Are you playing Pokémon GO and wondering how to change your buddy? Maybe you want a new Pokémon to walk beside you. Or maybe you just got a rare one and want to show it off. No problem at all.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to change your buddy in Pokémon GO in the easiest way possible. We’ll walk you through each step, explain why buddies matter, and give you tips on which Pokémon make the best buddies.
Let’s get started.
What Is a Buddy in Pokémon GO?
Your buddy in Pokémon GO is a special Pokémon that walks with your trainer. It shows up next to your avatar on the map. When you walk, it helps you collect candy. You can also play with it, feed it berries, and take pictures together.
Having a buddy is fun, but it also helps you grow stronger in the game. That’s why knowing how to change your buddy is important.
Steps to Change Your Buddy in Pokémon GO
Here are the simple steps you need to follow to change your buddy:
- Open Pokémon GO on your phone.
- Tap on your trainer icon at the bottom left of the screen.
- Tap on your current buddy Pokémon.
- Scroll down and tap the “Swap Buddies” button.
- Tap “Yes” to confirm you want to change your buddy.
- Pick a new Pokémon from your collection.
And that’s it. You now have a brand-new buddy.
How Many Times Can You Change Your Buddy?
You can change your buddy up to 20 times each day. That’s a lot. So don’t worry if you want to switch multiple times to collect candy or complete quests.
Here’s a simple table:
| Action | Limit Per Day |
|---|---|
| Change Buddy Pokémon | 20 Times |
| Earn Candy by Walking | Unlimited |
| Receive Buddy Gifts | 3 Times |
If you’re trying to evolve a lot of Pokémon or collect hard-to-find candy, switching buddies can help you move faster.
Why You Might Want to Change Your Buddy
Changing your buddy is not just about looks. There are many reasons why players decide to switch:
- You want candy for evolving a different Pokémon.
- You caught a rare Pokémon and want it to walk with you.
- Your current buddy already reached Best Buddy level.
- A quest or event asks you to walk with a certain type.
- You want a lower-distance Pokémon to earn candy faster.
Different Pokémon need different walking distances for candy. We’ll talk about that next.
Pokémon Candy Walking Distance
Some Pokémon give you candy faster than others. Here’s a chart that shows how far you need to walk to get one candy:
| Pokémon Type | Distance to Earn 1 Candy |
|---|---|
| Common (like Caterpie) | 1 KM |
| Uncommon (like Bulbasaur) | 3 KM |
| Rare (like Dratini) | 5 KM |
| Legendary (like Mewtwo) | 20 KM |
So, if you’re trying to collect candy quickly, go with Pokémon that only need 1 or 3 KM per candy.
What Happens to Progress When You Change Buddy?
This is a great question. If you switch buddies, your progress is saved. You don’t lose the distance you walked for that Pokémon. You can come back later and keep going from where you stopped.
That’s super helpful if you’re switching between Pokémon that need lots of candy.
How to Make Your Buddy Happy
Making your buddy happy helps you earn more rewards. It can also make your buddy “excited,” which lets you earn double candy.
Here are ways to keep your buddy happy:
- Walk with it.
- Feed it berries (especially Poffins).
- Play with it.
- Take snapshots.
- Battle with it.
- Spin new PokéStops together.
Doing these things gives you hearts, and hearts help level up your buddy status.
Buddy Level Rewards
As your buddy levels up, it gives you more benefits. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Buddy Level | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Good Buddy | Shows mood and helps catch Pokémon |
| Great Buddy | Brings items while walking |
| Ultra Buddy | Finds souvenirs and alerts PokéStops |
| Best Buddy | CP boost in battle + ribbon |
Getting to Best Buddy takes time, but it’s worth it if you use that Pokémon in raids or gyms.
Related: How Much XP Per Evolution in Pokémon GO?
Best Pokémon to Use as Buddies
If you’re not sure which Pokémon to choose as a buddy, here are some ideas:
| Pokémon | Distance | Reason to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Magikarp | 1 KM | Needs 400 candy to evolve |
| Eevee | 5 KM | Needed for all evolutions |
| Riolu | 5 KM | Evolves into strong Lucario |
| Dratini | 5 KM | Evolves into Dragonite |
| Gible | 5 KM | Evolves into Garchomp |
| Beldum | 5 KM | Evolves into Metagross |
| Legendary Pokémon | 20 KM | Rare and powerful |
If you need to finish a mission fast, choose a 1 KM Pokémon.
How to Make Your Buddy Excited
When your buddy is “excited,” it earns candy twice as fast. It also needs fewer steps to find items and get hearts.
To make your buddy excited without using a Poffin, you need to do many activities quickly:
- Feed your buddy 3 times.
- Take a snapshot.
- Play with your buddy.
- Walk 2 KM.
- Visit a new PokéStop.
- Battle with your buddy in a gym or raid.
Do as many of these as you can in a short time, and your buddy will become excited.
Related: When Did Pokémon Cards Come Out? A Timeline
What If the Buddy Feature Isn’t Working?
If you’re having trouble changing your buddy, here are some things you can try:
- Make sure your app is up to date.
- Restart your phone.
- Check your internet connection.
- Close and reopen the app.
- Log out and log back in.
Sometimes, the buddy icon might not appear right away. Try going to your trainer profile and scrolling down. It should be there.
Tips for Managing Your Buddy System
Here are some smart tips to help you use the buddy system better:
- Use Adventure Sync – This helps count your steps even when the app is closed.
- Switch Buddies Often – If you’re low on candy for many Pokémon, use your 20 daily changes.
- Plan Evolutions – Choose Pokémon that you want to evolve soon and walk with them.
- Use Events – During events, walking distance may be reduced. Great time to collect more candy.
- Track Progress – Check how much distance is left for each buddy to get candy.
Related: How to Make a Gym in Pokémon GO? 2025 Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk with more than one buddy at a time?
No. You can only walk with one buddy at a time. But you can change buddies 20 times a day.
Will I lose my candy progress if I change my buddy?
No. Progress is saved. If you switch back later, you can keep earning candy from where you left off.
Can I change buddies during events?
Yes. It’s a good idea to do that, especially during events that give double candy or faster walking.
Do Poffins help with buddy tasks?
Yes. Poffins make your buddy excited right away and keep it on the map longer.
How Buddy Pokémon Helps You Grow in the Game
The buddy feature in Pokémon GO is more than just a cool way to show off your favorite Pokémon. It helps you:
- Collect candy for evolution.
- Gain hearts and level up friendship.
- Get items and souvenirs.
- Earn battle bonuses.
- Complete special research tasks.
By knowing how to switch your buddy, you can manage all of this more easily.
Changing your buddy in Pokémon GO is easy. It takes just a few taps, and you’re ready to walk with a new Pokémon. Whether you’re playing for fun, collecting candy, or finishing tasks, learning how to manage your buddy can really help.
So go ahead—try out new buddies, walk more, and enjoy the rewards. Pokémon GO is full of surprises, and your buddy is right there with you for the journey.
Still have questions or want more tips? Let us know. Happy catching!
