Niantic FAQs

Pokmon GO is free to download and play. For Trainers who want to enhance their Pokmon GO experience, premium items are available for purchase.

Premium items available for purchase

The following items are available for purchase in the Shop.

contact us

Pok Balls

If you find yourself frequently short on Pok Balls, you can redeem PokCoins to add more Pok Balls to your Bag.

Lucky Egg

Earn twice the XP for 30 minutes when you complete in-game events, such as catching a Pokmon or visiting a PokStop.

Incense

Use this mysterious fragrance to lure wild Pokmon to your location for 30 minutes.

Lure Module

This item attracts Pokmon to a PokStop for 30 minutes. The effect benefits other people nearby.

Egg Incubator

This device helps Eggs hatch as you walk around.

Bag Upgrade

Expands the number of item in your inventory by 50.

Pokmon Storage Upgrade

Increases the max number of Pokmon you can carry by 50.

Clothing and accessories

Customize your Trainer's look with a selection of hats, shirts, pants, and other apparel items.

Premium Raid Pass

Participate in more Raid Battles with this Pass

Buying premium items from the Shop

To buy these premium items, you must first purchase PokCoins (the currency of Pokmon GO). PokCoins can then be exchanged for premium items in Pokmon GO.

To purchase PokCoins:

In the Map View, touch the Main Menu

Touch Shop

Touch a pack of PokCoins to purchase.

You’ll be prompted to complete the purchase via Google Play on Android devices or via iTunes on iOS devices. Once the purchase is complete, you’ll be able to exchange your PokCoins for premium items.

To exchange PokCoins for premium items:

In the Map View, touch the Main Menu

Touch Shop

Your available PokCoins will appear at the top of the screen.

Touch an item to select it for exchange.

Touch the item’s price to complete the exchange. Your premium items will appear in your Bag. There may be a short delay before premium items appear in your Bag.

Tip: you can also exchange PokCoins for clothing and accessories for your avatar.

Earning free PokCoins with the Defender bonus

You can earn free PokCoins by placing your Pokmon on Gyms. The longer the Pokmon stay on the Gym, the more PokCoins you earn. You redeem your PokCoins only after your Pokmon return from the Gym. Learn more about the Defender Bonus.

Restricting in-app purchase on your device

You can restrict in-app purchase on your device to prevent accidental or unauthorized purchases from the Shop.

iOS devices

Android devices

On Apple devices, you have two options to restrict in-app purchase:

Require a password for in-app purchase

Open the Settings app and visit General > Restrictions.

Touch Enable Restrictions.

Create a Restrictions passcode.

Disable in-app purchase

Open the Settings app and visit General > Restrictions.

Touch Enable Restrictions.

Turn off the In-App Purchases option.

Visit Apple Support for more information on enabling purchasing restrictions. Parents can also use the Ask to Buy feature to limit their children’s access to purchasing.

On Android, you can restrict in-app purchase by requiring a password for each in-app purchase:

Open the Google Play Store app.

Touch Menu > Settings > Require Authentication For Purchases.

Select the For all purchases through Google Play on this device option.

Visit the Google Play Help Center for more information on requiring a password for purchases. Parents can also use the Google Play Family Library feature to limit their children’s access to purchasing.

Need Help?

If you need any help with PokCoins and premium items, please .

Connect to Pokmon GO using additional login providers

You can link Google or Facebook to your Pokmon GO account. Once your account is linked, you’ll be able to sign into Pokmon GO using any of the login providers linked to your account.

This feature is especially handy for players who created an account using a non-permanent email address (like a school or work email address). If you’re concerned that you may lose access to your email address in the future, you can link a backup login provider to your account to ensure you’ll never lose access to your progress.

Note: this feature is only available to Trainers ages 13 and over. Trainers under the age of 13 will not see the option in the Settings menu.

To link a login provider:

In Map View, tap the Main Menu

At the top right, tap Settings

Under the Account section, select the “Not Linked” checkbox next to the login provider you would like to connect.

Follow the prompts to link your account. Once your account is linked, you can use that login provider to sign into your Pokmon GO account.

If you receivean error message when attempting to link alogin provider to your account, it is often because that Facebook or Google account is already linked to another Pokmon GO account.

To unlink a login provider:

To disconnect a login provider from your account, deselect the “Linked” checkbox next to the login provider you would like to disconnect. After you unlink, you will no longer be able to sign into your account using that login provider. Note that you cannot remove the login provider you used to sign into your current gameplay session.

Explore the outdoors with an experience that matches the real world weather

Pokmon GO responds to the real world weather conditions around you. Weather changes cause certain Pokmon types appear more frequently, have more powerful moves in battle, and give extra Stardust when caught.

Pokmon’s summary

As you search for Pokmon, the current weather conditions appear visually in Map View. You can also tell which weather conditions are in effect by viewing the weather indicator icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. Touch the icon to see which Pokmon types are boosted by the weather outside.

Don’t get rid of your favorite weather app. The weather information in Pokmon GO might occasionally be incorrect or unavailable at some times or in some places. We don’t want you to get caught in the rain without an umbrella.

Catching Pokmon with weather boosts

Certain Pokmon will appear more frequently in weather conditions that correspond to their type. For example, you’re more likely to see a Water-type Pokmon, like Squirtle or Magikarp, during rainfall. These Pokmon also tend to have higher CP and perform better in battle. As an added bonus, you will receive extra Stardust when you catch a Pokmon that is boosted by the current weather conditions.

Battling Pokmon with weather boosts

Move types will be more effective when performed during certain conditions. For example, Charizard with the Fire Spin quick move will be more powerful in battles on sunny days. You can view which moves are enhanced by viewing your .

Weather conditions and boosted types

Weather conditions

Boosted types

Sunny/clear

Grass, Fire, Ground

Rainy

Water, Electric, Bug

Partly cloudy

Normal, Rock

Cloudy

Fairy, Fighting, Poison

Windy

Flying, Dragon, Psychic

Snow

Ice, Steel

Fog

Dark, Ghost

Meet up and exchangePokmon with your Friends

Trading allows you to exchange Pokmon with your friends and make progress on completing the Pokdex. Trading occurs in-person and in real-time so you’ll need to be in close range of your friend in order to trade Pokmon.

Every trade requires that you and your trading partner spend some Stardust. Different Pokmon require different amounts of Stardust. Generally, the more desirable the Pokmon (like Legendary Pokmon and Shiny Pokmon), the more Stardust is required to trade. You can lower this amount by increasing your Friendship Level with your trading partner.

Note: this feature is not available for users with child accounts.

Meet up with your friend

Players must be physically in the same location in order to trade. When you and your friend are nearby, navigate to your Friend List.

Navigate to the trading screen

In Map View, navigate to your Trainer Profile.

Tap the Friends tab at the top of the screen to open your Friend List.

Tap on the Trainer that you wish to trade Pokmon with.

Tap on the Trade button to enter the trading screen.

Select Pokmon to trade

Once your friend joins the trading session, you’ll be able to select a Pokmon to trade. Before you select the Pokmon, you’ll be able to view the Pokmon’s details. Note that the CP, HP, and other stats are adjusted when you trade. The Pokmon’s new CP and HP will appear as a range.

Tap the Next button to proceed.

Confirm the Trade

After both you and your friend have selected a Pokmon to trade, a confirmation option will appear. The amount of Stardust that is required for the trade will appear next to the button. You also see the amount of Candy you’ve received through the trade. The amount of Candy you earn depends on the distance between where the two Pokmon were caught. The further the distance, the more Candy.

Tap on the Confirm button to complete the trade.

Special trades and limitations

Some Pokmon are considered special trades. These Pokmon require more Stardust to trade and you can only complete one special trade per day. The following are special trades:

Pokmon not already in your Pokdex

Legendary Pokmon

Shiny Pokmon

Pokmon with forms not already in your Pokdex (like Unown, costumed Pikachu, and Castform)

Other restrictions on trading:

Trading is only available for Trainers that are Level 10 or above.

Certain Pokmon cannot be traded. Mythical Pokmon (like Mew) and Pokmon that have previously been traded once before cannot be traded.

Suggest a new PokStop to help Trainers get out and explore their communities

This feature is currently in beta. We are gradually rolling out nomination access to more Trainers and countries in the upcoming months. Keep updated with the latest information on our social media channels.

Trainers can help grow the number of PokStops in their community by nominating eligible objects and locations for Pokmon GO. Once submitted, the PokStop nomination will be evaluated by Niantic’s player community and then the highly-rated nominations may be accepted as a PokStop or even a Gym. By nominating a new PokStop, you are helping other Trainers get out and explore the communities around them.

Eligible Trainers can submit a limited number of nominations each day. If you do not use all your nominations within the day, you can accumulate a number of nominations for future use. You can view how many available nominations you have left within the settings menu.

Note: this feature is not available for users with child accounts.

What makes a high-quality PokStop nomination?

To make the most of each nomination, be sure to submit high-quality nominations that have a good chance of being eligible. These categories are considered an eligible candidate for a PokStop:

A location with a cool story, a place in history or educational value

An interesting piece of art or unique architecture (Statues, paintings, mosaics, light installations, etc.)

A hidden gem or hyper-local spot

Public parks

Public libraries

Public places of worship

Major transit stations hubs (like Grand Central Station)

These categories are NOT considered an eligible candidate for a PokStop:

Places without safe pedestrian access. All PokStop nominations must have pedestrian access otherwise they will be rejected regardless of the quality of the PokStop.

Private residences & surrounding private residential property

Locations that interfere with operations of fire stations, police stations, or hospitals

Places on the grounds of child care centers or primary/secondary schools

Natural features such as landscapes, mountains, waterfalls (however, man-made points of interest connected to these natural features are great, such as plaques or informational signs)

Objects that are not permanent (such as seasonal displays)

Adult-oriented stores or services (such as liquor stores, adult entertainment, shooting ranges, firearm stores, etc.)

For more in-depth information of what makes a high-quality PokStop nomination, view the complete PokStop criteria.

Submitting a PokStop Nomination

Starting the nomination

Pokmon GO Terms of Service

First, go to an object or location that you think would make a good PokStop.

Tap the Main Menu button.

Tap the Settings button.

Tap the New PokStop button to start the nomination.

Set the Location on the Map

On the map, you’ll see an orange PokStop pin that represents the location of your PokStop nomination. If there are already PokStops in the surrounding areas, you’ll also see them displayed on the map with a blue PokStop marker.

Tap or drag the orange PokStop pin to the most accurate location representing the object for your nomination. Nominations that are too close to existing PokStops or with inaccurate locations will most likely be considered ineligible.

Tap Confirm when your pin is in the most accurate location.

Take a Photo of the Object

Take a clear photo that makes it easy to see the object/location that corresponds to your nomination. Low-quality photos (dark/blurry/taken from a car) may cause a nomination that otherwise meets criteria to be considered ineligible.

Do not submit photos that you did not take yourself and avoid photos that contain people, body parts, live animals, or copyrighted objects / materials.

Take another photo for context of the surrounding area

Next, you’ll need to take an additional photo of the surrounding area around your nomination. These photos will help our community of reviewers determine if the PokStop location is safe and accessible. This surrounding area photo will not appear on the PokStop in-game and will only be shared with the community of players that are evaluating your nomination.

Add a Title and Description

Once you have an accurate location and a high-quality photo, you can enter a title and description that describes the object you are nominating. Titles and descriptions may be submitted in any language.

Title: Enter in a detailed and unique title. If possible, please use the official name of the object or location.

Description: Information that other players might find interesting about the location such as the origin, history, or background of this place.

Do not include the following in the titles or descriptions:

HTML or URLs

References to nicknames or game-specific terms (such as Raid or PokStop)

Preview and Submit

On the preview screen, you can view your nomination details one last time before you finalize and submit. Tap Confirm once you’ve verified everything looks good.

Show why your nomination is important

The final step helps give the nomination reviewers some more context as to why your nomination should be considered eligible. Here, you can specify what makes your nomination a high-quality PokStop candidate. These sections will not appear on the PokStop details and will only be shared with the community of reviewers that are evaluating your nomination.

When your nomination is complete, tap Submit to send your nomination for review.

Review by Community

When you have completed your nomination, you’ll receive a confirmation email and it will be sent for review by our community of nomination reviewers. We strive to process your nomination as soon as possible but, depending on the level of review needed, it may take several weeks or months. Once the community has made a decision regarding your PokStop nomination, you’ll receive an update via email.

If your nomination was deemed eligible: Congrats, you’ve helped contribute to encouraging Trainers all over the world to explore their communities! Please keep in mind that not all eligible PokStop nominations are able to appear live in Pokmon GO. However, they may appear in other Niantic games.

If your nomination was deemed ineligible: Please review the PokStop criteria to make sure your nomination follows all of the criteria. We receive a large number of nominations and not all of them are guaranteed to be added to the game.

Note about user-submitted content and ownership

When you submit a PokStop nomination to Niantic, we don’t claim ownership of that content. You still retain your rights to the content as the creator. But you do grant Niantic a license to use the content in any way we see fit. This means, for example, that we have your permission to use the PokStop images and descriptions to create new in-game locations in Pokmon GO, but we also have your permission to use them to create locations across different games. This is just a brief summary of how we use user-submitted content. For the full details, please review the .

Track your distance traveled, earn Buddy Candy, and hatch Eggs while your phone is in your pocket

Adventure Sync is an optional mode that will allow you to record your kilometers traveled even when the Pokmon GO app isn’t open. You’ll be able to stay active and earn Buddy Candy or hatch Eggs without significantly impacting your device’s battery life. When your Buddy Pokmon has found Candy or when an Egg is about to hatch, you can enable to receive a push notification. As an added bonus, you’ll get weekly fitness reports to track your progress as well as earn rewards for reaching weekly milestones.

Note: Adventure Sync is only available for Trainer Levels 5 and above

How to activate Adventure Sync

To use this feature, you’ll have to always enable location permissions and connect to either Apple Health or Google Fit.

Tap the Main Menu button.

Tap the Settings button.

Tap on Adventure Sync. You’ll also be prompted to grant permissions for Pokmon GO to access your Apple Health or Google Fit data.

To disable Adventure Sync, just revisit the settings page and uncheck Adventure Sync.

Weekly Fitness Report

With Adventure Sync activated, you’ll also gain extra insights into your fitness progress. Every week, you will receive a fitness report to see your activity statistics and make progress towards earning bonus items when you reach your weekly goals. You can also view your current stats by navigating to your Trainer Profile.

Having Adventure Sync Issues?

Data is out-of-date or incomplete

There may be a delay of up to several hours to sync your steps, so you may not always see the most up to date data.

Your device’s power saver mode may disable the sensors required for Adventure Sync and may interfere with the functionality of this feature. Please disable your device’s power saving mode when using this feature.

Fitness data that is manually entered into Apple Health or Google Fit will not count towards your Adventure Sync progress.

Adventure Sync isn’t tracking any fitness progress

Make sure the device has the required sensors to track your distance and steps. Open the Google Fit or Apple Health App to ensure that your device is properly recording your fitness progress.

If you have an HTC One M8, your phone may be incompatible with Google Fit and you may be unable to use Adventure Sync.

Make sure that Pokmon GO is connected with Apple Health or Google Fit:

For Apple Health:

Open Apple Health

Tap on Sources

Under Apps, make sure that Pokmon GO is listed as a connected device

For Google Fit (may vary depending on device and OS):

Open your device’s Settings app

Tap on Google

Tap on Google Fit

Tap on Connected apps and devices and make sure Pokmon GO is listed as a connected device

Trade with friends for a chance of getting a Lucky Pokmon

One of the many benefits to trading Pokmon with friends is that you have a chance at receiving a Lucky Pokmon. Lucky Pokmon are more likely to be strong opponents in battle, require less Stardust to power up, and appear with a shimmery effect in the Pokdex and the Pokmon Profile.

Although Pokmon turn into Lucky Pokmon at random when traded, the longer you have a Pokmon, the greater the chances that they will become Lucky Pokmon.

Each Pokmon has Combat Power (CP) and Hit Points (HP).

All Pokmon start out with full HP at capture, but HP can be depleted during battle.

Each individual Pokmon is assigned CP at capture, which indicates how well that particular Pokmon will perform in battle. Not all Pokmon have the same CP - for example, if you have caught two Pikachu, they will not necessarily have the same CP.

As you gain XP and become a higher level Trainer, the CP of the Pokmon you capture will generally be higher. However, some types of Pokmon will naturally always have lower CP.

Team up with a friend to take on challenging EX Raid Battles

Gym Badges

EX Raids are similar to Raid Battles except that they require a special pass to attend. These EX Raid Passes have to be earned but you’ll have an opportunity to catch the most sought after Pokmon. Additionally, if you earn an EX Raid Pass, you can invite one of your Ultra Friends or Best Friends to join you in the EX Raid Battle.

Earning an EX Raid Pass

To earn an EX Raid Pass, you must have successfully completed a raid recently by defeating a Raid Boss at the Gym where the EX Raid Battle will take place. If you receive an EX Raid Pass, you’ll be able to find it in your Bag with the EX Raid details. EX Raid Passes can only be used at the indicated Gym and time on the invitation.

To increase your chances of receiving an EX Raid Pass:

Join more Raid Battles. The more Raid Battles you successfully complete, the greater your chances to receive an EX Raid Pass.

To increase your odds even more, try completing raids at a variety of different Gyms.

Earn higher level at EX Raid Gyms. Trainers with a high-level Gym Badge are more likely to be invited to EX Raid Battles.

EX Raid Battles will take place most commonly at Gyms found in parks and sponsored locations. There is an EX Raid Gym icon on the upper right corner of Gyms that are eligible for EX Raids.

Inviting a friend

When you receive an EX Raid Pass, you have the option to invite a friend to join you. Note: this feature is not available for users with child accounts.

When you receive an EX Raid Pass, there will be an option to invite a friend. Tap on Invite.

Select one friend to invite to your EX Raid. You can only invite friends that you have reached the Ultra Friends or Best Friends Friendship level with.

Once the invitation is sent, the EX Raid invitation will appear in your friend’s Bag and both you and your friend will be able to attend the EX Raid.

Trainers can only hold one gifted EX Raid invitation at a time. If you receive an invitation from a friend, you won't be able to receive another one from anyone else until you decline that first invitation or the EX Raid Pass expires.

Send Pokmon to GO Parks in ‘Pokmon: Let’s Go’

Trainers with Pokmon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokmon: Let’s Go, Eevee! can send Pokmon from Pokmon GO to their Nintendo Switch. Just like transferring Pokmon to Professor Willow, Trainers earn Candy for each Pokmon they send to their Nintendo Switch. These Pokmon will appear in the GO Park complex in Pokmon: Let’s Go.

As a bonus for sending Pokmon to the Switch, you’ll earn additional XP and you’ll unlock the special Mystery Box item the very first time you send a Pokmon. The Mystery Box allows you to catch the Mythical Pokmon Meltan.

Pairing and connecting to the Nintendo Switch

Open the Pokmon GO app on your phone and open Pokmon: Let’s Go on your Nintendo Switch

In Map View, tap the Main Menu Nintendo Support button.

At the top right, tap theSettingsbutton.

Tap Nintendo Switch.

Tap Connect to Nintendo Switch.Pokmon GO will now be in pairing mode.

In Pokmon: Let's Go, follow the steps to pair the Switch to Pokmon GO by accessing the Settings menu.

Once the connection is complete, the white Nintendo Switch icon will appear under the Available Devices section. You can now send Pokmon to your Nintendo Switch.

Sending Pokmon to the GO Park Complex

After you’ve paired Pokmon GO to your Nintendo Switch, you can send Pokmon to the GO Park complex in Pokmon: Let’s Go.Pokmon that you've brought from Pokmon GO into Pokmon: Let's Go can’t be transferred back to Pokmon GO.

Open Pokmon: Let's Go

In Fuschia City, speak to the attendant at the GO Park Complex and selectBring Pokmon

Open Pokmon GO

In Map View, tap the Main Menu button.

Tap thePokmonbutton.

At the top right, tap the Nintendo Switch icon.

Tap all the Pokmon you'll like to send to the Nintendo Switch. You can only send Pokmon originally discovered in the Kanto Region (as well as their Shiny and Alolan forms) with the exception of the Mythical Pokmon Mew.

Tap theSend to Nintendo Switch button when you're ready to send Pokmon.

Once sent, your Pokmon will appear in the GO Park complex. You’ll earn Candy for each Pokmon you send as well as bonus XP. The first time you send a Pokmon to the Switch, you'll also receive a Mystery Box in your inventory.

There's no limit to the number of Pokmon GO accounts that can be tied to a single save file in Pokmon: Let's Go. That means you're not limited to connecting with just your own Pokmon GO account. You can receive Pokmon from friends and family’s Pokmon GO accounts.

Caution:

While transferring Pokmon from the smart device app Pokmon GO to the games Pokmon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokmon: Let’s Go, Eevee! on Nintendo Switch, if the connection is interrupted, the app may not be able to resume transfer. However, users will be able to continue to play the game once they exit the transfer screen.

Important:

If the Pokmon GO app gets disconnected while transferring Pokmon to Nintendo Switch, there is a chance that the resume transfer function would no longer work.

It is also possible that the Pokmon GO app in which this issue occurred will no longer connect to any supported games on Nintendo Switch.

To prevent this issue from occurring, ensure that you have a stable connection between the smart device and the Nintendo Switch game when transferring Pokmon.

What to Do:

Uninstall the Pokmon GO app from your smart device and then reinstall it.

Note: The Pokmon may become lost and cannot be recovered, as uninstalling and reinstalling the app would cause the transfer process to be stuck in limbo.

Best Practices:

While transferring Pokmon between Pokmon GO and a supported game on Nintendo Switch, avoid actions that may interrupt the connection between the two, such as:

Pressing the HOME Button or the POWER Button on the console.

Pausing the app, pressing the HOME button, or turning off Bluetooth settings on the smart device.

Having too much distance between the Nintendo Switch console and the smart device.

Opening your Mystery Box

The Mystery Box is a special item in Pokmon GO that temporarily makes the Pokmon Meltan appear more often in the wild. After you’ve used the Mystery Box, you have to wait another 7 days and send another Pokmon to the Nintendo Switch to use it again.

If you don’t have a Nintendo Switch, you can still obtain a Mystery Box and catch Meltan by sending Pokmon to a friend's Nintendo Switch game. Additionally, a friend with Meltan can also trade the Pokmon with you.

For more information about Mystery Boxes and catching Meltan, visit The Pokmon Company’s website

Data sharing with the Nintendo Switch

When sending Pokmon to the Nintendo Switch, Pokmon GO will send over the following pieces of information to your Nintendo Switch device: your Trainer Nickname, your avatar’s gender, your Pokmon GO team, your phone’s language, and the details about the Pokemon you’re sending to GO Park.

Need Support?

For questions or issues about linking your Pokmon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokmon : Let’s Go, Eevee! game to your Pokmon GO or transferring Pokmon, please contact .

Earn bonuses for catching Pokmon or visiting PokStops every day. Earn an even larger bonus for completing these activities for 7 days in a row. After completing these activities for 7 days in a row, your streak resets and you can begin working towards a new streak.

First Catch of the Day

The first Pokmon you catch in a day will have a bonus of 500 XP and 600 Stardust. If you catch a Pokmon every day for 7 days in a row, you will earn a bonus of 2500 XP and 3000 Stardust.

1 Day Streak

2 Day Streak

3 Day Streak

4 Day Streak

5 Day Streak

6 Day Streak

7 Day Streak

+500 XP

+600 Stardust

+500 XP

+600 Stardust

+500 XP

+600 Stardust

+500 XP

+600 Stardust

+500 XP

+600 Stardust

+500 XP

+600 Stardust

+2500 XP

+3000 Stardust

First PokStop of the Day

The first PokStop you visit in a day will have a bonus of 500 XP and extra Pok Balls, Potions, and/or other items. If you visit any PokStop every day for 7 days in a row, you will earn a bonus of 2500 XPand an even larger amount of extra items.

1 Day Streak

2 Day Streak

3 Day Streak

4 Day Streak

5 Day Streak

6 Day Streak

7 Day Streak

+500 XP

+extra items

+500 XP

+extra items

+500 XP

+extra items

+500 XP

+extra items

+500 XP

+extra items

+500 XP

+extra items

+2500XP

+ many extra items

A day is defined as a day of the week, midnight to midnight in your local time. For example, if you catch a Pokmon at any time on Tuesday local time, you will be eligible for the next daily bonus on Wednesday at 12:00 AM local time.

View your progress, achievements, and medals in your Trainer Profile

To access your Trainer Profile:

In Map View, touch the round Trainer avatar icon.

Profile features:

Your nickname

Your buddy Pokmon’s name

Your avatar

Your buddy Pokmon

Your current Trainer level

Your progress toward the next level

Select a Buddy

View the Journal

Customize your avatar

Medals

To access the Settings menu:

In Map View, touch the Main Menu Pokmon GO Plus settings

At the top right, touch Settings

Settings Menu options:

Music

Toggles the background music. This setting is enabled by default.

Sound Effects

Toggles the sound effects during gameplay. This setting is enabled by default.

Vibrations

Toggles the vibrations during gameplay. This setting is enabled by default.

Battery Saver

Toggles the battery life optimization feature. Battery Saver disables the display while the device is pointed downward. Pokmon GO will continue to track distance traveled and notify you of nearby Pokmon while Battery Saver is activated.

Email Preferences

Toggles email notifications for Pokmon GO events, offers, and updates. If you have multiple email addresses linked to your account, emails will be sent to the address which has been connected first.

Note: Trainers under the age of 13 will not see this option.

Push notifications

Toggles which push notifications you receive.

Change Nickname

This menu option allows you to select a new Trainer nickname. Please note that you can only change your nickname once. If you cannot see the Change Nickname menu option, you have already redeemed your one nickname change.

Sign Out

Logs out of the app.

Google & Facebook

These options allow you to connect Google or Facebook to your Pokmon GO account. Learn more about account linking.

Note: Trainers under the age of 13 will not see this option.

Pokmon GO Plus

Open options.

Help Center

Launches the Pokmon GO Help Center in a web browser.

About Pokmon GO

Provides the copyrights, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and license information.

The Pokmon GO app version number is displayed in the bottom right corner.

Bring Pokmon GO to the real world like never before

AR+ mode is an enhanced version of Pokmon GO’s augmented reality feature in which Pokmon appear anchored to your real-world environment right in front of you. You can walk right up to a Pokmon for a chance at an Excellent Throw bonus or the perfect photo opportunity. Pokmon are aware of your movement, so proceed with caution. Move toward a Pokmon too fast and you’ll scare it away...but approach slowly, and you’ll have a better chance at catching it.

iOS:AR+ mode is only available for iPhone 6s and newer models running on iOS 11+.

Android:AR+ mode is only available to devices running Android 7.0+ and can support ARCore. Supported devices must install ARCore from the Google Play Store. A list of supported devices can be found here.

AR+ mode and AR mode

AR+ mode

encounter with a wild Pokmon

AR+ mode displays Pokmon fixed to a point in your real-world environment. Pokmon appear on the ground in front of you. You can walk toward or around the Pokmon.

Pokmon have awareness of how close you are and how fast you are moving toward them.

AR mode

Pokmon are not fixed to your real-world environment in AR mode.

Pokmon do not have awareness of the Trainer’s location or movement.

Catching Pokmon using AR+ mode

Check your area

You’ll need to move around to catch a Pokmon in AR+ mode. Before you begin, make sure you are in a location where you can safely move around.

Enable AR+ Mode

To get started, you need to enable AR+ mode. The first time you encounter a Pokmon on a device that supports AR+ mode, you’ll be prompted to enable AR+ mode. If you have dismissed the prompt, you can always choose to enable AR+ mode in the settings menu.

To return to AR mode, visit the settings menu and uncheck the AR+ setting option.

Locate your environment

Before Pokmon can appear in AR+ mode, your device needs to detect your surroundings. Use your camera to slowly look around your surroundings, being sure to include a flat surface (like the ground or a tabletop). Tall grass will appear once your device has detected your environment.

Find the Pokmon

Pokmon hide within the tall grass. Touch on the tall grass to find the Pokmon hiding within.

Approach carefully

Pokmon are easily startled, so you want to approach slowly and avoid sudden movements. Your goal is to get close to the Pokmon while keeping their awareness meter low.

When the Pokmon’s awareness meter fills up, the Pokmon will flee or retreat into the tall grass. If you are able to successfully catch the Pokmon without raising its awareness, you’ll be rewarded with an Expert Handler Bonus of extra Stardust and XP.

To help lower the Pokmon’s awareness, try giving it a Nanab Berry.

Throw the Pok Ball

Like any, throw the Pok Ball toward the Pokmon. If you are successful, the Pok Ball will catch the Pokmon.

Tips for AR+ mode

When it’s too dark, the camera may not see all the details. Move to a well-lit area if Pokmon GO has trouble detecting your real-world environment.

Point your device at an area with an open flat surface. Avoid areas with obstructions or uneven surfaces.

When detecting your environment, slowly move your camera across your surroundings. Avoid fast or shaky movements.

Gym overview

Gyms are locations found throughout the world where you can battle the Pokmon of rival teams. Trainers from opposing teams battle for control of the Gyms. Each Gym has up to six Pokmon assigned to defend it. Trainers from an opposing team can bring six of their own Pokmon to battle against the defenders, in hopes of claiming the Gym for their own team.

A Pokmon’s ability to be successful in battle is primarily influenced by its Hit Points (HP) and Combat Power (CP). HP is a measurement of the Pokmon’s health, and CP is a measurement of the strength of their attacks. Pokmon with high CP and high HP have powerful attacks as well as the ability to withstand attacks from opponents.

Every Pokmon on a Gym has motivation, a measurement of the Pokmon’s desire to defend the location. Trainers from opposing teams battle to reduce the motivation of the Pokmon on the Gym. Pokmon gradually lose motivation over time and by losing battles against opposing team members. As a Pokmon loses motivation, its CP will temporarily decrease, making it weaker in battle. When a Pokmon’s motivation reaches zero, it leaves the Gym and returns to its Trainer the next time it loses a battle.

For Gyms controlled by your team, your goal is to keep motivation up by giving the Pokmon treats. For Gyms controlled by opposing teams, your goal is to gain control of the Gym by depleting the motivation of opposing team’s Pokmon.

Battle at Gyms

spinning the Photo Disc at Gyms

A Gym controlled by a rival team can be claimed by defeating the Pokmon on the Gym. Each time you defeat a rival Pokmon, you reduce its motivation. When a Pokmon’s motivation is reduced to zero, it will leave the Gym and return to its Trainer the next time it loses a battle. When all the Pokmon leave the Gym, the Gym becomes open for you to claim.

For Gyms with more powerful Pokmon, you want to work with other Trainers to defeat them. Gyms can be challenged by multiple Trainers at the same time. Trainers from two teams can even come together to take down a Gym controlled by a third team.

When battling Pokmon, you battle Pokmon in the order they were assigned to the Gym; the Pokmon on the Gym for the longest time will battle first.

Join a battle

Walk up to a Gym controlled by an opposing team and touch it to enter. Touch the Battle button to select your Pokmon for battle. You can bring a group of up to six Pokmon to battle against your opponents.

Generally, Pokmon with high CP and HP make great additions to your group. Some Pokmon types and move types fair better against other Pokmon. For example, a Pokmon with Water-type attacks like Vaporeon will deal significant damage against Fire-type Pokmon like Arcanine.

To help you pick a strong group to bring to battle, six Pokmon will automatically be recommended to use in the battle based your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. You may customize the group or use one of your pre-selected Battle parties. Once you are happy with your selection, touch the GO Battle button to start battling your opponent.

Moves and Attacks

Once in the battle, you can perform one of three different actions:

Fast Attack

Tap anywhere on the screen to perform a Fast Attack. Fast Attacks recharge your Charged Attack meter.

Charged Attack

Once your Charged Attack meter is full, the Charged Attack button will become enabled. Touch the button to perform a Charged Attack. Charged Attack causes large amounts of damage.

Dodge

Swipe to the left or right to dodge incoming attacks from the opponent.

If you are able to reduce your opponent's HP to zero, the opponent will faint and you will win the round. After each round you win, you have the option to continue to the next round or end the battle.

If all six of your Pokmon faint, you’ll lose the battle. To bring your Pokmon back to health, use Revives to restore fainted Pokmon and use Potions to restore any HP lost in battle. If you lose a battle, don’t feel discouraged. You can always battle again.

Claim an open Gym for your team

Open Gyms are available for Trainers of any team to take. If you see an open Gym on the Map, walk up to it and assign a Pokmon to claim it for your team.

Teams are able to assign up to 6 Pokmon to a Gym, but a single Trainer can only assign one Pokmon to the Gym so you’ll need your teammates’ help in filling up the Gym. Only one Pokmon of a single species can be assigned to a Gym at one time. So if there’s a Pikachu assigned to a Gym, you won’t be able to assign another Pikachu.

To capture an open Gym:

Walk up to a gray-colored Gym.

Touch the Gym to enter it.

At the bottom of the screen, touch the Add Pokmon button.

Select a Pokmon to add to the Gym. Your Pokmon won't be returned to your collection until it's knocked off the Gym, so choose carefully!

Once your Pokmon is on the Gym, the Gym changes from gray to the color of your team. Your Pokmon will only stay on the Gym if it is happy, so be sure to keep your Pokmon’s motivation up by giving it treats often.

Give treats to Pokmon on friendly Gyms

Gyms that match your Trainer’s team color are controlled by your teammates and are known as friendly Gyms. Reinforce a friendly Gym by giving Berries to the Pokmon, increasing the Pokmon’s motivation and making it harder for rival teams to capture the location.

You can give Berries to any Pokmon on Gyms controlled by your team. You can give any kind of Berry to Pokmon - Golden Razz Berries, Razz Berries, Nanab Berries, and Pinap Berries. All Berries provide the same increase in motivation, with the exception of the Golden Razz Berry, which fully restores motivation. In addition to keeping your Pokmon happy and strong for battle, you’ll earn Stardust and XP for giving Berries to Pokmon defending Gyms.

To give a Berry to Pokmon:

Visit a Gym controlled by your team. You’ll see that each Pokmon has a motivation meter.

Touch a Pokmon you would like to give a Berry.

Touch the Berry to give it to the Pokmon. With each Berry, the Pokmon’s motivation meter will increase.

To give a Berry to Pokmon from afar:

You can give your Pokmon treats even when you're not at the Gym, although your treats are less effective at long distances.

In Map View, touch theMain Menubutton.

Touch thePokmonbutton.

Locate a Pokmon that is assigned to a Gym. Touch the Pokmon.

Touch theGo to Gymbutton to give the Pokmon a Berry from afar.

Tip: you can check your Pokmon’s motivation meter anytime by viewing your Badge for the Gym.

Earn the Defender bonus

You earn free PokCoins for keeping your Pokmon on Gyms. The longer the Pokmon stay on the Gym, the more PokCoins you earn. Be sure to give your Pokmon treats often to keep them on the Gym and maximize the PokCoins you’ll earn (up to the maximum bonus amount for the day). When your Pokmon leaves the Gym, it will return to your collection bringing back PokCoins with it.

You redeem your PokCoins only after your Pokmon returns from the Gym.You’ll receive a notification with the amount of PokCoins earned when your Pokmon returns to you. You can also check the Journal forthe amount of PokCoins your Pokmon earned.

Collecting Gym Badges

As you interact more and more with a Gym - through battling in the Gym, defending the Gym for certain periods of time, or by giving Pokmon treats - you’ll receive recognition in the form of a Badge. Badges have four tiers: Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. You’ll unlock new tiers as you interact more with the Gyms. As a reward for your frequent interactions with a Gym, your badge will earn you bonus items when spinning the Photo Disc.

To view your Badges:

In Map View, touch the Trainer Profile icon.

Scroll down to the Gym Badge section.

Touch the List button to see a full listing of all your Badges.

Touch any Badge to view details about your interactions with the Gym.

You can also view all your Badges displayed on the globe using the Badge Map button.

Other Gym features:

Raid Battles: When a Boss Pokmon takes over a Gym, you can participate in a Raid Battle to defeat this powerful Pokmon.

Collecting items: You can collect Pok Balls, Potions, and other items by .

Play with friends to unlock achievements and bonuses

Connect with your friends and build new friendships with Trainers that you meet along your Pokmon GO journey. As you play together, you’ll increase your Friendship Level and unlock extra bonuses. You’ll also be able to send Gifts and trade Pokmon with your friends.

Once you become friends with another Trainer, you’ll both be able to see each other’s Trainer Profile through the Friend List. This information includes your Avatar, Buddy Pokmon, Team, number of Pokmon caught, most recently caught Pokmon, Trainer level and XP, Distance Walked, and the number of Battles won. If you decide that you no longer want a friend to see this information about you through their Friend List, you may simply remove them.

Note: this feature is not available for users with child accounts.

Adding Friends

Special trades

Each Trainer has a unique 12-digit Trainer Code and a corresponding QR code. You can use this code to add others as your friends. Navigate to your Trainer Profile and tap the ‘Friends’ tab to open your Friend List. Tap the Add Friendbutton to view your 12-digit Trainer Code. Tap on the QR Code icon next to your Trainer Code to view your QR Code. Fellow Trainers can either enter your Trainer Code or scan your QR Code on their devices to send you a Friend Request.

If you would like to change your Trainer Code, tap on the refresh icon to permanently reset your Trainer Code.

To add a friend:

In Map View, navigate to your Trainer Profile.

Tap the Friends tab at the top of the screen to open your Friend List.

Tap the Add Friend button.

To add using their 12-digit Trainer Code:

Enter the Trainer Code of the person you’d like to send a Friend Request to.

To add using their QR Code:

Tap QR Code tab on the top corner to open your camera and scan your friend’s QR Code

Adding Facebook Friends:

You can also choose to import your Facebook Friends into Pokmon GO.

In Map View, navigate to your Trainer Profile.

Tap the Friends tab at the top of the screen to open your Friend List.

Tap Add Facebook Friends. You’ll be asked to allow Pokmon GO to import your Facebook Friend List.

Once accepted, you can see a list of Suggested Friends that you are Facebook Friends with and have also chosen to import their Facebook Friends.

Tap on Send Friend Request.

Note: Niantic won't have access to a list of all your Facebook Friends. We will only have access to a Friend List consisting of Facebook Friends who are already on Pokmon GO and have also chosen to import Facebook Friends. When a Facebook Friend imports their data into Pokmon GO, your Facebook Profile name and photo will be used along with your Trainer name, so Friends can recognize your Trainer profile. You can always change your mind and remove a friend from your Friends list at any time. You can always edit your app permissions at any time within the Settings tab on Facebook.

Trainers can view and accept or deny Friend Requests through their Friend List. If they accept your request, you will become friends with one another and you’ll be able to see their Trainer Profile through your Friend List. If they don’t respond, your Friend Request will expire after 7 days.

You can have up to 200 friends in your Friend List. Once you reach this limit, you'll need to remove some friends before you can add new ones.

What Will Friends See About Me?

Friends will see your Trainer profile, achievements, and Pokmon that you have caught. Friends may also find out about your location when you send them a Gift or when you trade them Pokmon.

Removing Friends

You can remove a friend from your Friend List at any time. Once removed, any bonuses between the two of you will no longer apply. The person that you’ve unfriended will not be notified.

To remove someone from your Friend List:

In Map View, navigate to your Trainer Profile.

Tap the Friends tab at the top of the screen to open your Friend List.

Tap on the friend that you wish to remove.

At the bottom of their profile, tap the Remove Friend button.

After removing a friend, your Friendship Levels can be recovered for a limited period of time. If you re-add a friend during that time period, your Friendship Level will be restored.

Friendship Levels

For every day that you complete certain activities with your friend, you’ll grow your Friendship Level. There are five Friendship Level milestones: Friends, Good Friends, Great Friends, Ultra Friends, and Best Friends. As you battle, trade, send Gifts, and complete other interactions with a friend, you'll reach Friendship Level milestones and unlock extra bonuses such as a Battle Boost or extra Premier Balls in raids.

Level

Requirements

Bonuses

Friend

None

You can trade Pokmon that are already registered in your Pokdex (except for Mythical Pokmon).

Good friend

Play together for 1 day

unlocked.

Great friend

Play together for 7 days

There is a small reduction in the trading Stardust requirement.

Receive 1 extra Premier Ball when participating in a raid with your friend.

Receive a small attack boost when Battling together.

Ultra friend

Play together for 30 days

There is a medium reduction in the trading Stardust requirement.

Receive 2 extra Premier Balls when participating in a raid with your friend.

Receive a medium attack boost when Battling together.

Best friend

Play together for 90 days

There is a large reduction in the trading Stardust requirement.

Receive 4 extra Premier Balls when participating in a raid with your friend.

Receive a large attack boost when Battling together.

To move your avatar on the map, you need to change your location by walking in the real world. Your avatar represents your location, and as you move, you’ll see your location move on your screen. Once you start moving in the real world, you’ll be able to find Pokmon, PokStops, and Gyms.

Unlock items with exclusive Pokmon GO promotions

Pokmon GO occasionally offers promotional codes through our partnerships and special events. Promo codes can be used to redeem items such as Pok Balls, Lure Modules, Lucky Eggs, and more.

To redeem a promo code:

In the Map View, touch the Main Menu button.

Touch Shop button.

At the bottom of the screen, enter the promo code in the text field.

Touch Redeem.

After successfully redeeming a promo code, a notification will display the items added to your inventory.

Note: Promo code redemption is currently only available on Android devices.

Give your avatar a unique touch with a look that matches your personal style

You have a wide variety of options available for customizing the way your avatar looks. You can change your avatar’s physical features as well as their clothing and accessories. Each gender has its own set of clothing and accessory styles. Choose between different hairstyles, skin tones, shirts, pants, footwear, and more.

Many styles are available for free, but some styles can be obtained by exchanging PokCoins while others canbe unlockedreaching new Trainer levels.

To customize your avatar:

In Map View, touch the Trainer Profile icon.

Touch Style

Select an apparelcategory from the row of options.

Within thecategory, select from different style and color options.

Once you are satisfied with your selection, you can apply the style to your avatar.

For free items: touch Choose to wear the item.

For premium items: touch Exchange to use PokCoins to obtain the item.

Touch the Closebutton to return to the previous menu.

You can customize your avatar’s physical features (hairstyles, skin tones, eye color, and gender) by touching thebutton on the top-right corner of the screen, after completing step 3 above.

Earn Candy by transferring Pokmon to the Professor

As you catch more Pokmon, you may transfer some of them to Professor Willow to free up your Pokmon storage. You’ll receive Candy in exchange for transferring a Pokmon. Be careful - you can’t get your Pokmon back after you’ve transferred it away.

To transfer a Pokmon:

In Map View, touch the Main Menu button.

Touch the Pokmon button.

Select a Pokmon from your list.

Touch the Menu and select Transfer.

To transfer multiple Pokmon at once:

In Map View, touch the Main Menu button.

Touch the Pokmon button.

Locate a Pokmon you’d like to transfer. Touch and hold until the Pokmon becomes selected.

Touch any other Pokmon you’d like to transfer.

To transfer the selected Pokmon, touch the Transfer button.

You cannot transfer your buddy Pokmon, favorite Pokmon, or Pokmon assigned to Gyms.

It’s best to look for Pokmon near their habitat. For example, if you’re on the beach or at a pier, you’re likely to find Water-type Pokmon. However, if you’re in a desert climate, you would be much less likely to find Water-type Pokmon.

You can see the Pokmon found near your current location using the Nearby Pokmon feature. Pokmon already in your Pokdex will appear in color, while those not in your Pokdex will be grayed out. Pokmon close to nearby PokStops appear under theNearbysection while other Pokmon in the wild appear under Sightings.

Collaborate with other Trainers to find out exactly where certain Pokmon have been found!

Contribute to Pokmon Research to earn special rewards

Professor Willow is seeking Trainers to help study the mysterious world of Pokmon. By completing Research tasks, you can contribute to the Professor’s discoveries and earn rewards for yourself at the same time. Research Tasks may include objectives such as catching certain Pokmon, walking a certain distance with your Buddy Pokmon, or winning Gym Battles.

For each task you complete, you’ll unlock a reward. The more challenging a research task is, the greater the reward. When you complete a series of research tasks, you’ll unlock even more rewards.

There are two different types of Pokmon Research: Field Research and Special Research. Field Research tasks can be collected by visiting nearby PokStops. Special Research is guided by Professor Willow with more challenging tasks but with greater rewards.

Field Research

To collect Field Research tasks, spin the Photo Disc at nearby PokStops. You can collect one Field Research task per PokStop per day. You’ll receive a notification on the bottom-right corner of the screen when you collect or make progress on your tasks. In Map View, tap on the Research icon to view your current tasks.

You can collect and make progress on up to 3 Field Research tasks at a time. After you complete a task and claim its reward, you free up space to collect another task. If you find a task too difficult, you have the option to discard it. Tap the trash icon in the corner of the task.

As you complete more tasks, you earn Stamps which unlock Research Breakthroughs. You can earn up to one Stamp per day for each Field Research task you complete. After you earn 7 Stamps, you will achieve a Research Breakthrough and receive additional rewards. Note that you do not receive Stamps for Special Research.

Tip: You can complete Field Research tasks together with friends. You and your friends will receive the same Field Research task if you visit the same PokStops on the same day.

Special Research

Special Research is similar to Field Research but different in several ways. Unlike Field Research, Special Research cannot be obtained by spinning PokStops. Rather, Professor Willow will contact you directly to request assistance with Special Research. These tasks will take you on a multiple part journey to make important discoveries. You cannot discard Special Research tasks.

Like Field Research, Trainers receive a reward for each Special Research task they complete. After they complete a series of Special Research tasks, Trainers unlock even greater and more valuable rewards for their contributions. While Trainers cannot repeat Special Research tasks, Professor Willow will periodically seek assistance with new tasks.

With the exception of Eggs, all items you’ve collected from leveling up and gathered from PokStops will appear in your Bag.

Access your Bag in Map View by touching the Main Menu.

You can also access your Bag during encounters.

Available items:

Pok Balls, for catching Pokmon. As you earn more XP, you’ll find more powerful Pok Balls.

Potions, for healingPokmon that have taken damage.

As you earn XP and become a higher level Trainer, you may also find Berries, which can be used on Pokmon during encounters to make them easier to catch.

YourBag can hold an inventory of 350items. You will not be able to gather new items from PokStops whenyour Bag is over the 350item limit. You can lower your iteminventory by discarding or using items.

Come together with Trainers of all teams to defeat the Raid Boss

Raid Battles occur when a Boss Pokmon takes over a Gym. Your goal is to defeat this powerful Pokmon. If you and your fellow Trainers are successful, you’ll be rewarded with special items and a chance at catching that Pokmon. You cannot do it alone; you’ll need help from fellow Trainers to raid the Gym and (hopefully) prevail.

Raid Battles aren’t your typical Gym Battle ; your opponent is more difficult to defeat than most other Pokmon. Raids have five tiers of difficulty, ranging from one to five. The higher the difficulty, the stronger the Raid Boss and the more players you’ll need in order to succeed.

The most exclusive raids are EX Raid Battles, where you’ll have an opportunity to catch the most sought after Pokmon. Unlike other raids, you need to be invited to attend an EX Raid at a specific Gym at a specific time. If you are selected to participate in an EX Raid, you will receive an invitation in advance so that you can coordinate and strategize for the chance at defeating the powerful EX Raid Boss.

Gym Badges

Finding a Raid Battle

You’ll receive a notification of Raid Battles happening nearby. You can also use the Nearby feature to locate raids happening around you.

Before the raid begins, a Raid Egg will appear on top of the Gym. A countdown will display the time until the Egg hatches and the battle begins. Don't worry if you miss a chance to join a Raid Battle as they happen frequently.

To participate in EX Raid Battles, you need an EX Raid Pass. An EX Raid Pass serves as an invitation to join an EX Raid at a specified time and place. You will receive a notification when you receive an EX Raid Pass stating where and when your EX Raid will occur. You can review the details of your upcoming EX Raid by viewing the EX Raid Pass in your inventory.

Get a Raid Pass

Before you can join a raid, you’ll need a Raid Pass. There are three types of passes: Raid Passes, Premium Raid Passes, and EX Raid Passes.

Raid Pass

You gain a Raid Pass by spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym. You can only hold one Raid Pass at a time, and you can only receive one per day. This pass grants access to Tier 1-5 Raid Battles.

Premium Raid Pass

If you have already used your Raid Pass, you can participate in another Raid Battle by purchasing a Premium Raid Pass from the Shop. Unlike the Raid Pass, you can hold more than one Premium Raid Pass in your inventory at a time. Like the Raid Pass, the Premium Raid Pass also grants access to Tier 1-5 Raid Battles.

EX Raid Pass

This pass grants you access to an EX Raid. This pass can only be used at a specific Gym at a specific time. To receive an EX Raid Pass, you must have successfully completed a raid recently by defeating a Raid Boss at the Gym where the EX Raid Battle will be taking place. To increase your chances of receiving an EX Raid Pass:

Join more Raid Battles. The more Raid Battles you successfully complete, the greater your chances to receive an EX Raid Pass.

To increase your odds even more, try completing raids at a variety of different Gyms.

Earn more. Trainers with a high-level Gym Badge are more likely to be invited to EX Raid Battles taking place at that Gym.

Joining a Raid Battle

Once the Egg hatches, the raid begins and you have 45 minutes to defeat the Boss. Any number of Trainers can join a raid, but only in groups of up to 20 Trainers. If you would like to be in the same group as your friends, you can join the raid privately. Otherwise, you will be automatically matched with other players nearby.

Enter Gym

Touch a Gym while a raid is in progress

Join the Battle

Choose how you’d like to join:

Touch Battle to be automatically matched with other players. Touch Join Privately to enter an existing group. You’ll be asked to provide a group code.

Use Raid Pass

You’ll exchange your Pass for entry into the raid.

Pick your Pokmon

Just like in a Gym Battle, you’ll choose 6 Pokmon to battle in the raid.

If you want your friends to join your group, share the group code displayed on the top right.

Begin Battle

Battling in a raid

Once in the battle, you can perform one of three different actions:

Fast Attack

Tap anywhere on the screen to perform a Fast Attack. Fast Attacks recharge your Charged Attack meter.

Charged Attack

Once your Charged Attack meter is full, the Charged Attack button will become enabled. Touch the button to perform a Charged Attack. Charged Attack causes large amounts of damage.

Dodge

Swipe to the left or right to dodge incoming attacks from the opponent.

At any time during the battle, you can flee to heal your Pokmon using Potions or Revives and then rejoin the battle.

If you are not able to defeat the Boss in the battle, you may rejoin the raid and battle again. You won’t need to use another Raid Pass to rejoin; your pass will grant you access to the battle for the duration of the raid. You can join as many times as you’d like before the raid ends.

Defeating the Raid Boss

If you and your fellow Trainers are successful in defeating the Raid Boss, you’ll earn special items and a chance at catching the Pokmon. Special items may include Golden Razz Berries, Fast and Charged TM, and Rare Candy.

You’ll also receive a number of Premier Balls used for catching the Raid Boss. If Trainers on your Team made substantial progress in defeating the Boss, members of your Team will be rewarded with additional Premier Balls. You cannot use Great Balls or Ultra Balls here, you’ll only be able to use these Premier Balls to catch the Boss Pokmon. However, you can use Berries to help capture this Pokmon. Aim carefully - once all of your Premier Balls run out, the Boss will flee.

Once you have defeated the Boss, you won’t be able to interact with the Gym until the raid has completed. After the Raid Battle has completed, the Gym is restored to its state before the raid. Any Pokmon previously assigned to the Gym return to defend the location.

When gathering items at PokStops, you may find a Pokmon Egg. Place the Egg in an incubator, and the Egg will hatch into a Pokmon as you walk.

To hatch an Egg:

In the Map View, touch the Main Menu purchase additional incubators in the shop.

TouchPokmon

At the top of the screen, touch the word Eggs.

Select one of your Eggs

Touch Start Incubation

Select an incubator to use on your Egg

Walk to hatch the Egg

Each Egg displays the number of kilometers you must walk for the Egg to hatch. In general, the more kilometers required, the rarer the Pokmon that will hatch. A notification will appear when the Egg has hatched.

An incubator can only hold one Egg at a time. To incubate and hatch multiple Eggs at the same time, you can

Tip: Make sure you have the Pokmon GO app open while you walk. Kilometers walked when the Pokmon GO app is closed won’t count toward hatching your Eggs.

Pokmon GO Plus is an optional accessory to enhance gameplay. Using a Bluetooth connection, Pokmon GO Plus notifies you of nearby Pokmon and PokStops without having to look at your phone. Learn more about the Pokmon GO Plus.

Unpairing Pokmon GO Plus from your device

To use the Pokmon GO Plus with another device, you’ll need to unpair the Pokmon GO Plus.

www.pokemon.com/support

Press the function button. The light will flash blue, indicating that the accessory is paired.

Wait until the accessory has stopped blinking.

Press and hold the function button for 5 seconds. The indicator light will turn solid blue.

Release the function button.

While the light is solid blue, press and hold the function button for another 5 seconds. When the Pokmon GO Plus vibrates, it has been successfully unpaired from your device.

Help pairing your device to the Pokmon GO Plus

If your phone is unable to connect to your Pokmon GO Plus, you may need to pair using your phone’s Bluetooth settings.

On iOS devices:

Open the Settings app and touch Bluetooth.

Touch the Bluetooth toggle to turn Bluetooth on.

Press the function button on the Pokmon GO Plus to make the accessory discoverable.

Touch “Pokmon GO Plus” from the My Devices or Other Devices list.

Open the Pokmon GO app

In Map View, touch the Main Menu

At the top right, touch Settings

Touch Pokmon GO Plus

Press the function button on the Pokmon GO Plus to make the accessory discoverable.

Touch your Pokmon GO Plus under Available Devices list. The accessory will vibrate when connected.

On Android devices: (Instructions may differ depending on device)

Open your device's Settings menu.

Touch the Bluetooth toggle to turn Bluetooth on.

Touch Search for devices or Refresh to scan for nearby devices.

Touch the function button on the Pokmon GO Plus to make the accessory discoverable.

Touch “Pokmon GO Plus” from the list of available devices.

Open the Pokmon GO app

In Map View, touch the Main Menu

At the top right, touch Settings

Touch Pokmon GO Plus

Press the function button on the Pokmon GO Plus to make the accessory discoverable.

Touch your Pokmon GO Plus under Available Devices list. The accessory will vibrate when connected.

Pokmon GO Plus loses connection

Periodically, your Pokmon GO Plus may lose connection to your device. The indicator light on the Pokmon GO Plus will flash red and vibrate to indicate that the connection is lost.

Verify that your phone or tablet can connect to the Internet and make sure that it is within 30 feet of your Pokmon GO Plus.

In Map View, touch the Pokmon GO Plus icon

The icon will illuminate and the Pokmon GO Plus will vibrate when connected.

If you do not see the Pokmon GO Plus icon in Map View, you may need to reconnect the accessory via the Settings menu (Main Menu > Settings > Pokmon GO Plus).

LED does not light up

Check to make sure the battery is installed correctly.

Try removing the battery for 30 seconds and then re-installing it.

Try replacing the battery with a fresh one.

Still need help?

For customer support with the Pokmon GO Plus accessory, please visit Pokmon Support at .

Exercise and play with Apple Watch

Pokmon GO for Apple Watch lets you explore the world of Pokmon GO from your wrist. Without opening your phone, you can visit PokStops, hatch Eggs, and earn Candy with your Buddy Pokmon. Pokmon GO for Apple Watch also integrates workout summaries to track your physical activity while you play.

Getting Started

Before you begin, open Pokmon GO on your iPhone. Pokmon GO must be open on your iPhone to communicate with Apple Watch. Pokmon GO will continue to communicate in the background if you turn off your iPhone’s display or switch apps.

our troubleshooting steps

When you open the app on Apple Watch, Pokmon GO will display your progress at a glance.

Your current Trainer level and progress towards your next level

Your Egg with the greatest progress towards hatching

Start session button

Touch Start to begin your session.

Starting a session

Once your session begins, Pokmon GO startstracking your activity. You’ll earn Candy and make progress towards hatching Eggs for the distance you travel. You’ll also receive notifications for nearby Pokmon and PokStops.

Distance traveled, total time, calories burned

Buddy Pokmon

Number of Eggs in incubators

Pokmon in range

Visiting a PokStop

During your session, the app will notify you as you walk within range of a PokStop.

When you're within range of a PokStop, the watch will vibrate and display a notification.

Touch the Get Items button to visit the PokStop.

Swipe the Photo Disc to gather items.

Touch the Close button to return to your session.

Finding Pokmon

When you’re in a session, Pokmon GO for Apple Watch will notify you of wild Pokmon nearby. As you walk within range of a Pokmon, your watch will vibrate and display a notification. Open Pokmon GO on your iPhone to catch the Pokmon.

Pausing and ending your session

Pause your session

To pause your session, navigate to the screen on the far left. Your session will remain paused until you swipe away from this screen.

End your session

To finish your session, navigate to the screen on the far left and touch the End button.

After you end your session, you’ll see a summary of your progress. Touch Done to return to the start screen.

You can review your progress in depth on your iPhone. You can review your exercise activity in the Apple Activity app and you can review your Trainer progress in the Journal.

Notification Settings

Pokmon GO for Apple Watch will notify you when you’re in range of a Pokmon or PokStop, even if you turn off your iPhone’s display. You can disable notifications for nearby Pokmon, PokStops, or both.

Navigate to the Settings screen to turn notifications on or off.

If you disable both notifications: your watch will not alert you to nearby Pokmon or PokStops, but will continue to update your progress towards hatching Eggs and gaining Candy with your buddy Pokmon. You’ll still receive notifications when you hatch an Egg or when you earn a medal.

Adding Pokmon GO to your watch face

Pokmon GO works with Apple Watch complications. You can see your progress towards hatching eggs alongside the time on your watch face - without even opening the Pokmon GO app.

Add Pokmon GO to your watch face

Go to your watch face.

Firmly press the display.

Touch the Customize button.

Turn the Digital Crown until the Pokmon GO complication appears.

Press the Digital Crown then the touch the watch face to close the Customize screen.

Note that some faces do not have the ability to customize or add complications.

If you cannot see the Pokmon GO complications, ensure that Pokmon GO is included in your Apple Watch’s complications list. More information from the Apple support website.

Having trouble?

If you’re experiencing issues with Pokmon GO for Apple Watch, view .

Image

Term

Definition

Learn more

AR Mode

Provides an augmented reality experience using your device’s camera.

AR Mode+

An enhanced version of Pokmon GO’s augmented reality feature (AR Mode).

Battle

At rival Gyms, you can battle other teams’ Pokmon for a chance at claiming the Gym. Learn more

Candy

You acquire Candy by catching Pokmon, hatching Eggs, and transferring Pokmon to the Professor. Candy is used to evolve and strengthen Pokmon.

Combat Power (CP)

A Pokmon’s attack strength is measured in units of Combat Power. A Pokmon’s CP determines how well it will perform in battle.

Curveball bonus

A bonus earned by spinning a Pok Ball in a circular motion before you release it. Learn more

Defender Bonus

Use this bonus to redeem free PokCoins for keeping your Pokmon in Gyms. Learn more

Eggs

Pokmon Eggs are items that can be found at PokStops. Once you place an Egg in an incubator and walk a specific distance, the Egg will hatch into a Pokmon.

Evolution

Evolution is the process of using Candy to change a Pokmon into an individual of an evolved species of Pokmon.

Evolution items

Items used in conjunction with Candy to unlock more evolutions of a Pokmon. You can collect Evolution items by visiting PokStops. Learn more

Experience Points (XP)

Your advancement is measured in Experience Points (XP). Increase your XP to advance to higher Trainer levels.

Fainted Pokmon

A Pokmon faints when its HP is depleted to zero. Fainted Pokmon must be revived using the items Revive or Max Revive.

Gifts

When you spin a Photo Disc at a PokStop or Gym, you have a chance of receiving a Gift. You can’t open the Gifts you receive, you can send them to a friend. Gifts contain an assortment of useful items, which your friend will receive along with a postcard showing where you picked up your Gift. Learn more

Golden Razz Berry

A more powerful version of the Razz Berry.

Gyms

Gyms are locations where you can battle the Pokmon of rival teams.

Gyms belonging to your team are known as friendly Gyms, and Gyms that have been claimed by other teams are known as rival Gyms.

Gyms that have not yet been claimed are known as open Gyms.

Hit Points (HP)

A Pokmon’s health is measured in Hit Points (HP).

A Pokmon with zero HP faints. Use a Revive or Max Revive item to revive fainted Pokmon.

Incense

Incense attracts wild Pokmon to your location with its aromatic scent.

Incubator

Placing an Egg into an incubator allows it to hatch into a Pokmon as you walk.

King’s Rock

See Evolution items

Lure Module

You can attract wild Pokmon to a PokStop for a limited time with a Lure Module.

Lucky Egg

You can double the amount of XP you earn in a certain amount of time by using a Lucky Egg.

Nanab Berries

During an encounter, you can feed this item to a wild Pokmon to slow down its movement and make it easier to catch.

Map View

Map View is the main screen in Pokmon GO. It displays the map, your avatar, the locations of Pokmon, PokStops, and Gyms in the real world.

Medals

Medals are awarded to you for an array of gameplay achievements.

Metal Coat

See Evolution items

Pinap Berries

During an encounter, you can feed this item to a wild Pokmon to double the amount of Candy you’ll receive if your next catch attempt is successful.

Pok Balls

Pok Balls are items used to capture wild Pokmon. They can be found at PokStops and purchased in the shop.

Great Balls and Ultra Balls are high performance Pok Balls with a greater ability to catch wild Pokmon.

Premier Balls are used to catch the Raid Boss after successfully completing a Raid Battle. You cannot use Premier Balls to catch Wild Pokmon.

PokCoins

PokCoins are the currency that Trainers can exchange for premium items in the Shop.

Pokdex

Your Pokdex is where you’ll find info about all the Pokmon species you’ve caught or encountered.

Pokmon GO Plus

Pokmon GO Plus is an optional Bluetooth accessory to enhance Pokmon GO gameplay. This device allows you to catch Pokmon, hatch Eggs, and spin PokStops without having to look at your phone.

PokStops

PokStops are locations where you can gather items such as Pok Balls, Potions, and Eggs.

A PokStop will change its shape when you walk close enough. Touch it to interact with it, and spin the Photo Disc to get items.

Photo Disc

The spinning disc in the center of PokStops and on top of Gyms. Swipe the Photo Disc to gather items such as Pok Balls, Potions, and Eggs.

Potions

There are various Potions you can use to heal Pokmon. These items restore their HP (Hit Points).

Power Up

Using Stardust and Candy, Trainers can power up their Pokmon to increase their CP and HP.

Raid Battles

Raid Battles occur when a Boss Pokmon takes over a Gym. The goal is work with other Trainers to raid the Gym and defeat the Pokmon. If you and your fellow Trainers are successful, you’ll be rewarded with special items and a chance at catching that Pokmon.

Raid Pass

To join a Raid Battle, you’ll first need a Raid Pass. There are three types of Passes: Raid Passes, Premium Raid Passes, and EX Raid Passes.

Razz Berry

During an encounter, you can feed this item to a wild Pokmon to make it easier to catch.

Stardust

Stardust is acquired by catching Pokmon, hatching Eggs, and earning the Defender bonus. It is used to Power Up Pokmon.

Sun Stone

See Evolution items

Super Incubators

This item hatches Eggs into Pokmon as you walk.

The Super Incubators works like a standard Incubator but it hatches at a faster rate.

Trainer

Trainers are people who play Pokmon GO.

Up-Grade

See Evolution items

Wild Pokmon

Pokmon that have not been caught are known as wild Pokmon.

Eligible Nominations

High-quality PokStops nominations are those that help Trainers discover and enjoy their community. To be considered an eligible PokStop, your nomination must meet at least one of the criteria below.

A location with a cool story, a place in history or educational value

ELIGIBLE

Ingress

Interesting story behind the location/object

ELIGIBLE

Signboards with educational information

ELIGIBLE

Historical (apart from just being old) or cultural significance

A cool piece of art or unique architecture

ELIGIBLE

Statues, sculptures, murals, paintings, mosaics, light installations, etc.

ELIGIBLE

Venues that showcase fine art (e.g., performance art theaters and museums)

ELIGIBLE

Buildings designed by renowned architects or structures famous specifically for their architecture

A hidden gem or hyper-local spot

ELIGIBLE

A popular local spot that you would take a friend visiting your community for the first time

ELIGIBLE

A popular spot where locals gather, but may be lesser-known outside the community

ELIGIBLE

Tourist spots that showcase local flavor and culture and that make your city/neighborhood unique

ELIGIBLE

More off-the-beaten-path tourist attractions (i.e., if you weren’t a local, you wouldn’t necessarily know to go here)

ELIGIBLE

Adventurous tourist attractions - think lookout towers, observatories, signs or markers atop mountain peaks, etc.

In addition to using the above criteria, we also like to see nominations in the following categories which highlight networks and places that connect people around the world.

Public parks

Public parks are great, high-quality places for PokStops: they are common all around the world and encourage players to walk, exercise and enjoy public spaces. However, park benches, picnic tables, or other common features might not meet criteria unless there is something significant about them.

Public libraries

Public libraries encourage education and discovery. This includes little free library locations, provided they are not on private residential property but does not include mobile libraries.

Public places of worship

Public places of worship are often meeting spaces for the community. This does not include places of worship that also host child care centers, preschools, or primary/secondary schools.

Transit stations

Transit stations connect and unite people around the world. Submit transportation hubs (like Grand Central Station), but not every single small transit stop (like a subway station or a bus stop).

Ineligible Nominations

The following are considered as low-quality nominations and will NOT be eligible as a PokStop. Please do not submit these nominations.

INELIGIBLE

Nominations that do not have pedestrian access

INELIGIBLE

Nominations on the grounds of primary/ elementary schools, secondary/high schools, preschools, kindergartens, or child care centers

Universities and higher education institutions are acceptable.

INELIGIBLE

Nominations within a private residential property (including farms)

INELIGIBLE

Nominations that obstruct the driveway of emergency services and may interfere with the operations of fire stations, police stations, hospitals, military bases, industrial sites, power plants, and air traffic control towers

INELIGIBLE

Nominations that are not permanent, including seasonal displays that are only put up during certain times of the year

INELIGIBLE

Nominations that do not have a fixed location (e.g., operational boats/trains, food trucks, or mobile libraries)

INELIGIBLE

Nominations that are not an object but a photo of people, body parts, or animals.

INELIGIBLE

Nominations with a photo or other materials to which you do not own the copyright

INELIGIBLE

Nominations with a low quality photo(e.g., pitch black/blurry photos or photos taken from a car)

INELIGIBLE

Avoid Nominations that are a cemetery, gravestone, or burial ground

Do not submit gravestones unless the object belongs to famous/historical figure, is more than 50 years old, and is open to the public. Memorials that do not contain burials are acceptable.

INELIGIBLE

Nominations that are mass produced art pieces or objects. Don’t submit these unless the nomination has some cultural significance.

INELIGIBLE

Nominations that are natural features. This includes nominations where the subject is a lake, river, stream, mountain, volcano, waterfall, etc.

Photos that include man-made points of interest (plaques, signs, etc.) near natural features are acceptable.

INELIGIBLE

Nominations that are adult-oriented stores or services(such as liquor stores, adult entertainment, shooting ranges, firearm stores, etc.)

Establishments that serve alcoholic beverages like bars and pubs are acceptable.

Guidance on potentially confusing nominations

The following examples cover situations that have generated questions and confusion on whether these nominations should be submitted or not.

INELIGIBLE

Graffiti tag

While spray-painted artworks and murals are acceptable, graffiti tags that just include the graffiti writer's name or initials are ineligible. Additionally, graffiti tags are often regularly removed so they may also be ineligible under the non-permanent criteria.

INELIGIBLE

Generic local business locations

Generic local businesses don’t meet criteria on their own without having historical/cultural value, community significance, or distinctive architecture.

ELIGIBLE

Street art or urban art

Informal artworks and works created with spray paint are eligible so long as they represent cool pieces of art.

INELIGIBLE

High-quality object with a low-quality image

A nomination that would otherwise be accepted is ineligible if the photo submitted is low quality.

INELIGIBLE

Sculpture on aroundabout without pedestrian access

Regardless of any other criteria, if a nomination doesn’t have pedestrian access it is not eligible.

INELIGIBLE

Nominations with photos that unnecessarily include people

As a general rule, don’t submit photos that include people if you can avoid it. If you can’t (like at a crowded tourist attraction), you may submit the photo with people so long as they aren't the focus or posing for the camera.

ELIGIBLE

Nominations with photos that include people

You may submit photos with people so long as they aren't the focus or posing for the camera.

INELIGIBLE

Decorative parking bollard

Objects like this are mass-produced and have no cultural significance, therefore, do not meet eligibility criteria.

ELIGIBLE

Nominations that are indoors

Indoor nominations are eligible so long as they are accessible to the public in some capacity. Note that these nominations are less likely to be approved because they more likely to be on private residential property (see the ineligible nomination criteria above) or to not be areas in which groups can congregate and play comfortably.

INELIGIBLE

Nominationis private home that is a registered historic landmark

Regardless of historical value, if the location is being used as a private residence it is ineligible.

For detailed instructions on how to submit a PokStop nomination in Pokmon GO, view the Submitting a PokStop Nomination article.

Frequently Asked Questions

I received an email about my nominations being ineligible. Why?

At this time, we are unable to provide specific details for each nomination that is ineligible. New PokStop nominations deemed ineligible by the player community will not be overturned. If you believe your PokStop nomination should have been eligible, we suggest re-submitting the PokStop nomination after improving the title, description, and/or photo.

My nomination was deemed eligible but it did not show up within Pokmon GO.

Some nominations may be deemed eligible by the community of reviewers for inclusion into Niantic’s location database but not necessarily added into every Niantic game. After the nomination is approved by the reviewers, there is an additional automated review that determines whether the nomination would be an appropriate fit for each particular Niantic game. Each game has its own set of criteria for this step so some nominations may be accepted into one game but not another. All eligible nominations may be used in future Niantic games too.

The most common reason that an eligible nomination is not added to Pokmon GO is because the nomination is too close to existing PokStops or Gyms. If an existing game location is removed or the criteria changes, the nomination may appear within the Pokmon GO at a later time.

I submitted a PokStop nomination that is almost exactly the same as another PokStop that was eligible, but my nomination was deemed ineligible. Why?

PokStops may not be able to go live if they are too close to another live PokStop or Gym. If your nomination is deemed ineligible for this reason, we recommend submitting nominations in areas that do not have as many PokStops or Gyms.

How can I nominate a Gym?

At this time, you will not be able to nominate Gyms. Some nominations will turn into Gyms in Pokmon GO. Locations are automatically designated as Gyms using a number of different factors.

Would you accept a PokStop that is indoors?

Yes, you may submit nominations that are indoors so long as they are accessible to the public in some capacity. However, these nominations are less likely to be approved because they are more likely to be on private residential property (see the ineligible nomination criteria above) or not to be areas in which groups can congregate and play comfortably. Additionally, it is often difficult for reviewers to verify the location of an indoor nomination.

If you do submit an indoor nomination, be sure to include where the candidate is located in the description and to add a supporting photo that shows the nomination in context to its surroundings.

Would you accept a PokStop inside places that charge admission or that are only open during certain times of day/certain days out of the year?

Yes, we will accept PokStop nominations as long as they are safe and accessible, in some capacity, to the public.

Can I just pull text or images from Wikipedia (or similar) to use for my Pokstop nomination’s description/photo?

No. Don’t include any text or images that are from third-party sources.

How do I review PokStop nominations?

At this time, nominations can only be reviewed by qualified players in, another game offered by Niantic. This Ingress community reviews nominations for inclusion into Ingress as well as Pokmon GO and other Niantic games. However, keep in mind that not all Ingress Portals will become Pokstops or Gyms in Pokmon GO. In the future, we hope to make the nomination review process available to Pokmon GO players.

Visit PokStops and Gyms around the world to gather Pok Balls, Potions, Eggs, and other items. You’ll find these locations near public art, unique architecture, or public gathering places. When you visit PokStops and Gyms, spin the Photo Disc to generate items for your inventory.

Getting Items from PokStops

Badge for the Gym

To spin the Photo Disc at PokStops:

Walk towards a PokStop. When you’re close enough to a PokStop to interact with it, the box on top of the blue square will open.

Touch the PokStop.

Swipe left or right to spin the Photo Disc and generate items.

Touch the items to add them to your inventory.

Once you’ve collected items from the PokStop, it will cool down for a short period of time. It will turn purple to indicate that it is inactive. Once the cooldown period is over, it will return to blue and you can collect items again.

To help you explore new places in the real world, PokStops you haven’t previously visited will appear surrounded by rings. Once you spin the Photo Disc, the ring will disappear indicating that you’ve explored this location.

Getting Items from Gyms

You can also spin the Photo Disc at Gyms to collect inventory items. When you collect items at Gyms, there is a greater likelihood to find items that aid in battle like Potions and Revives.

To spin the Photo Disc at Gyms:

Walk towards a Gym. Touch the Gym to interact with it.

Touch the Photo Disc button.

Swipe left or right to spin the Photo Disc and generate items.

Touch the items to add them to your inventory.

Just like with PokStops, you’ll have to wait a short period of time before you can spin the Photo Disc again.

You’ll earn bonus items when visiting Gyms controlled by your team. If you have a you’re visiting, you will earn additional bonus items as well.

As you acquire Stardust and Candy, you’ll gain the ability to Power Up the Pokmon you’ve caught, increasing their CP and HP.

You acquire Stardust and Candy by catching Pokmon or hatching Eggs.

Candy is specific to each Pokmon Evolution family.

For example, you obtain Bulbasaur Candy by catching, hatching, or transferring any Pokmon in the Bulbasaur family (Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur). You need Bulbasaur Candy to Power Up a Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, or Venusaur.

Stardust can be used to Power Up any Pokmon in your collection. For example, you can Power Up a Rattata using Stardust acquired by catching a Meowth. You obtain Stardust whenever you catch or hatch Pokmon of any species.

To Power Up a Pokmon:

In Map View, touch the Main Menu

Touch Pokmon

Select a Pokmon to Power Up from your list of Pokmon

On the Pokmon summary, touch Power Up

Note: You won't be able to Power Up your Pokmon until you have enough Candy and Stardust. You can see how much Candy and Stardust is needed to Power Up in the Pokmon’s summary.

The Map View displays the locations of Pokmon, PokStops, and Gyms in the real world.

Pokmon located nearby

Compass

Toggles the viewing direction in Map View. You can switch between a north-viewing direction and auto-rotation, which follows your viewing direction. You can also rotate using touch gestures

Gyms

Locations where teams battle Pokmon

Pokmon GO Plus (appears when paired)

Connect and disconnect the Pokmon GO Plus accessory

PokStops

Locations where Trainers can acquire items such as Pok Balls, Potions, and/or Eggs

Trainer

Your avatar

Profile Icon

Shows your progress and achievements

Buddy Pokmon

EarnCandy as you travel with your buddy

Main Menu

Accesses settings, items, your Pokdex, the shop, and Pokmon menu options

Weather boosts

Displays the current weather condition and weather boosts in effect.

Nearby Pokmon

Displays wild

Send Gifts to your friends to help them earn items

One of the benefits of connecting with friends in Pokmon GO is gaining the ability to send and receive Gifts. When you visit and spin PokStops, you may occasionally find a Gift. Gifts contain an assortment of useful items but you cannot open the Gift yourself. Instead, you can only send the Gift to a friend to open.

Each Gift includes a postcard about the PokStop where it was collected. When you send a Gift to a friend, you’ll also share thePokStop where you found this item. Note that your friend will be able to see the location you’ve visited when you send a Gift.

You can hold a maximum of 10 Gifts in your Bag at any given time. However, Gifts do not take up any of your inventory space.

Note: this feature is not available for users with child accounts.

Sending a Gift

Friendship Levels

You can send each of your friends up to one Gift per day. If your friend has not yet opened a Gift that you’ve previously sent them, you won’t be able to send them another one until they open the first one.

In Map View, navigate to your Trainer Profile.

Tap the Friends tab at the top of the screen to open your Friend List.

Tap on the Trainer that you wish to send the Gift.

Tap on the Send Gift button.

Select which Gift you would like to send.

Tap on the Send button.

Your Friend will receive a notification that you sent them a Gift. Once they open your Gift, they’ll receive a variety of items, such as Pok Balls, Potions, Berries, and even Pokmon Eggs. Sending Gifts will increase your and earn you extra bonuses. Try to send them to your friends daily.

Every time you catch a Pokmon of a particular species, you’ll receive Candy for that species. Evolution requires a different amount of Candy for each species. Pokmon that require more Candy to evolve tend to show greater gains in CP. Evolved Pokmon generally have higher CP and HP, making them a valuable addition to your collection.

You’ll still have the same number of Pokmon in your collection after completing an Evolution. The Pokmon you selected has evolvedtransforming into an evolved Pokmonso you haven’t gained or lost in total Pokmon.

To evolve a Pokmon:

In Map View, touch the Main Menu in the Pokdex

Touch Pokmon

From your list of Pokmon, select one Pokmon to evolve.

On the Pokmon’s summary, touch the Evolve Button.

Until you have enough Candy, you won't be able to evolve your Pokmon. You can view the amount of Candy needed to evolve your Pokmon in the Pokmon’s summary.

Additional Evolution requirements

Evolution items

Select Pokmon require an Evolution item as well as Candy to evolve. There are five different types of Evolution items (Sun Stone, Metal Coat, King’s Rock, Up-Grade, and Dragon Scale) that can be used to evolve these Pokmon. You can collect Evolution items by visiting PokStops.

Buddy Distance

In addition to collecting Candy, select Pokmon, like Feebas, need to be walked as your buddy Pokmon before they are ready to be evolved.

Tip: You can learn about the different species of Pokmon and their evolutions .

Finding wild Pokmon

Your device will vibrate to alert you when a wild Pokmon is nearby. If you don’t see any Pokmon nearby, take a walk! Pokmon love places like parks, so try visiting a local recreational area. You can attract more Pokmon to your location by using an item known as Incense.

Some wild Pokmon appear only in certain environments and climates. For example, some Pokmon may appear only near lakes, oceans, or other bodies of water.

Pokmon located in your area are displayed in the Nearby Pokmon section in the bottom right of the screen in Map View. Pokmon already in your Pokdex will show in color, and Pokmon you haven’t previously encountered appear as silhouettes.

Catching wild Pokmon:

When you encounter a wild Pokmon, you may have multiple attempts to capture it before it runs away.

You can use Berries and high performance Pok Balls when attempting to catch Pokmon. There are three types of Berries to choose from: Razz Berries help prevent the Pokmon from breaking free from the Pok Ball, Nanab Berries make the Pokmon easier to catch by slowing down its movement, and Pinap Berries double the amount of Candy you’ll receive if your next catch attempt succeeds. High performance Pok Balls like Great Balls and Ultra Balls increase your ability to catch wild Pokmon. Touch the Berry button or Pok Ball button during the encounter to access these items.

evolving captured Pokmon

Encounter features

Leave the encounter

Camera

Toggle AR camera mode

Pokmon’s name and CP

Target ring

Access Berries from your bag

Pok Ball

Access Pok Balls from your bag

Number of remaining Pok Balls in your bag

To catch a Pokmon

When a wild Pokmon is nearby, your device will vibrate, and the Pokmon will appear on the map. Touch the Pokmon to begin your attempt to catch it.

The Pokmon will appear in front of you.

Touch and hold your Pok Ball.

A target ring will appear around the Pokmon. The ring’s color indicates the difficulty level of capturing the Pokmon. A green ring indicates the capture is low difficulty, orange indicates intermediate difficulty, and red indicates extreme difficulty.

You have the greatest chance of capturing the Pokmon while the colored ring is at its smallest diameter. At the opportune moment, fling the Pok Ball toward the Pokmon.

If you are successful, the Pok Ball will capture the Pokmon. Watch out, thoughPokmon can break freefrom the Pok Ball.

Catch Bonuses

You can earn certain bonuses when catching Pokmon:

New Pokmon: earned for catching a new Pokmon

First throw: earned for catching a Pokmon with just one attempt.

Curveball: drag and rapidly spin the Pok Ball in a circular motion before you release it for a chance to receive a curveball bonus. In addition to earning extra XP, using a curveball makes the Pokmon easier to catch by decreasing the chances of it breaking free from the Pok Ball.

Nice, great, and excellent throw: earned for accuracy in throwing the Pok Ball within the target ring.

Collector bonus:earned for catching your 100th Pokmon within a single species.

Daily bonus: earned by catching your first Pokmon ofthe day.

Tip: You can also acquire new Pokmon by hatching Eggs and

A buddy Pokmon is a companion that joins you along your journey.

You’ll earn Candy as you travel with your buddy. Some Pokmon require longer distances to gain Candy.

Remember to keep the Pokmon GO app open while you walk. Kilometers walked when the Pokmon GO app is closed won’t count toward earning Candy. A notification will appear when your buddy finds Candy.

Selecting a buddy Pokmon:

In Map View, touch the Trainer Profile icon.

Open the Menu

Touch Buddy

Select a buddy from your list of Pokmon.

Changing your buddy Pokmon:

In Map View, touch the Trainer Profile icon.

Open the Menu

Touch Buddy

Touch Swap

Select a new buddy from your list of Pokmon.

Note: You can swap buddies at any time, although you will lose any progress made towards gaining Candy.

Pokmon GO Plus and Pok Ball Plus are optional accessories to enhance gameplay. Using a Bluetooth connection, they notify you of nearby Pokmon and PokStops without having to look at your phone. As long as they're connected, they will also count your steps so you can hatch Eggs and get Candy for your Buddy Pokmon.

This article covers the functionality of both the Pokmon GO Plus and Pok Ball Plus. For the sake of clarity, the instructions in this article refer to the Pokmon GO Plus, but they are also applicable to the Pok Ball Plus.

Visit The Pokmon Company's website for more information about the Pok Ball Plus and the Pokmon GO Plus.

Quick Start Guide

When a Pokmon is nearby, the indicator light on the Pokmon GO Plus will blink and vibrate.

Green for Pokmon you’ve caught

Nintendo Support

Yellow for Pokmon you haven’t caught

Press the button to catch it!

After you press the button, you’ll see

Multicolor for success

Red for Pokmon has run away

When you're within range of a PokStop, the indicator light will flash blue and vibrate.

Press the function button to search the PokStop for items.

The light will pulse multicolor for success and red for out of range

Getting Started

Pairing and connecting

Open the Pokmon GO app

In Map View, touch the Main Menu

At the top right, touch Settings

Touch Pokmon GO Plus

Press the function button to make the accessory discoverable

Touch your Pokmon GO Plus under Available Devices list. The accessory will vibrate when connected

Having trouble? Please see our additional information on connecting.

Walking, collecting Items, and catching Pokmon

Walking with your Pokmon GO Plus:

When your Pokmon Go Plus is connected, even if you turn off your phone’s display, the distance you walk will make progress towards hatching Eggs and gaining Candy with your buddy Pokmon.

Visiting PokStops

Once your Pokmon GO Plus is connected, the accessory will alert you to nearby PokStops as you walk around.

When you're within range of a PokStop, the indicator light will flash blue and vibrate.

To search the nearby PokStop, touch the function button on the Pokmon GO Plus.

If you’re successful, the indicator light will flash in multiple colors to indicate that you have found items. You may open the Journalto see what you found.

If your Item storage is full, the Pokmon GO Plus will pulse white to indicate that you didn’t gain any items.

If you have moved out of range of the PokStop, the Pokmon GO Plus will pulse red to indicate that you didn’t gain any items.

Catching Pokmon

When a Pokmon is nearby, the indicator light on the Pokmon GO Plus will flash green and vibrate.

When a Pokmon you haven’t previously caught is nearby, the indicator light on the Pokmon GO Plus will flash yellow and vibrate.

To try to catch the nearby Pokmon, touch the function button on the Pokmon GO Plus.

The accessory will pulse and vibrate while the Pokmon is in the Pok Ball. The Pokmon will either stay in or break free.

If the Pokmon runs away the Pokmon GO Plus will pulse red 3 times. You may open the Journalto see which Pokmon escaped.

If you successfully catch the Pokmon, the Pokmon GO Plus will flash in multiple colors. You may open the Journalto see which Pokmon you caught.

Viewing Pokmon GO Plus activity

Viewing activity

If you are using your Pokmon GO Plus while Pokmon GO is running in the background on your Android or iOS device, or your device's screen is asleep, you will get notifications on your device showing you the results of your Pokmon GO Plus activity.

You can also view your activity catching Pokmon and visiting PokStops in the Journal.

To view the Journal:

In Map View, touch the Trainer Profile icon

Open the Menu

Touch Journal

The Journal displays your last 50 actions.

Reconnecting Pokmon GO Plus

Reconnecting Pokmon GO Plus

Periodically, your Pokmon GO Plus may lose connection from your device. Reconnect the accessory to continue to catch Pokmon and visit PokStops.

To reconnect:

In Map View, touch the Pokmon GO Plus icon

The icon will illuminate and the Pokmon GO Plus will vibrate when reconnected.

If you do not see the Pokmon GO Plus icon in Map View, you may need to reconnect the accessory via the Settings menu (Main Menu > Settings > Pokmon GO Plus).

Indicator light notifications

Your Pokmon GO Plus will flash and vibrate to notify you of nearby Pokmon and PokStops, even if you turn off your phone’s display. In the Pokmon GO Plus settings menu, you can disable notifications for nearby Pokmon, PokStops, or both. If you disable both notifications, your accessory will not alert you to nearby Pokmon or PokStops but it will still track your distance walked towards hatching Eggs and gaining Candy with your buddy Pokmon.

Indicator light and vibration key

Green flash and vibration

When a Pokmon is nearby, the indicator light on the Pokmon GO Plus will flash green and vibrate. Press the function button to attempt to catch it.

Yellow flash and vibration

When a Pokmon you haven’t caught before is nearby, the indicator light on the Pokmon GO Plus will vibrate and flash yellow. Press the function button to attempt to catch it.

Blue flash and vibration

When you're within range of a PokStop, the indicator light will flash blue and vibrate. Press the function button to search the PokStop for items. Upon receiving items, the indicator light will flash multiple colors and vibrate.

White pulse and vibration while attempting to catch a Pokmon

The Pokmon is in the Pok Ball. The Pokmon will either stay in or break free.

White pulse and vibration after visiting a PokStop

You cannotgain any items from the PokStop because your Item storage is full.

Multicolored pulse and vibration

When attempting to catch a Pokmon or visit a PokStop, the indicator light will flash multiple colors and vibrate after successfully catching a Pokmon or visiting a PokStop.

Red pulse and vibration after attempting to catch a Pokmon

The indicator light will pulse red 3 times when a wild Pokmon runs away.

Blue flash and no vibration

The accessory is paired to a device but not connected.

White flash and no vibration

The accessory is not paired to a device.

Vibration and no light after pressing the function button

The accessory is paired and connected to a device.

Solid Red and vibration

The indicator light is solid red to alert you to issues using your accessory. You may have moved out of range of the Pokmon or PokStop, Pokmon storage may be full, or you may be out of Pok Balls.

Troubleshooting

Unpairing Pokmon GO Plus from your device

To use the Pokmon GO Plus with another device, you’ll need to unpair the Pokmon GO Plus.

Press the function button. The light will flash blue, indicating that the accessory is paired.

Wait until the accessory has stopped blinking.

Press and hold the function button for 5 seconds. The indicator light will turn solid blue.

Release the function button.

While the light is solid blue, press and hold the function button for another 5 seconds. When the Pokmon GO Plus vibrates, it has been successfully unpaired from your device.

Help pairing your device to the Pokmon GO Plus

If your phone is unable to connect to your Pokmon GO Plus, you may need to pair using your phone’s Bluetooth settings.

On iOS devices:

Open the Settings app and touch Bluetooth.

Touch the Bluetooth toggle to turn Bluetooth on.

Press the function button on the Pokmon GO Plus to make the accessory discoverable.

Touch “Pokmon GO Plus” from the My Devices or Other Devices list.

Open the Pokmon GO app

In Map View, touch the Main Menu

At the top right, touch Settings

Touch Pokmon GO Plus

Press the function button on the Pokmon GO Plus to make the accessory discoverable.

Touch your Pokmon GO Plus under Available Devices list. The accessory will vibrate when connected.

On Android devices: (Instructions may differ depending on device)

Open your device's Settings menu.

Touch the Bluetooth toggle to turn Bluetooth on.

Touch Search for devices or Refresh to scan for nearby devices.

Touch the function button on the Pokmon GO Plus to make the accessory discoverable.

Touch “Pokmon GO Plus” from the list of available devices.

Open the Pokmon GO app

In Map View, touch the Main Menu

At the top right, touch Settings

Touch Pokmon GO Plus

Press the function button on the Pokmon GO Plus to make the accessory discoverable.

Touch your Pokmon GO Plus under Available Devices list. The accessory will vibrate when connected.

Pokmon GO Plus loses connection

Periodically, your Pokmon GO Plus may lose connection to your device. The indicator light on the Pokmon GO Plus will flash red and vibrate to indicate that the connection is lost.

Verify that your phone or tablet can connect to the Internet and make sure that it is within 30 feet of your Pokmon GO Plus.

In Map View, touch the Pokmon GO Plus icon

The icon will illuminate and the Pokmon GO Plus will vibrate when connected.

If you do not see the Pokmon GO Plus icon in Map View, you may need to reconnect the accessory via the Settings menu (Main Menu > Settings > Pokmon GO Plus).

LED does not light up

Check to make sure the battery is installed correctly.

Try removing the battery for 30 seconds and then re-installing it.

Try replacing the battery with a fresh one.

Still need help?

For customer support with the Pokmon GO Plus accessory, please visit Pokmon Support.

For customer support for the Pok Ball Plus, contact .

The Map View allows for easy zooming and rotating using one finger.

To zoom, double-tap and hold near your avatar, and move your finger up and down.

To rotate, touch near your avatar and move your finger in a circle around it.

XP and Leveling Up

Experience Points (XP) are points earned for catching Pokmon, visiting PokStops, battling, and completing other gameplay actions. Your Trainer level advances as you gain XP. The amount of XP required to level up increases with each Trainer level. As you continue to level up, you’ll gather rare items at PokStops and encounter Pokmon with higher CP.

Medals

Medals are achievements earned by reaching milestones for distance walked, PokStops visited, Pokmon caught, and other gameplay achievements. Each medal has three achievement milestones: bronze, silver, and gold. Some achievement milestones unlock rewards - such as an increased chance of successfully catching certain Pokmon type.

In the example image, the Trainer has earned the Bird Keeper medal along with a catch bonus reward for Flying-type Pokmon.

To view your medals:

In Map View, touch the Trainer Profile icon.

Select a medal to view your progress towards the achievement.

View and edit the details for your Pokmon

The Pokmon summary provides detailed information about the characteristics that make your Pokmon unique. You can evolve, Power Up, and make other changes to your Pokmon here.

Appraise

To access your Pokmon’s summary:

In Map View, touch the Main Menu

Touch Pokmon

Select a Pokmon to view from your list of Pokmon

Summary features:

Pokmon’s CP

Add Pokmon to your list of favorites

Pokmon’s nickname (currently set to default)

Touch to create a personal nickname that can only be seen by you

Pokmon’s HP

Pokmon’s gender

Pokmon’s type, weight, and height

Candy and Stardust needed to Power Up and evolve

Your inventory of Candy and Stardust appears, with the amounts needed to Power Up and evolve appearing below. In this example, the Trainer needs 600 Stardust and 1 Candy to power up this Pokmon.

Pokmon’s moves

Location and time the Pokmon was caught. If the Pokmon was hatched from an Egg, it willdisplay the location and time theEgg was obtained.

Menu

Add Pokmon to your list of favorites

your Pokmon’s strengths and abilities

Transfer the Pokmon to the Professor

You receive Candy in exchange for transferring a Pokmon. Be carefulyou can’t get the Pokmon back after you’ve transferred it to the Professor.

Bring your favorite group of Pokmon to battle

Note: This feature is currently in development. Some functionality may change. While in beta, Battle parties preferences will reset if you switch devices or reinstall the app.

Battle parties allow you to choose up to six Pokmon to quickly select for Gym and Raid Battles. You might have a favorite set of Pokmon that you always bring to battle with you, or maybe you have a few Pokmon that deal significant damage against Raid Boss Pokmon. Battle parties make selecting your preferred Pokmon fast and easy.

To create a Battle party:

In Map View, touch the Main Menu button.

Touch the Pokmon button.

At the top of the screen, touch the Party tab.

Touch the Create Party button.

Once you have selected your Battle parties, join a Gym or Raid Battle to use them. Choose your party by swiping to the left over the recommended Pokmon list.

The Pokdex keeps track of the Pokmon you’ve seen and caught. Use the Pokdex to learn more about the different species of Pokmon and their Evolutions.

Pokmon you’ve caught appear in color. Pokmon you’ve seen but haven’t caught appear as silhouettes; this includes Pokmon seen during encounters as well as at Gyms. Pokmon you’ve neither seen nor caught appear as their Pokdex number.

To access the Pokdex:

In Map View, touch the Main Menu

Touch Pokdex

Each Pokmon has unique abilities that affect their ability to attack and defend in battle. You can look at HP and CP for basic information on your Pokmon’s abilities. For more detailed information on your Pokmon, you can ask your Team Leader to appraise their stats.

To appraise a Pokmon:

In Map View, touch the Main Menu

Touch Pokmon

From the list, select a Pokmon.

Open the Menu

Touch Appraise

Potions heal Pokmon, restoring HP lost during battle.

To use a Potion on a Pokmon:

In the Map View, touch the Main Menu

Touch Items

Select a Potion from your Bag of items, and then select the Pokmon to be healed. You can use Revives and Max Revives to revive Pokmon that have fainted.

Please select the best option which best fits your issue:

Premium items (i.e. Pok Balls, Lure Modules) PokCoins

Premium items (i.e. Pok Balls, Lure Modules)

How to make a purchase in Pokmon GO I had an issue with a Premium Item I purchased Where are the Premium Items I purchased? I can’t see Premium Items in the Shop

PokCoins

Earning PokCoins from Defender Bonuses Requesting a monetary refund for an accidental or duplicate purchase Restricting in-app purchase on your device Where are the PokCoins I purchased? I can’t see PokCoins for sale in the Shop

How to make a purchase in Pokmon GO

To buy these premium items, you must first purchase PokCoins (the currency of Pokmon GO). PokCoins can then be exchanged for premium items in Pokmon GO. For detailed steps on purchasing PokCoins and exchanging PokCoins for premium items, please view the article on buying premium items from the Shop

If you are having payment issues:

If you try to buy something but your payment is declined or won't process, please refer to the Google Play Help Center or Apple Support Site.

If you don’t see PokCoins for sale:

It's possible that you've enabled a setting on your device to prevent someone else (perhaps a child) from making a purchase. Check your device and Google Play settings to ensure that you’re able to make purchases from apps.

Android users can also try toggling the background data setting: Go to Settings > Data usage > Google Play Services, and enable background data.

I had an issue with a Premium Item I purchased

We understand how frustrating it can be when you accidentally purchase a premium item or encounter a technical issue while using a premium item. If you have not been able to successfully use a premium item you purchased or have made an accidental purchase, please reach out to us within 48 hours of the incident via this form. Your rapid response is appreciated as it helps us to resolve and take action according to our policies as quickly as we can.

Please note: We cannot issue item reimbursements for non-premium items such as free Raid Passes.

Where are the Premium Items I purchased?

You can view your recent purchases by checking the Journal. If you purchased premium items from the Shop and you don’t see them in your account, please try signing out (touch Main Menu > Settings and select "Sign out.") or try restarting your device.

If you still have a question, please contact us.

I can’t see PokCoins or Premium Items for sale in the Shop

There are some cases where PokCoins and Premium Items may not appear available for purchase:

Purchase restrictions are enabled

It's possible that you've enabled a setting on your device to prevent someone else (perhaps a child) from making a purchase. Check your Google Play or iTunes settings to ensure that you’re able to make purchases from apps.

Data connection issues

Ensure your device is connected to a reliable data connection (Wifi, 3G, or 4G). Try switching internet sources: if you have trouble connecting on Wifi, try to connect using 3G or 4G. If you have trouble connecting on 3G or 4G, try to connect using Wifi.

Android: Pokmon GO cannot communicate with Google Play Services (Android) On Android, Pokmon GO needs to communicate with Google Play Services in the background to process purchases. Some devices' data saver settings disable background data Google Play Services. You can also try toggling the background data setting: Go to Settings > Data usage > Google Play Services, and enable background data.

Earning PokCoins from Defender Bonuses

You can earn free PokCoins by placing your Pokmon on Gyms. The longer the Pokmon stay on the Gym, the more PokCoins you earn. You redeem your PokCoins only after your Pokmon return from the Gym. Learn more about the Defender Bonus.

Requesting a monetary refund for an accidental or duplicate purchases

You may reach out to Apple Support (iOS users) or Google Play Help (Android users) to review their refund policies, request a refund, or to inquire about a recent transaction.

Restricting in-app purchase on your device

You can restrict in-app purchase on your device to prevent accidental or unauthorized purchases from the Shop. Please visit this article for detailed instructions.

Where are the PokCoins I purchased?

If you purchased PokCoins from the Shop and you don’t see them in your account, please try signing out (touch Main Menu > Settings and select "Sign out.") or try restarting your device.

If you still have a question, please contact us.

At Niantic, we strive to create a friendly and fair gameplay experience for all players. As part of that commitment, we enforce a three-strike policy against cheating. This policy may provide offenders with a series of disciplinary actions that gradually increase in severity and provide multiple opportunities to change their behavior. If offenders reform their ways, they are welcomed back into the game. However, if offenders continue cheating, they will be permanently removed from the game in accordance with the Pokmon GO Terms of Service.

For the purposes of this policy, we define cheating as behaviors that violate the Pokmon GO Terms of Service and Trainer Guidelines, such as falsifying location (GPS location spoofing) and accessing Pokmon GO clients or backends in an unauthorized manner, including through the use of third-party software or add-ons.

A strike serves as a warning. Everyone can make mistakes. That’s why we have created this policy to enable offenders to learn from their mistakes and change their ways. If you have been issued a strike, don’t ignore it. Take action to ensure that you do not commit any further transgressions. If you believe that your account was compromised or hacked, please see this article for tips on securing your account.

Keep in mind that offenders are not always offered three strikes. Some misbehaviors may result in immediate account termination without prior warning.

Strike 1: Warning

Disciplinary actions:

If this strike is issued, you will see a warning message within the Pokmon GO app informing you that we have detected cheating on your account.

In addition to this warning, your gameplay experience may be degraded in the following ways for the duration of the warning:

You may not be able to encounter rare Pokmon in the wild. These Pokmon may not appear on the map or on the Nearby Pokmon tracker.

You may be excluded from receiving new EX Raid Passes.

Duration:

This strike will last for approximately 7 days. After this period, your gameplay experience will fully be restored.

Strike 2: Suspension

Disciplinary actions:

If your account is issued a second strike, you will temporarily lose access to your Pokmon GO account. When attempting to log into the game, you’ll be presented with a message stating that your account is suspended. You will not be able to bypass this message.

Duration:

This strike will last for approximately 30 days. After that period, your account access will be restored.

Strike 3: Termination

Disciplinary actions:

If you receive the first and second strikes and continue to cheat, your account will be permanently banned.

Duration:

Permanent

Appealing your punishment

If you believe your account has been terminated in error, you may appeal the termination. We will respond to your appeal after a complete investigation of your account. Please note that due to the high level of accuracy in our detection systems, very few terminations are ever overturned.

Resolved

Last Updated: 10/31/2018

Some Trainers may experience a white background when entering a Pokmon Encounter.We thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this issue.

Workaround:

Temporarily enable camera permissions for Pokmon GO App permissions. Then disable AR mode from the encounter screen. This should allow Trainers to return to standard encounters.

Update:

This issue should be resolved with the latest release.

Pokmon GO is ending support for devices running on iOS 9. Trainers using devices with this operating system will no longer be able to access Pokmon GO after 11/12/2018. We encourage Trainers on iOS 9 to upgrade their operating systems to iOS 10 and above for uninterrupted access to Pokmon GO.

Am I affected by this change?

Only devices with iOS 9 installed are affected by this change. Android users and Apple users on iOS 10 or above are not affected and do not need to take any action.

If you are not sure which version of iOS is installed on your Apple device, you can find this information in the device settings. Go to Settings > General > About.

What do I need to do?

If you are using a device running iOS 9, you will need to update to iOS 10 or above to continue to access Pokmon GO. For detailed information on how to upgrade to the latest version of iOS, please view this support article on the Apple Help Center.

Why this change?

iOS 9 was initially released in 2015. In the time since the release, there have been some major improvements to the iOS operating systems. By removing support for iOS 9, we are able to streamline our development process and focus resources on supporting newer operating systems and technologies.

A vast majority of Apple users have migrated to iOS 10 and above. As players migrate from older operating system versions to newer ones, we periodically update our supported device requirements to focus on the devices our player base use.

Android

Android 4.4or above

Preferred resolution of 720x1280 pixels (Not optimized for tablet)

Strong internet connection (Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G)

GPS and Location Services

Rooted devices are not supported

iOS

iPhone 5s or above

iOS 10 or above

Strong internet connection (Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G)

GPS and Location Services

Jailbroken devices are not supported

Resolved

Last Updated: 10/10/2018

There was an issue that activated the 100 cap on stored research task rewards earlier than planned. We have temporarily removed the cap, and will re-enable it on August 27, 2018 addressed in this tweet. If you have been impacted by this update and lost yourresearch task rewards, you may still be able to recover them. Please send your email address and Trainer nickname through this form and include the phrase #ResearchReward.

Update:

We’ve finished restoring lost research reward encounters. We appreciate your patience throughout this process!

Note:

To clarify, we do not see intentionally saving research encounters as a supported behavior. The feature was intended to ensure users don't lose out on rewards that they've earned due to unforeseen circumstances like network loss, lack of Pokeballs, etc. We always recommend players claim their research rewards as soon as possible.