Pokémon GO Trade Distance: How Far Apart Can You Be?

Pokémon GO trades normally require both players to be physically close to one another—within about 100 metres (roughly 328 feet). This is a local trading feature, not a long-distance exchange: both players must be together in the game’s trading range, and the exact distance or availability can be affected by a special event.

How Pokémon GO trade distance works

To trade, both players need to be in the same general area and start a trade through the in-game Friends list. The game checks their proximity when they begin. Being in the same city, neighbourhood, or even on the same block does not automatically qualify: the relevant distance is the short in-game trading radius, commonly described as 100 metres.

That limit is separate from how far a Pokémon has travelled or where it was caught. A Pokémon caught on another continent can still be traded locally, provided the players are close enough and meet the other trading requirements. Conversely, two friends thousands of kilometres apart cannot normally complete a trade just because they are connected as friends.

Niantic can change features for limited-time events, and event rules may temporarily relax the usual range. Check the event announcement and the trade screen rather than assuming that an extended-distance trade is always available.

What you need before trading

Proximity is only one requirement. Before arranging a trade, check that both accounts can access trading and that the Pokémon is eligible. Pokémon GO trading is generally available to Trainers who have reached Trainer Level 10 or higher. Both players also need an internet connection and enough Stardust for the trade.

• Be in range: Meet in a place where both players can open the game and remain close together.
• Be friends in the game: Add one another through the Friends feature if you have not already.
• Have Stardust available: The cost depends on the Pokémon, friendship level, and whether the trade is a Special Trade.
• Check eligibility: Some Pokémon cannot be traded, and a Pokémon can only be traded once.
• Agree on the trade: Each player should review the Pokémon and displayed cost before confirming.

How to make a trade

1. Meet within the normal trading range and open Pokémon GO.
2. Tap your Trainer profile, then open the Friends list.
3. Select the nearby friend and choose the trade option. If the option is unavailable, check your distance, connection, level, and eligibility.
4. Choose the Pokémon you want to offer. Your friend chooses theirs.
5. Review both Pokémon and the Stardust cost. Confirm only when the details are correct.

After a trade, the Pokémon’s individual values are rerolled, so the recipient does not simply receive the original stats unchanged. The traded Pokémon’s level and other characteristics may also be adjusted under the game’s rules. A trade is final: Pokémon cannot be traded back, and neither player can trade that same Pokémon again.

Why some trades cost more

Trade distance does not set the Stardust price. The cost is chiefly affected by the Pokémon involved, the players’ friendship level, and whether the exchange counts as a Special Trade. A Special Trade can include certain Pokémon, such as a Pokémon not yet registered in the recipient’s Pokédex, a Shiny Pokémon, or a Legendary Pokémon. The game identifies a Special Trade and displays the Stardust cost before confirmation.

Friendship level matters: higher friendship generally reduces trade costs. Special Trades are limited in number per day under normal rules, though events may change the allowance. Because event rules and game features can change, use the cost and availability shown in the trade screen as the final check rather than relying on an old chart.

Trades can also contribute to the distance-related medal. The game considers the distance between the locations where the two Pokémon were caught, not the distance between the players when they meet. For example, exchanging a Pokémon caught in one country for one caught far away can count toward this progress even though the players are standing together to trade.

Can you trade remotely?

There is no standard feature that lets friends trade Pokémon from anywhere in the world. Remote Raid Passes and remote participation in other activities do not remove the local trading requirement. Likewise, having a high friendship level does not normally turn a local trade into a remote one.

Temporary event rules may provide an exception or increase the trading range. These are limited and should be treated as event-specific, not as a permanent setting. If a friend is far away, the legitimate option is to wait until you can meet within range or until an announced event offers a suitable change. Avoid third-party services or methods that claim to trade on your behalf; they are not part of the normal in-game trade process and may put an account at risk.

Common distance problems

If you are standing together but cannot trade, first check that both players are in the game and that the intended friend is selected. Walk closer together, wait briefly for the game to update your location, and make sure location access and mobile data or Wi-Fi are working. Indoor GPS drift, weak connectivity, or a delayed location update can make the game behave as if players are farther apart.

• Trade option missing: Confirm that both accounts meet the level requirement and that the Pokémon is tradable.
• Players appear too far apart: Move closer, avoid relying on a map estimate, and allow location data to refresh.
• Trade will not start or finish: Check each player’s connection and try again after restarting the app if needed.
• Cost is unexpectedly high: Review friendship level, Pokédex registration, Shiny or Legendary status, and Special Trade rules.

Do not assume a failed trade means the 100-metre guideline is wrong. The displayed range can depend on current game conditions, and temporary event changes can make the usual rule differ. Check the current event details and the in-game prompt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart can you be to trade in Pokémon GO?
Normally, the players must be within about 100 metres (328 feet) of each other. A limited-time event may temporarily change the trading range.

Can I trade with a friend in another country?
Not through the standard trade feature. You generally need to meet locally, unless an event specifically enables a longer range.

Does friendship level increase trade distance?
No. Friendship level can affect Stardust costs and other friendship benefits, but it does not normally let you trade from farther away.

Does trade distance mean the distance between where Pokémon were caught?
No. The trading-range check concerns the players’ locations. The distance between catch locations is a separate factor used for distance-related medal progress.

Can you trade a Pokémon back to its original Trainer?
No. Each Pokémon can be traded only once, so trades are permanent. Check the Pokémon and cost carefully before confirming.

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