Pokemon Go has added a number of different features since it was first released in 2016. One of these is the buddy system. You can learn how to swap buddies in Pokemon Go if you would like to advance your buddy level for multiple Pokemon at the same time.
Your Pokemon Go buddy has its own level in the game. Much like the friend system, you can advanced your buddy to different levels. This happens by performing actions like playing with your buddy, taking snapshots, engaging in battles, and more.
You may have a buddy set currently for which you are advancing its levels. However, Pokemon Go lets you swap buddies 20 times per day, meaning that you can earn hearts for multiple Pokemon each day.
Our guide below will show you how to switch your buddy in Pokemon Go so that you can take advantage of this feature.
How to Swap Buddies in Pokemon Go
- Open Pokemon Go.
- Touch your buddy image.
- Tap Swap Buddies.
- Choose Yes.
- Select your buddy.
Our guide continues below with additional information on swapping buddies in Pokemon Go, including pictures of these steps.
How to Switch Your Buddy Pokemon in Pokemon Go
The steps in this article were performed on an iPhone 11 in iOS 14.3. I am using the most current version of the Pokemon Go app.
Step 1: Open the Pokemon Go app.
Step 2: Select your buddy icon at the bottom-left of the screen, next to your trainer icon.
Step 3: Scroll down and touch the Swap Buddies option.
Step 4: Tap the Yes button to confirm.
Step 5: Browse for the Pokemon that you want to set as your buddy, then tap on it to select it.
Increasing your buddy level offers a lot of benefits. Your Pokemon can eventually perform a “catch assist” where it occasionally appears on screen and re-throws a Pokeball that initially missed the target Pokemon.
You buddy can also bring you gifts and, when you reach the “best buddy” level, can bump that Pokemon up a level when it is set as your best buddy.
Learn how to find your Pokemon Go trainer code if you would like to share it with other Pokemon Go players and start making friends in the game.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office and many other popular applications and devices.