How to Use XL Candy in Pokémon GO

XL Candy lets you power a Pokémon beyond the level range that regular Candy can support, up to level 50 when the other requirements are met. You spend it from the Pokémon’s power-up screen; first make sure your Trainer level and XL Candy balance are sufficient.

What You’ll Need

• Pokémon GO installed and a Pokémon you want to power up.
• Enough Stardust, regular Candy and, for higher power-ups, XL Candy. The amount varies by Pokémon and its current level.
• A Trainer level high enough to use XL Candy. Trainers can begin using it at level 31.
• An internet connection to open the game and save changes.

Step-by-Step

1. Check your Trainer level. XL Candy becomes available to use once your Trainer reaches level 31. If you are below that level, you may not be able to use XL Candy even if you have some. Continue gaining Trainer XP and return to the Pokémon’s power-up screen after reaching the requirement.
2. Choose the Pokémon to power up. Open the Pokémon GO map, tap the Poké Ball menu, then choose Pokémon. Select the Pokémon you want to strengthen. Check that it is the correct individual, especially if you have several of the same species; powering up is a resource cost for that Pokémon, not a species-wide upgrade.
3. Review its current level and costs. On the Pokémon’s profile, look below its stats for the Power Up button. The screen shows the Stardust and Candy required for the next power-up. As the Pokémon gets stronger, the game may require XL Candy in addition to Stardust. Costs depend on the Pokémon’s current level and other game rules, so use the displayed amount rather than a generic chart.
4. Tap Power Up and confirm. If the button is available and you are happy with the listed cost, tap Power Up. If a confirmation prompt appears, review it and confirm. The Pokémon’s CP and level increase; the game deducts the resources shown. Repeat only as needed, checking the cost each time.
5. Stop at your intended level. You do not have to spend all your XL Candy. Power-ups are applied in increments, and the next cost can change. Stop when you reach the CP, level or battle requirement you want, or when you want to save resources for another Pokémon.
6. Check your remaining balance. Return to the profile or your Item Bag and review the Candy balance where available. Pokémon-specific Candy and XL Candy are tied to a species family, so Candy for one family cannot power up a different species. If you are short, use one of the eligible ways to obtain more rather than repeatedly tapping an unavailable button.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing regular Candy with XL Candy. They are separate resources. A Pokémon may have plenty of regular Candy but still lack the XL Candy needed for a later power-up.
• Expecting XL Candy to raise every Pokémon to level 50. XL Candy is only one requirement. Your Trainer level, available Stardust, regular Candy, the Pokémon’s current level and the game’s power-up limit also matter.
• Assuming the CP increase is the same for every Pokémon. CP changes depend on the Pokémon and its stats. Check the preview and profile rather than expecting a fixed increase.
• Spending resources on the wrong copy. Candy applies to the species family, but the power-up affects only the selected Pokémon. Check its appraisal, moves and intended use before confirming.
• Using a conversion option without checking the rate. Some game features can exchange other Candy for XL Candy, but the exchange rate and availability may change. Read the in-game prompt carefully; converting can consume a large amount of regular Candy.

Tips

• Decide what you want the Pokémon for before spending: powering up for raids, a particular battle league or collection goals can call for different investments.
• Use the exact resource costs shown on the screen. Costs vary by level, and old guides or calculators may not reflect current game settings.
• Save XL Candy for Pokémon you actually plan to use. It can take time to collect, and powering a Pokémon up is not reversible.
• To build an XL Candy supply, catch eligible Pokémon and use other available in-game activities, such as transferring Pokémon, trading, hatching eggs or walking a buddy. Availability and rewards can vary; check the game’s current screens and event details.
• Consider whether powering up is necessary before spending. A Pokémon’s usefulness also depends on its moves, stats and the format in which you plan to use it.

Troubleshooting

The Power Up button is unavailable: Check your Trainer level, then compare your Stardust, regular Candy and XL Candy balances with the amounts shown. You may be missing any one of these requirements, or the Pokémon may already be at the applicable power-up limit.

I have XL Candy but cannot spend it: Confirm that the Candy is for the selected Pokémon’s species family and that you meet the Trainer-level requirement. A balance for a different family will not work. Also check whether the next power-up actually asks for XL Candy; earlier power-ups may use regular Candy only.

The displayed cost seems too high: Costs are tied to the next power-up, not a fixed price for every level. Reopen the profile and read the current cost. If you are comparing with an online guide, its information may be outdated or may describe a different starting level.

The power-up did not appear to register: Check the Pokémon’s CP and resource balances after the animation finishes. If the app is lagging, wait briefly, then close and reopen the game and check again. Avoid tapping repeatedly while the first action is processing. If the change still does not appear, use the game’s in-app support options.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what Trainer level can I use XL Candy?
Trainers can use XL Candy starting at Trainer level 31. The game may also require Stardust and regular Candy for a power-up.

Does XL Candy automatically power up a Pokémon?
No. You choose a Pokémon and tap Power Up. XL Candy is deducted only when the displayed power-up cost requires it and you confirm the action.

Can I use one species’ XL Candy on another species?
No. XL Candy is associated with a Pokémon’s Candy family. It cannot be spent on an unrelated species.

Can I get XL Candy from regular Candy?
Some in-game features may allow conversion, subject to the options and rate shown in the game. Check the prompt before confirming because the exchange uses regular Candy.

Is XL Candy the only thing needed to reach level 50?
No. You also need to meet the game’s Trainer-level and power-up requirements, including the listed Stardust and any regular Candy. Follow the costs shown for that Pokémon.

Can I undo a power-up?
No. A completed power-up cannot be reversed to recover its Candy or Stardust, so confirm the selected Pokémon and cost before you proceed.

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