and Pokémon Home.
What is Pokémon GO?
Pokémon GO is an augmented reality (AR) mobile game developed by Niantic in partnership with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo. Released in July 2016, the game allows players to capture, battle, and trade virtual Pokémon that appear in the real world. Some of the defining features of Pokémon GO include:
- Exploration: Players must explore their surroundings to find Pokémon and PokéStops.
- Events: Regular in-game events encourage community engagement and offer unique Pokémon encounters.
- Pokémon battles: Trainers can battle against each other’s Pokémon in gyms or Pokémon GO battles.
What is Pokémon Home?
Pokémon Home is a cloud-based application that allows players to store and trade Pokémon from multiple games in the Pokémon universe, including the Nintendo Switch titles. This service provides a seamless way to transfer Pokémon between games, keeping all your beloved Pokémon in one secure location. It features several functionalities, such as:
- Pokémon storage: Trainers can store up to 6,000 Pokémon securely.
- Trading options: Players can trade Pokémon with friends or receive random trades through the Wonder Box.
Benefits of Connecting Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home
Connecting your Pokémon GO account to Pokémon Home provides a plethora of advantages that enhance your gaming experience. Here are some notable benefits:
Centralized Pokémon Management
By linking Pokémon GO and Pokémon Home, you can consolidate your Pokémon collection from various games into one easy-to-manage interface. This allows you to track your Pokémon easily and see which ones you may want to trade or evolve.
Ease of Transfer
Once connected, you can easily transfer Pokémon caught in Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home. This is especially advantageous for completing your Pokédex or trading with other trainers. Many trainers take pride in completing their Pokédex, and this feature helps you achieve that goal more seamlessly.
Access to Unique Pokémon
Certain Pokémon, such as Mythicals or certain event Pokémon, may only be available in Pokémon GO. By transferring these Pokémon to Pokémon Home, you can further explore them in games like Pokémon Sword and Shield, thereby expanding your experience within the Pokémon universe.
Steps to Connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home
Here’s a detailed guide on how to connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home.
Prerequisites
Before you connect the two platforms, ensure that you have:
- A Pokémon Home account (you can create one for free or choose a premium plan).
- The latest version of Pokémon GO installed on your mobile device.
- Stable internet access for both applications.
Step-by-Step Connection Process
Now that you have the prerequisites ready, follow the steps below to connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home:
1. Open Pokémon Home
Start by launching the Pokémon Home app on your device. You can find it on your mobile app store or the Nintendo Switch.
2. Sign in or Create an Account
If you already have a Pokémon Home account, sign in using your credentials. If not, follow the prompts to create a new account.
3. Navigate to the Settings Menu
Once you’re logged in, click on the Settings icon located in the main interface of the app.
4. Choose the Pokémon GO Settings
In the Settings menu, locate the Pokémon GO settings option. Click on it to start the connection process.
5. Link Your Pokémon GO Account
You will now see options to link your Pokémon GO account. A new window will pop up, prompting you to log into your Pokémon GO account. Enter your credentials and grant Pokémon Home access to your Pokémon GO data.
6. Confirm Connection
After entering your information, confirm the connection. If the process is successful, you will receive a confirmation message indicating that your Pokémon GO account is linked to Pokémon Home.
Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home
Now that you’ve connected the two platforms, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home. The transfer process is straightforward.
Steps for Transferring Pokémon
To transfer Pokémon, follow these steps:
1. Open Pokémon GO
Launch Pokémon GO on your device.
2. Access the Pokémon Menu
In the game, tap on the Pokéball icon at the bottom of your screen to access the main menu. From here, select Pokémon to view your collection.
3. Select Pokémon to Transfer
Choose the Pokémon you wish to transfer to Pokémon Home. Note that you can only transfer species that are currently available in Pokémon Home.
4. Initiate Transfer
Once selected, tap on the Share button, then select the option to transfer to Pokémon Home. Follow the prompts to finalize the transfer.
5. Check Pokémon Home
After a successful transfer, open the Pokémon Home app to confirm that your Pokémon has been successfully stored.
Tips for a Smooth Connection and Transfer
To optimize your experience connecting and transferring Pokémon between Pokémon GO and Pokémon Home, consider the following tips:
Keep Your Apps Updated
Always ensure that you have the latest versions of both Pokémon GO and Pokémon Home installed. This will help you avoid potential bugs and ensure that all features work as intended.
Stay Logged In
If you frequently switch between the two applications, staying logged in can save time and facilitate quicker transfers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, connecting Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home is a straightforward process that greatly enhances your Pokémon experience. With the ability to manage your Pokémon collection in a single location and easily transfer Pokémon, you’re well on your way to becoming a more organized and successful trainer. By following this comprehensive guide, you can enjoy the seamless integration of both platforms and make the most of your Pokémon adventures.
Whether you are a seasoned Pokémon trainer or a beginner, connecting Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home opens up a new world of possibilities. Happy training!
What is Pokémon Home and how does it work with Pokémon GO?
Pokémon Home is a cloud-based service designed to facilitate the storage and transfer of Pokémon across various games in the Pokémon franchise. It allows players to collect, manage, and trade Pokémon from multiple titles, enhancing the gameplay experience. By connecting Pokémon Home to Pokémon GO, players can store their favorite Pokémon securely and access them in other compatible games, making it easier to maintain an extensive Pokémon collection.
When you connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home, you gain the ability to transfer Pokémon from your mobile device to the cloud. This connection enables you to manage your Pokémon outside of the game’s mobile interface, allowing for easier organization and trade options. Additionally, Pokémon Home offers features such as GTS (Global Trade System) and Wonder Box, which can further enhance your trading gameplay.
How do I connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home?
To connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home, ensure that both applications are installed on your device. Open Pokémon GO, and tap on the Poké Ball icon to access the main menu. From there, navigate to “Settings,” scroll down, and select “Pokémon Home.” You will be prompted to log in to your Pokémon Home account or create a new one if you don’t already have an account.
Once you have logged into your Pokémon Home account, follow the on-screen prompts to authorize the connection between the two apps. After the connection is established, you’ll see your Pokémon Home storage within Pokémon GO. This allows you to transfer Pokémon back and forth easily, provided they meet the necessary criteria for transfer.
What Pokémon can I transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home?
In general, most Pokémon available in Pokémon GO can be transferred to Pokémon Home, but there are some exceptions. You may not be able to transfer Pokémon that are currently not eligible for your Pokémon Home version or those that are considered special event Pokémon (e.g., certain Legendary or Mythical Pokémon) depending on specific rules set by Niantic and the Pokémon Company.
Additionally, Pokémon with special forms or unfairly obtained Pokémon, such as those with cheats or hacks, may also be restricted. Always check the latest updates for any change in transfer policies to ensure your favorite Pokémon can successfully move between these platforms.
Are there any restrictions on transferring Pokémon?
Yes, there are several restrictions to be aware of when transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home. First, certain Pokémon may be subject to transfer limits based on their origin—like some special event Pokémon or Pokémon received through trades. Additionally, if a Pokémon has a regional lock, you may not be able to transfer it unless you are in the specific region where it is found.
Moreover, if you have Pokémon that have been gained through ways deemed unfair by the game’s policies, they may not be eligible for transfer. Always check the guidelines provided in the apps as they may update regularly, affecting your ability to move specific Pokémon between services.
Can I transfer Pokémon back to Pokémon GO after sending them to Pokémon Home?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Home back to Pokémon GO, but this option is available only for certain Pokémon and under specific conditions. After transferring, ensure that the Pokémon you want to transfer back doesn’t breach any current limitations or eligibility criteria for Pokémon GO. For example, Pokémon that were recently traded cannot be transferred back immediately.
Furthermore, the process for transferring Pokémon back is similar to transferring them from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home. Simply open Pokémon Home, select the Pokémon you wish to move back, and follow the transfer prompts. Also, keep in mind that there may be a cooldown period between transfers, so plan your moves accordingly.
What is the cost of using Pokémon Home and is it necessary for Pokémon GO players?
Pokémon Home offers both free and premium subscription options. The free version allows limited storage and basic features, while the premium subscription provides expanded storage, additional trading options, and advanced features like Wonder Box and GTS. The necessity of using Pokémon Home largely depends on your playstyle and how invested you are in trading or managing your Pokémon collection.
If you’re a casual Pokémon GO player who primarily enjoys catching and battling Pokémon directly within the app, you may find that Pokémon Home is not essential. However, if you’re actively engaged in trading, competitive play, or prefer an organized collection, Pokémon Home might be a valuable tool to enhance your experience.
Will I lose my Pokémon if I delete Pokémon Home?
Deleting Pokémon Home will not result in the loss of your Pokémon, as your Pokémon are stored in the cloud and not solely within the app itself. However, it’s important to ensure that your data has been synced properly before deleting the app. Regular backups and syncing are crucial for preventing any data loss.
If you decide to delete Pokémon Home, you can always reinstall the app and log into your Pokémon Home account to access your Pokémon again. However, be aware that if you do terminate your Pokémon Home account entirely, you may lose all your Pokémon stored there, so it’s essential to only delete the app without terminating your account unless certain that you will not be needing it in the future.
What should I do if I experience issues connecting Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home?
If you encounter issues while trying to connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home, first ensure that both applications are updated to their latest versions. Connectivity problems can often arise from outdated app versions, so checking for updates on your device’s app store can resolve many issues. Additionally, ensure that you have a stable internet connection during the setup process.
If updating the apps doesn’t resolve the issue, you may want to try logging out of both apps and logging back in. If problems persist, consider reaching out to the support teams of either Niantic or the Pokémon Company, as they can provide dedicated assistance for connection issues. Check online forums and FAQs as well, as many players share similar issues and solutions that could provide insights into resolving your problem.