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How to Trade in Pokémon GO: Complete Trading Guide | PogoTrades

Want to know how to trade in Pokémon GO? This guide explains the current requirements, in-game steps, Stardust considerations, Special Trades, Trade Evolutions, and Remote Trading rules.

Quick answer: For a normal trade, both Trainers must be at least Level 10, be on each other's Friend List, and be close enough to use the in-game trading screen. Open your Trainer Profile, choose Friends, select the other Trainer, tap Trade, choose a Pokémon, review the Stardust cost and restrictions, then confirm. Remote Trading is a separate feature for eligible Forever Friends; see the Remote Trading Guide for its current requirements.

The official Pokémon GO Trading help page is the source of truth for in-game eligibility and temporary rule changes. PogoTrades helps you find potential partners, organize your wishlist and storage, and prepare for the trade; the actual trade still happens in Pokémon GO.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Trade in Pokémon GO?
  2. How to Trade in Pokémon GO
    1. Before You Start
    2. Step 1: Meet Up with a Friend
    3. Step 2: Open the Trading Screen
    4. Step 3: Choose Pokémon to Trade
    5. Step 4: Confirm the Trade
  3. Special Trades and Limitations
  4. Trade Evolutions
  5. Remote Trading
  6. Connect Globally with PogoTrades
  7. FAQs
  8. Conclusion

Why Trade in Pokémon GO?

Trading is more than just swapping creatures; it's about building friendships, completing your Pokédex, and obtaining rare Pokémon that might not be available in your region. By trading, you can:

  • Fill Missing Entries: Acquire Pokémon you haven't caught yet
  • Get Regional Exclusives: Trade for Pokémon exclusive to other parts of the world
  • Strengthen Bonds: Increase friendship levels with other trainers
  • Receive Lucky Pokémon: Chance to get Pokémon that require less Stardust to power up

How to Trade in Pokémon GO

Before You Start

Before opening the trade screen, check that:

  • both Trainers are at least Level 10
  • you have added each other on the Friend List
  • you are close enough for a normal in-person trade, usually within about 100 meters
  • neither Pokémon is restricted from trading
  • you have enough Stardust for the displayed trade cost

Remote Trading has different requirements and does not replace the normal proximity rule for ordinary trades. Read the Remote Trading Guide if the other Trainer is not nearby.

Step 1: Meet Up with a Friend

To initiate a normal trade, you and your friend need to be physically close—approximately within 100 meters of each other.

Tip: Ensure both trainers are at least Level 10 to access the trading feature.

Step 2: Open the Trading Screen

  1. Access Your Trainer Profile: Tap on your avatar in the bottom-left corner of the main screen
  2. Go to Your Friends List: Select the "Friends" tab at the top
  3. Choose a Friend: Tap on the trainer you wish to trade with
  4. Initiate Trade: Tap the "Trade" button to enter the trading interface

Step 3: Choose Pokémon to Trade

Select a Pokémon: Browse your collection and pick the one you want to offer.

Review Stats: Before confirming, note that the Pokémon's CP, HP, and other stats may change after the trade.

  • Stat Changes: The new stats will display as a range before you finalize
  • Evolution Benefits: Trading certain Pokémon can make their evolution cost 0 Candy after the trade

Use the in-game details and confirmation screen to verify that the selected Pokémon is eligible. A Pokémon that has already been traded cannot be traded again.

Step 4: Confirm the Trade

Check Stardust Cost: The required Stardust for the trade will be displayed.

  • Special Trades: Trading Legendary, Shiny, or new Pokédex entries will cost more Stardust

Earn Bonus Candy: Receive bonus Candy based on the distance between where the two Pokémon were caught.

  • Distance Matters: Greater distance equals more Candy

Finalize: Tap "Confirm" to complete the trade.

Special Trades and Limitations

Special Trades cover rare, unregistered, or otherwise restricted Pokémon and have higher Stardust costs and daily limits:

  • Includes:
    • Pokémon not in your Pokédex
    • Legendary and Shiny Pokémon
    • Ultra Beasts and regional forms
    • Pokémon with unique features like costumes or special forms
  • Restrictions:
    • Mythical Pokémon: Most cannot be traded, including Mew
    • Previously Traded Pokémon: Cannot be traded again
    • Daily Limit: The number of Special Trades can change during events, so check the current in-game limit

Note: Trainers using Niantic Kids or Pokémon Trainer Club accounts may need parental consent to trade.

Trade Evolutions

Some Pokémon can be evolved for 0 Candy after they have been received in a trade. Trading is not required—you can still use the normal Candy cost—but the trade can unlock the lower-cost evolution.

The eligible species and current mechanics are listed in the Pokémon GO Trade Evolution guide. You can also use the official evolution help page for the in-game rule. A traded Pokémon cannot be traded back to its original Trainer or to another Trainer.

Remote Trading

Pokémon GO now supports Remote Trading with eligible Forever Friends. Remote Trading has its own friendship-point requirements, Remote Trade tags, daily limits, and Pokémon restrictions, so it should not be treated as a shortcut around normal trade rules.

Read the dedicated Pokémon GO Remote Trading Guide for the current thresholds and restrictions. The official Remote Trading announcement confirms that the feature is available globally.

Connect Globally with PogoTrades

Having trouble finding Pokémon players in your area? PogoTrades helps you find potential trade partners and prepare a clear offer before you meet. Start with the Friend Finder, browse World Storage, compare demand in World Wishlist, or use Smart Trade Matches. The public trainer list is updated regularly.

Manage Your Inventory and Wishlist

  • Inventory Management: Keep track of the Pokémon you have available for trade
  • Wishlist Creation: List the Pokémon you're eager to acquire
  • Visibility: Your listings are visible to all site visitors, increasing your chances of finding the perfect trade

Message Trainers Worldwide

  • Direct Communication: Reach out to other trainers through the site's messaging system
  • Arrange Trades: Coordinate meet-ups or discuss potential trades seamlessly

Create Eye-Catching Trade Lists

  • Pokémon GO Trade List Generator: Create a clear image of your inventory and wishlist to share with potential trade partners
  • Social Sharing: Post your trade lists on social media platforms to find more trading opportunities

For community coordination, join the PogoTrades Pokémon GO Discord after preparing your list.

FAQs

Q1: Can I trade Pokémon remotely in Pokémon GO?
A: Yes, Remote Trading is available with eligible Forever Friends. It has separate friendship, tag, daily-limit, and Pokémon-eligibility rules. See the Remote Trading Guide for the current details. Normal trades still require the Trainers to be nearby.

Q2: How do stats change after trading?
A: A Pokémon's CP, HP, and IVs are re-rolled upon trading, resulting in new stats within a displayed range.

Q3: What are the benefits of Special Trades?
A: Special Trades let you acquire rare Pokémon like Legendaries, Shinies, unregistered entries, and special forms. They cost more Stardust and have a daily limit that can change during events.

Q4: How does the friendship level affect trading?
A: Friendship affects trade cost and unlocks additional benefits. The Friendship Levels guide explains the current milestones and how Forever Friends relate to Remote Trading.

Conclusion

Trading in Pokémon GO helps you fill Pokédex gaps, plan rare exchanges, and build useful trainer connections. Use PogoTrades to organize your wishlist, show your available Pokémon, find potential partners, and create a shareable trade list before you meet.

Start trading smarter, not harder! Join PogoTrades.com today.

Happy Trading, Trainer!