How to Trade in Pokemon GO: Rules and Guide 2026

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Trading is a core feature in Pokemon GO, allowing players to exchange Pokemon with friends to complete their Pokedex, get Lucky Pokemon, or improve IVs. However, many players wonder if they can trade items like Poke Balls or evolution items. In this guide, we’ll break down how to trade in Pokemon GO, the rules you need to follow, and whether it’s possible to trade items in Pokemon GO.

Trading isn’t unlimited in Pokemon GO. Here are the key rules you need to know:

Steps to Trade Pokemon in Pokemon GO:

Step 1: Open Pokemon GO and tap on your Trainer profile.

Step 2: Go to the Friends tab and select the friend you want to trade with.

Step 3: Tap on Trade, ensuring you’re within 100 meters of each other.

Step 4: Select the Pokemon you want to trade and confirm.

Step 5: Spend Stardust (amount depends on Pokemon rarity and friendship level).

Step 6: Once the trade is complete, the Pokemon’s IVs will reroll, and you might even get a Lucky Pokemon!

Note

Special trades (Shiny, Legendary, or Pokemon not in your Pokedex) cost significantly more Stardust and are limited to one per day. And some Pokemon with trade evolutions can evolve for free after being traded, saving you a lot of Candy. Shadow Pokemon can't be traded before purifying.

No, you cannot trade items like Poke Balls, Stardust, Evolution Items, or Incubators in Pokemon GO. Currently, Niantic only allows Pokemon trading and has not introduced an item trading feature.

Why Can’t You Trade Items in Pokemon GO?

However, you can send Gifts to friends, which may contain Poke Balls, Berries, Stardust, and Evolution Items.

Although direct item trading isn’t available, here are some ways to help your friends get more items:

Tips 1 Send Gifts to Friends

The closest alternative to item trading in Pokemon GO is the Gift system. By sending Gifts to friends, you can help them receive Poke Balls, Berries, Stardust, and Evolution Items.

How to Send Gifts in Pokemon GO:

Step 1: Spin a PokeStop or Gym to collect Gifts.

Step 2: Open the Friends List from your Trainer Profile.

Step 3: Tap on a friend’s name and select Send Gift.

Step 4: Choose a Gift and send it.

Tips 2 Coordinate Raid Battles to Earn Rare Items

Raiding is an excellent way to earn high-value items like Rare Candies, Golden Razz Berries, Charged & Fast TMs, and Stardust. If you and your friend join the same Raid, both of you can benefit from the item rewards.

How to Join a Raid with Friends:

Step 1: Find a Raid near you and invite your friends using a Remote Raid Pass.

Step 2: Win the Raid battle to earn Rare Candies, TMs, and other rewards.

Step 3: Share the rewards and strategize for the next Raid.

Tips 3 Exchange Evolution Pokemon to Save Candies

Although you can’t trade items, you can trade specific Pokemon that require evolution items, saving your friend valuable Candy.

For example, Scyther needs Metal to evolve into Coat Scizor, but trade eliminates the need for Metal Coat.

Tips 4 Use iMyFone AnyTo to Get More Items Without Walking

If you’re struggling to get enough items but can't get them from trading, you can use iMyFone AnyTo to change your GPS location and visit more PokeStops & Gyms without leaving your home.

How AnyTo Helps You Get More Items:

1．What level to trade in Pokemon GO?

The minimum level to trade in Pokemon GO is Level 10. Both players must also be friends in the game and within the required trade distance to complete the trade.

2．Can you trade shadow Pokemon GO?

No, Shadow Pokemon cannot be traded in Pokemon GO. If you want to trade a Shadow Pokemon, you must purify it first, turning it into a Purified Pokemon, which can then be traded.

3．How do I trade Pokemon with myself?

Pokemon GO does not support self-trading within a single account. However, if you have two accounts on two different devices, you can add them as friends and trade Pokemon between them.

4．How many trades per day Pokemon GO?

The limit on standard trades is 100 trades in Pokemon GO, but you can only perform one Special Trade per day. Special Trades include trading Shiny Pokemon and Legendary Pokemon, and Pokemon not yet in your Pokedex.

5．Can you trade Pokeballs in Pokemon GO?

No, you cannot trade Poke Balls in Pokemon GO. The game's trading system is limited to Pokemon only and does not support the exchange of items like Poke Balls, Potions, or Stardust between players. However, you can receive Poke Balls from gitfs.

While Pokemon trading is a key feature in Pokemon GO, trading items is not possible. However, you can still send gifts and use other methods to help friends get more resources. If you want to maximize your trading experience, tools like location changer iMyFone AnyTo can help you find more Pokemon, PokeStops, and Raids without walking.

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Article by

Spencer Hill

Spencer Hill has over 5 years of experience specializing in mobile screen mirroring and virtual location modification. As a senior editor at iMyFone, he creates user-friendly tutorials that help mobile users maximize their device functionality.