Pokémon GO trading

Pokémon GO trades happen in person, between in-game friends standing close to each other. ApexDex helps you find someone with the Pokémon you want, whether it's a regional, a shiny or a Legendary, and agree the details before you meet.

How to trade in Pokémon GO

  1. Agree the trade on ApexDex and exchange Trainer Codes in the trade chat.
  2. Add each other as friends in Pokémon GO.
  3. Meet up, open your friend's profile and tap Trade.
  4. Pick the Pokémon, check the Stardust cost, and confirm.
  5. Back on ApexDex, both tap We traded.

What changes when a Pokémon is traded

Traded Pokémon get new IVs, and their CP changes with them. Higher friendship levels raise the minimum IVs, and a Lucky Trade guarantees at least 12 in each stat. So the IVs a trainer lists are never what you'll receive.

Our Pokémon GO trading guide covers Stardust costs, Special Trades and Lucky Trades in detail.

Before you agree a trade

  • IVs and CP are re-rolled when traded — the IVs you see now are not what your partner receives. Higher friendship gives a better IV floor.
  • Shiny, Legendary and new-to-Pokédex trades are Special Trades: limited per day and costlier in Stardust unless you're Best Friends.
  • Mythical, Shadow, fused and previously traded Pokémon can't be traded.

Frequently asked questions

Can I trade Pokémon GO Pokémon remotely?

Usually not: you must be close to each other. Pokémon GO sometimes extends the distance during events; check the in-game news.

Can I trade between Pokémon GO and Scarlet or Violet?

Not directly. You can send Pokémon from GO to Pokémon HOME, one way, and move them on to a Switch game that has the species.

See also