Pokemon Home How Add Friends HeroSource: Rebecca Spear / iMore

One of the essential parts of Pokémon games is being able to trade with other people to complete your Pokédex or to get shiny versions of your favorite creatures. So, in order to get the most out of Pokémon HOME you're going to want to add friends so you can trade with them. Trading can only be done within the mobile version of Pokémon HOME, so be sure to download the app on your phone before you get started.

Products used in this guide

Give your code to someone

  1. Open Pokémon HOME on your smartphone.

  2. Tap the screen to get past the start menu.

    Pokemon Home How Add Friends 001Pokemon Home How To Trade Home ScreenSource: iMore

  3. Select Friends.

  4. Select Add Friend.

    Pokemon Home How Add FriendsPokemon Home How Add FriendsSource: iMore

  5. Your own code will appear at the top of the screen. Tap the QR code button if your friend is physically near you.

  6. Tap Share Code if you want to post your friend code somewhere.

    Pokemon Home How Add FriendsPokemon Home How Add FriendsSource: iMore

    1. You can also select Copy Code if you'd prefer to paste the code the old fashioned way.

    2. Now, it's your friend's turn. Have them continue with the next set of steps.

      Pokemon Home How Add FriendsPokemon Home Enter Friend CodeSource: iMore

Enter a friend's code

  1. Open Pokémon HOME on your smartphone.

  2. Tap the screen to get past the start menu.

    Pokemon Home How Add Friends 001Pokemon Home How To Trade Home ScreenSource: iMore

  3. Select Friends.

  4. Select Add Friend.

    Pokemon Home How Add FriendsPokemon Home How Add FriendsSource: iMore

  5. If your friend has given you their QR code, select Scan Code Pattern and then line up your camera so that the code shows up within the brackets on your screen.

  6. If your friend has given you a numeric code, select Tap here and enter a Friend Code.

    Pokemon Home Enter Friend CodePokemon Home Enter Friend CodeSource: iMore

  7. Add the code in.

  8. Press Confirm.

    Pokemon Home Enter Friend CodePokemon Home Enter Friend CodeSource: iMore

  9. Press X.

  10. Have your friend accept your request then you're good to trade.

    Pokemon Home How Add FriendsPokemon Home How To RetreiveSource: iMore

Now that you're connected on Pokémon HOME you can trade with each other. Have fun collecting even more Pokémon. I hope you receive all the shinies and all the Pokémon with the best IVs while trading with others in Pokémon HOME.

Additional Equipment

I personally use these Switch accessories. What makes them so great is that they work on both the original Switch and the Switch Lite. They are a great way to round out your gaming experience.

SanDisk 128GB micoSD Card ($26 at Amazon)

Give your Switch or Switch Lite additional storage space with this nifty, Mario-themed, 128GB microSD card. That's plenty of space for your downloads, screenshots, and game data.

Hori Compact Playstand ($13 at Amazon)

This stand is perfect for when you're playing in tabletop mode or when you want to watch Hulu or YouTube on your Switch. It offers three different positions and is sturdier than the Switch's kickstand.

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller - Pikachu vs. Mewtwo ($45 at Amazon)

This Pokémon-themed controller is not only wireless but features an awesome spraypaint-splatter design complete with a battling Pikachu and Mewtwo.

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