How to Transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME (2026 Guide)

Pokémon HOME makes it possible to store, organize and transfer Pokémon between compatible Pokémon games. But if you're using HOME for the first time, figuring out which version to use, which games are compatible and how to actually move your Pokémon can be confusing.

In this 2026 guide, we'll explain how to transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, how to move them into compatible games, how HOME transfers work and what to check if a Pokémon cannot be transferred.

What Is Pokémon HOME?

Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service that lets you store Pokémon from different games in one place. It is available on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, although the two versions have different features.

The Nintendo Switch version is particularly important for transferring Pokémon between HOME and compatible Nintendo Switch games.

How to Transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME

For compatible Nintendo Switch games, transferring Pokémon is straightforward:

1. Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2.
2. Select Pokémon from the main menu.
3. Select the compatible game containing the Pokémon you want to move.
4. Select the correct user and save data.
5. Move the Pokémon from the game's Boxes into a Pokémon HOME Box.
6. Press the + button when finished.
7. Select Save changes and exit.

Your Pokémon should now be stored in Pokémon HOME.

How to Transfer Pokémon from HOME to a Game

You can also move compatible Pokémon from Pokémon HOME into supported games.

1. Open Pokémon HOME on Nintendo Switch.
2. Select Pokémon.
3. Choose the game you want to connect to.
4. Open your HOME Boxes.
5. Move the Pokémon into an available Box in the selected game.
6. Press + and save your changes.

If HOME does not allow you to move a particular Pokémon into the game, that Pokémon may not be compatible with that title.

Which Games Work with Pokémon HOME?

Pokémon HOME works with a range of Pokémon games and services. Compatibility depends on both the game and the individual Pokémon.

HOME can be used with supported titles and services including Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Pokémon GO, Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Champions.

However, this does not mean that every Pokémon can be moved into every game.

How Do I Know Which Games a Pokémon Can Travel To?

Pokémon HOME can show you exactly which games are compatible with an individual Pokémon.

On the Pokémon HOME mobile app:

1. Select the Pokémon.
2. Open its details.
3. Scroll to the section showing which games it can travel to.

If a game's icon is grayed out, that Pokémon cannot currently be used in that game.

On Nintendo Switch:

1. Select the Pokémon.
2. Select Check Summary.
3. Press the + button to view compatible games.

Can You Transfer Pokémon Using the HOME Mobile App?

The mobile app is extremely useful for managing Pokémon and trading through features such as Friend Trade, GTS, Wonder Box and Room Trade.

However, moving Pokémon directly between HOME and compatible Nintendo Switch game save data generally requires the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME.

How Does Friend Trade Work in Pokémon HOME?

Pokémon HOME's mobile version includes Friend Trade. After adding another Trainer as a friend, compatible Pokémon can be traded through the app.

This can be useful when receiving individual Pokémon directly into your HOME collection.

Can You Move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to HOME?

Yes. Pokémon stored in Pokémon Bank can be moved into Pokémon HOME with the appropriate HOME setup.

Keep in mind that this transfer is one-way: once Pokémon have been moved from Pokémon Bank into Pokémon HOME, they cannot be sent back to Pokémon Bank.

Why Can't I Transfer a Pokémon?

If HOME refuses to move a Pokémon into a particular game, don't immediately assume something is wrong.

Common reasons include:

• The Pokémon species is not available in the destination game.
• That specific Pokémon is not compatible with the selected title.
• The Pokémon is currently in your party rather than a Box.
• The game has specific transfer restrictions.
• The Pokémon has already been moved in a direction that cannot be reversed.

The easiest way to check is to use HOME's built-in game compatibility information for that Pokémon.

Do Pokémon Keep Their Moves When Transferred?

Not necessarily. Available moves can differ between Pokémon games. Pokémon HOME can therefore display or use different moves depending on the game the Pokémon is being moved into.

HOME keeps game-specific move information, so transferring between games does not necessarily mean the Pokémon's previous moves have been permanently lost.

Can Pokémon HOME Help Complete a Living Dex?

Absolutely. One of HOME's biggest advantages is being able to keep Pokémon from multiple generations and games together in one collection.

If your goal is to collect every species, read our complete guide to building a Living Dex in Pokémon HOME.

Can You Receive Pokémon Bought Online Through HOME?

Depending on the Pokémon and delivery method, Pokémon can be received through supported Pokémon HOME transfer or trading features.

If you're considering obtaining Pokémon online, it's important to understand legality, compatibility and how transfers work before purchasing.

We've covered that subject separately in our Is Buying Pokémon Online Safe? Ban Risk Explained Honestly guide.

Pokémon HOME Transfers at PokeTradingShop

PokeTradingShop provides Pokémon prepared for compatible Pokémon games and Pokémon HOME, including Shiny Pokémon, collection-ready Pokémon and larger Pokédex options.

If you're looking for Pokémon for your collection, you can browse our Pokémon HOME Transfers.

Not sure which delivery method or game compatibility you need? Contact us before ordering and we'll help you choose the appropriate option.

Final Thoughts

Pokémon HOME is one of the easiest ways to manage a collection across multiple Pokémon games, but compatibility matters. Always check which games an individual Pokémon can travel to before moving it.

Once you understand the difference between the mobile and Nintendo Switch versions of HOME, transferring and organizing Pokémon becomes much easier.

Last updated: August 2026.