Why Can’t I Buy Pokémon Go Coins? Troubleshooting Your Purchase Issues
It can be incredibly frustrating when you’re ready to enhance your Pokémon Go experience and find yourself unable to purchase PokéCoins. There are several reasons why this might be happening. The inability to buy PokéCoins generally stems from purchase restrictions on your device or app store, payment method issues, or issues with your account balance. Let’s break down the common causes and how to resolve them.
The most likely reasons you can’t purchase PokéCoins include:
- Purchase Restrictions are Enabled: Your device settings might have restrictions to prevent unauthorized purchases, often configured for children or other users. This is a primary reason why you might be blocked from buying PokéCoins.
- Insufficient Funds: If you’re using an Apple Gift Card, Google Play balance, or other prepaid method, the balance might not be enough to cover the cost of the PokéCoin package.
- Payment Method Issues: Your default payment method (credit card, debit card, etc.) might be expired, invalid, or have insufficient funds, and may need updating within your app store account.
- Apple Account Balance Not Set as Default: If you have an Apple Account balance from a gift card, you need to set it as your default payment method within your Apple ID settings.
- Technical Glitches: Sometimes, temporary glitches on your device or within the app stores (Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Galaxy Store) can interrupt the purchase process.
- Gift Card Activation Issues: If you’re trying to use a gift card, ensure it has been properly activated at the store.
- Regional Restrictions: Some countries or regions may have restrictions on digital purchases or have specific payment limitations.
- App Version Issues: If your game or the app store app is out of date, this can sometimes cause purchase problems.
- Temporary Store Outages: The app store or Pokémon GO servers might be experiencing maintenance or an outage, making purchases temporarily unavailable.
To determine the root of the problem, you will need to check several things in your phone’s settings and in the app store where you usually make your purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PokéCoin Purchases
Here are 15 FAQs to help you further understand and troubleshoot common issues with purchasing PokéCoins in Pokémon Go:
How do I buy PokéCoins in Pokémon Go?
You can purchase PokéCoins by tapping the Main Menu in Map View, then tapping Shop. Select a pack of PokéCoins you wish to purchase, and you’ll be prompted to complete the transaction through either Google Play or Galaxy Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
Is there a limit to how many PokéCoins I can buy?
While there isn’t a hard limit on the total number of PokéCoins you can buy, keep in mind there are daily limits. You can also earn a maximum of 50 PokéCoins per day by defending Gyms.
Why can’t I earn more than 50 PokéCoins per day?
The daily limit for free PokéCoins earned from defending Gyms is capped at 50. This applies whether one or multiple Pokémon return from Gyms in a day. Even if your Pokémon has been defending for several days, you will only get a maximum of 50 coins when it’s knocked out.
Can I buy PokéCoins with an Apple gift card?
Yes, you can buy PokéCoins with an Apple gift card. You must first redeem the gift card in the App Store. This adds the value to your Apple ID balance, which will then be used when you make purchases.
Why can’t I use my Apple balance for in-app purchases?
Ensure your Apple Account balance is set as your default payment. Additionally, some purchases may require a credit card on file, even if you’re using your Apple Account balance.
Why can’t I use my Apple gift card as a payment method?
Make sure your purchase amount doesn’t exceed your gift card balance. Also, you must have an additional valid payment method associated with your Apple ID even if you use a gift card or your Apple Account Balance.
How many coins do I get for defending a gym for 3 days?
Even if your Pokémon defends a Gym for multiple days, you will only earn a maximum of 50 PokéCoins when it returns to you. You do not earn coins daily for each day a Pokémon stays in a Gym.
Can I buy PokéCoins outside of the Pokémon Go app?
Yes, Niantic has launched a Pokémon Go Web Store where players can purchase PokéCoins directly, bypassing the app store. This is often a cheaper alternative.
What is the 50 coins daily limit all about?
The 50 PokéCoins daily limit is the maximum you can earn from defending Gyms in one day. If multiple Pokémon return from Gyms, the limit still applies.
Why is my Pokémon Go shop different?
The shop offers a rotation of different boxes based on your recent gameplay and spending habits. Trainers using Niantic Kids or Pokémon Trainer Club accounts will have a different set of boxes offered to them.
What is the max number of PokéCoins you can get from a gym?
You earn about 6 PokéCoins per hour while your Pokémon defends a gym, but you only receive the coins when your Pokémon gets knocked out. There is also a limit of 50 coins daily, capping the total earned from Gyms.
Is the Pokémon Go web store legit?
Yes, the Pokémon Go Web Store is a legitimate platform created by Niantic to sell PokéCoins and other in-game items.
What are the main ways to get free raid passes?
You can obtain free raid passes by spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym. Occasionally, they are also given as a reward from Special Research tasks and Events. You can purchase premium passes in the in-game shop.
What do I do if my gift card is not activated?
If your gift card is not activated, you will need to return to the store where you purchased it and ask them to fix the issue.
Why is Apple asking for a credit card even when I have a gift card?
Even when you are using a gift card or the Apple Account Balance, Apple may ask for a credit card on file for certain purchases. To use your gift card balance, be sure to set it as the default payment method.
By understanding these factors and exploring the solutions, you should be able to get back to buying PokéCoins and enjoying Pokémon Go. If issues persist, reaching out to Niantic Support or your app store’s customer service is often the next best step.