How To Transfer Pokemon From GO To Home - Complete Guide 2026

Pokemon HOME is the cloud-based service that connects all your Pokemon games. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about transferring Pokemon from Pokemon GO to Pokemon HOME in 2026.

Quick Answer: Link Pokemon GO to your Nintendo Account, use the GO Transporter feature in Pokemon GO, and receive your Pokemon in the Pokemon HOME mobile app. Transfers cost energy and are one-way (cannot be reversed).

Requirements Before You Start

Before you can transfer Pokemon from GO to HOME, you’ll need to meet these requirements:

What You’ll Need

  • The Pokemon HOME mobile app installed on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android)
  • A Nintendo Account (free to create)
  • Both Pokemon GO and Pokemon HOME must be linked to the same Nintendo Account
  • You must have completed the tutorial in Pokemon HOME
  • No Nintendo Switch Online membership required (transfers are free, though energy limited)
  • No Pokemon HOME Premium Plan required for basic transfers

Good News: You don’t need to pay for any subscription to transfer Pokemon from GO to HOME! The basic transfer feature is completely free.

First, you need to connect your Pokemon GO account to your Nintendo Account:

Linking Steps

  1. Open Pokemon GO on your mobile device
  2. Tap the Poke Ball icon at the bottom of the screen
  3. Tap Settings in the upper-right corner
  4. Scroll down and select Pokemon HOME
  5. Tap SIGN IN
  6. Log in to your Nintendo Account (or create one if you don’t have one)
  7. Authorize the connection between Pokemon GO and your Nintendo Account

Step 2: Use the GO Transporter

The GO Transporter is the feature that sends Pokemon from GO to HOME. Here’s how to use it:

Transfer Process

  1. Open Pokemon GO and tap the Poke Ball icon
  2. Tap Pokemon to view your collection
  3. Tap the Pokemon HOME icon in the top-right corner
  4. Select up to 25 Pokemon to transfer at once
  5. Review the GO Transporter Energy cost for your selection
  6. Tap Continue and confirm the transfer
  7. Wait for the transfer animation to complete

Important: Transfers are permanent and one-way. Pokemon sent to HOME cannot be returned to Pokemon GO!

Step 3: Receive Pokemon in Pokemon HOME

After sending Pokemon via GO Transporter, you must receive them in Pokemon HOME:

Receiving Steps

  1. Open the Pokemon HOME mobile app
  2. Tap the Menu button at the bottom of the screen
  3. Select Options
  4. Scroll down to the Pokemon GO section
  5. Tap Receive to complete the transfer
  6. Your Pokemon will appear in your HOME boxes!

Mystery Box Reward: After your first transfer, you’ll receive a Mystery Box in Pokemon GO that spawns Meltan when activated! This box recharges every 3 days after use.

Understanding GO Transporter Energy

The GO Transporter uses energy to send Pokemon. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Maximum Energy: 10,000 GO Transporter Energy
  • Recharge Rate: 60 Energy per hour (automatic)
  • Full Recharge Time: 6 days, 22 hours, and 40 minutes from empty
  • Energy Costs: Varies by Pokemon (most common Pokemon cost 10-1,000 energy)
  • Legendary/Mythical: Up to 10,000 energy for rare Pokemon
  • Shiny Pokemon: Cost the same energy as their regular counterparts

Pro Tip: You can see the exact energy cost for each Pokemon before confirming the transfer. Plan your transfers wisely if you want to send high-energy Pokemon!

Pokemon That CANNOT Be Transferred

Not all Pokemon can be sent to Pokemon HOME. The following are restricted:

Transfer Restrictions

  • Spinda - Cannot be transferred at all
  • Favorited Pokemon - Remove the favorite star first
  • Buddy Pokemon - Swap to a different buddy first
  • Pokemon defending Gyms - Wait until they return
  • Costumed Pokemon - Most costume variants cannot transfer
  • Shadow Pokemon - Must be purified first (or keep as shadow in GO)
  • Mega-Evolved Pokemon - Wait for Mega Evolution to expire
  • Gigantamax Pokemon - Currently cannot be transferred

What Happens to Special Pokemon?

Some Pokemon undergo changes when transferred to Pokemon HOME:

  • Lucky Pokemon: Lose their Lucky status
  • Purified Pokemon: Lose their Purified status
  • Origin Forme Giratina: Becomes Altered Forme
  • Sunshine Form Cherrim: Becomes Overcast Form
  • Weather Form Castform: Returns to normal form
  • CP and Level: Are preserved in HOME
  • Moves: GO moves are retained

Remember: Lucky Pokemon lose their special status when transferred! Consider keeping your Lucky Pokemon in Pokemon GO if you value the reduced stardust costs.

Why Transfer Pokemon to HOME?

There are several benefits to using Pokemon HOME:

  • Transfer to mainline games: Move Pokemon to Sword/Shield, Scarlet/Violet, and future games
  • Free up storage: Pokemon GO box space is limited; HOME can store 6,000+ Pokemon
  • Complete the National Dex: Track your collection across all Pokemon games
  • Trading: Use HOME’s GTS and Wonder Box features for global trading
  • Get Meltan: The Mystery Box is the best way to catch Meltan and evolve Melmetal
  • Preserve rare catches: Keep your GO Pokemon safe in the cloud

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Having problems transferring? Try these solutions:

Common Fixes

  • “Cannot transfer this Pokemon”: Check if it’s favorited, your buddy, or defending a gym
  • “Not enough energy”: Wait for energy to recharge or select fewer/cheaper Pokemon
  • “Connection error”: Ensure both apps are updated and you have a stable internet connection
  • “Account not linked”: Verify both GO and HOME use the same Nintendo Account
  • “Pokemon not appearing in HOME”: Make sure you tapped “Receive” in the HOME app

Special Events: During Pokemon GO Fest or special events, Niantic sometimes reduces energy costs or offers bonus HOME features. Watch for announcements!

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