Can I Get Back a Pokemon I Accidentally Transferred? The Ultimate Guide

The short answer is, unfortunately, generally no, you cannot get back a Pokemon you have accidentally transferred. This applies to transferring to the Professor in Pokémon GO, sending Pokémon to Pokémon Home, or trading them away in any Pokémon game. Once the transfer or trade is completed, the Pokémon is typically gone permanently.

This harsh reality stems from the design of the Pokémon games, which prioritizes a player-driven economy and a sense of permanence to your actions. However, there are a few extremely rare exceptions, which we will discuss below. Also, we’ll offer tips on preventing accidental transfers in the first place.

Understanding the Transfer Mechanics Across Different Pokémon Games

The inability to recover transferred Pokémon is consistent across different Pokémon games, but the mechanics surrounding the transfer process vary. Understanding these differences is crucial.

Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow yields Candy, specific to that Pokémon species. Candy is vital for evolving and powering up your Pokémon. The game presents a confirmation screen before a transfer, asking if you’re sure you want to transfer the Pokémon. Transferring a Shiny Pokémon, a Lucky Pokémon, or a Favorite Pokémon requires multiple confirmations to reduce the chance of accidental transfer. Despite these safeguards, accidents happen.

• Mythical Pokémon received through special research (like Meltan from the Meltan Special Research) cannot be transferred until you complete certain stages of the quest line, further safeguarding against accidental transfers.

Pokémon Home

Pokémon Home acts as a central hub for storing Pokémon from various Pokémon games. You transfer Pokémon from compatible games (such as Pokémon GO, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet, and Pokémon Violet) to Pokémon Home. Once Pokémon are moved to Pokémon Home, they are removed from their original game. There is NO way to move Pokémon back from Pokémon Home to Pokémon GO, and only some can be moved to Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, etc.

• Pokémon Home offers a basic and premium plan. The basic plan allows you to store up to 30 Pokémon. The premium plan offers significantly more storage. Before using Pokémon Home, it’s important to understand that the transfer is permanent.

Core Series Pokémon Games (Sword, Shield, Scarlet, Violet, etc.)

In the core series games, Pokémon can be transferred within the same game through the in-game boxes, but trading them to another player is a permanent transfer. Once a Pokémon is traded to another trainer, it belongs to them, and getting it back requires a trade agreement with that trainer.

• Surprise Trades (formerly Wonder Trades) are particularly risky. There’s no guarantee of getting a valuable Pokémon in return, and accidental selections happen frequently.

The (Extremely Rare) Exceptions: When You Might Get Lucky

While generally impossible, there are a few incredibly rare instances where Niantic (for Pokémon GO) or Nintendo (Pokémon Home and core series games) might offer assistance:

1. Significant Account Issue: If you experience a significant technical issue or account compromise that directly led to the accidental transfer, you might be able to contact support. However, this is highly unlikely unless you can prove the issue was on their end.

2. Game-Breaking Bug: If a bug within the game caused the transfer without your consent (extremely rare), submitting a detailed bug report with supporting evidence (screenshots, video) might lead to an investigation and possible restoration. Again, this is improbable.

Important Note: Even in these extremely rare cases, recovery is not guaranteed. Support teams are often overwhelmed, and proving your case can be difficult.

Prevention is Better Than Cure: Tips to Avoid Accidental Transfers

The best strategy is always prevention. Here are steps you can take to minimize the risk of accidental transfers:

1. Favorite Important Pokémon: In Pokémon GO, use the Favorite feature (the star icon). Favorited Pokémon require multiple confirmations to transfer. In the core series games, you can mark Pokémon as favorites too.

2. Lock Pokémon in Pokémon Home: In Pokémon Home, use the lock feature to prevent Pokémon from being moved or traded accidentally.

3. Double-Check Before Transferring: Always carefully review the Pokémon you’re about to transfer, especially if you’re mass-transferring. Take a second look!

4. Be Cautious with Mass Transfers: Mass transfers can be efficient, but they also increase the risk of accidentally selecting the wrong Pokémon. Focus and pay attention!

5. Avoid Trading When Distracted: Trading or transferring Pokémon requires focus. Avoid doing it when tired, distracted, or multitasking.

6. Understand Confirmation Screens: Pay close attention to the confirmation prompts and warnings that appear before transferring or trading. Don’t just blindly click “yes”.

7. Utilize Appraisal Systems: Before transferring, use the appraisal system (e.g., IV checking in Pokémon GO) to identify and retain high-potential Pokémon.

8. Name Important Pokémon: Give important Pokémon custom names as an extra visual reminder to not transfer them.

9. Check Pokémon Summary Screens: Before transferring, always view the Pokémon’s summary screen to confirm its details (e.g., stats, moves, shiny status).

10. Consider Using Third-Party Apps (with caution): Some third-party apps can help you track your Pokémon’s IVs and other stats, making it easier to identify valuable Pokémon. However, be very cautious when using third-party apps, as they can violate the game’s terms of service and lead to account bans. Only use reputable apps and never share your login credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I undo a transfer in Pokémon GO immediately after it happens?

No, unfortunately, there’s no “undo” button or grace period to reverse a transfer in Pokémon GO. Once you confirm the transfer, the Pokémon is gone.

2. What happens to Pokémon transferred to the Professor in Pokémon GO?

They disappear from your storage and give you Pokémon Candy specific to that species.

3. Can Niantic restore a Pokémon I accidentally transferred if I contact support?

It’s highly unlikely, but you can try. However, you’ll need compelling evidence that the transfer occurred due to a technical issue on Niantic’s end, not simply your mistake.

4. Are Shiny Pokémon more easily recoverable if accidentally transferred?

No. Shiny Pokémon are subject to the same transfer rules as regular Pokémon. The game provides extra confirmation screens, but recovery is not guaranteed.

5. If I transfer a Pokémon with a Community Day-exclusive move, can I get it back?

No. Once transferred, the Pokémon and its Community Day-exclusive move are gone.

6. Can I transfer Pokémon back from Pokémon Home to Pokémon GO?

No, this is not possible. Pokémon transferred to Pokémon Home are permanently removed from Pokémon GO.

7. What happens if I accidentally transfer a Pokémon I need for a research task?

You’ll need to catch another Pokémon of that species to complete the task. There’s no way to recover the transferred one.

8. Is there any way to trade Pokémon from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon GO?

No, there’s no direct trading functionality between Pokémon HOME and Pokémon GO.

9. Does the Pokémon GO Plus device ever accidentally transfer Pokémon?

The Pokémon GO Plus can transfer Pokémon if you have it set to auto-catch and you are not paying attention. It is best practice to review what the Pokémon GO Plus has caught or transferred.

10. If I accidentally transfer a Pokémon that was wearing a costume, can I get it back?

No. Costumed Pokémon follow the same transfer rules. Once transferred, the Pokémon and its costume are lost.

11. How do I report an accidental transfer to Niantic?

Go to the in-app Settings, tap “Help,” and then use the Contact Us option. Be prepared to provide details such as the Pokémon’s name, CP, date and time of transfer, and any relevant screenshots. However, manage your expectations; recovery is improbable.

12. Does Pokémon HOME have a way to reverse transfers?

No, Pokémon HOME does not have a function to undo any transfers. Make sure you double check before completing any transfer.

13. Are Pokémon transferred in Pokémon GO recoverable within a certain time frame?

No, there is no time frame within which you can recover transferred Pokemon. The transfer is permanent.

14. Does the level of the Pokemon make a difference if they can be recovered?

No, the Pokemon’s level does not factor into the transfer. It is still not recoverable.

15. Are there any third-party tools that help recover accidentally transferred Pokémon?

No legitimate third-party tools can recover transferred Pokémon. Be extremely wary of any software claiming to do so, as they are likely scams or malware. Focus on prevention and avoid relying on unproven or risky solutions.