Your Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon Go is more than just a companion — it earns candy, boosts your stats, and follows you on your adventures. But what if you want a new buddy or need to switch for strategic reasons? Changing your Buddy Pokémon is simple once you know the steps. In this guide, we’ll explain how to change your buddy in Pokémon Go, tips for efficient candy farming, and strategies to maximize benefits.
What is a Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon Go?
A Buddy Pokémon is a Pokémon you select to accompany your trainer. While walking together, your buddy can:
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Earn Candy for evolving or powering up.
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Appear next to your trainer on the map.
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Boost your trainer stats in certain events.
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Gain hearts and affection, unlocking bonuses.
Why Change Your Buddy Pokémon?
You may want to change your buddy for several reasons:
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Candy farming: Swap to a Pokémon that needs candy for evolution.
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Events: Some events require specific buddy Pokémon to unlock bonuses.
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Appearance: Want a different Pokémon following you?
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Buddy levels: Reset progress to gain new hearts or perks with another Pokémon.
Requirements Before Changing Your Buddy
Before changing your buddy, ensure:
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You are logged in to Pokémon Go.
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You have at least one Pokémon in your inventory.
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You understand that previously earned candy and hearts remain for the old buddy.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Buddy Pokémon
Step 1: Open Pokémon Go
Launch Pokémon Go on your device. Make sure your GPS is on and you’re logged in.
Step 2: Access Your Trainer Profile
Tap your trainer avatar at the bottom-left corner of the screen. This opens your trainer profile.
Step 3: Tap on Your Current Buddy
Your current buddy appears beneath your avatar or in the buddy section. Tap the buddy Pokémon icon to open the buddy menu.
Step 4: Select “Swap Buddy”
Tap the “Swap Buddy” button. This allows you to replace your current buddy with another Pokémon.
Step 5: Choose a New Buddy
Select a Pokémon from your inventory that you want to become your new buddy.
Step 6: Confirm the Change
Tap “Yes” or “Confirm” to finalize the swap. Your new buddy will now appear next to your trainer and start earning candy for you.
How Often Can You Change Your Buddy Pokémon?
You can change your buddy as many times as you like, but remember:
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Candy earned with the previous buddy remains.
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Hearts and affection for the old buddy do not transfer.
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Changing too often might disrupt long-term goals for specific candy collection.
Tips for Choosing the Right Buddy Pokémon
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Pick rare or evolving Pokémon to maximize candy.
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Use event-specific Pokémon when bonuses are active.
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Consider distance to earn candy — some Pokémon require more kilometers.
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Choose based on personal preference if appearance is your priority.
Maximizing Candy Collection With Your Buddy
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Walk regularly to earn candy — 1 km, 3 km, 5 km, depending on the Pokémon.
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Use Pinap Berries for extra candy during captures.
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Swap buddies strategically to chain candy collection for evolutions.
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Enable Adventure Sync to track steps even when the app is closed.
Buddy Level and Affection System
Pokémon Go has a Buddy Level system:
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Good Buddy → Great Buddy → Ultra Buddy → Best Buddy
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Hearts earned unlock perks like extra candy, bonuses, and CP boost.
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Changing buddies resets heart progress for the old buddy but retains all previously unlocked perks.
How to Revert Back to a Previous Buddy
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Access your buddy menu.
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Tap Swap Buddy.
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Select the Pokémon you want to revert back to.
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Confirm the swap — previous candy remains, but heart levels resume from last progress.
Changing Buddy for Events and Special Pokémon
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Some events require specific buddy Pokémon for rewards.
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Swap to the event Pokémon to earn event-specific candy and bonuses.
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Monitor Pokémon Go event announcements for optimal swapping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Buddies
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Forgetting to enable Adventure Sync — slows candy collection.
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Changing buddies too frequently — can reduce event or evolution efficiency.
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Ignoring the distance requirement for candy — some Pokémon need more kilometers.
Using Adventure Sync With Your Buddy Pokémon
Adventure Sync tracks walking even when the app is closed:
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Go to Settings → Adventure Sync.
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Enable step tracking via Google Fit (Android) or Health app (iOS).
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Walk naturally; your buddy will still earn candy.
How to Track Buddy Progress and Candy
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Tap the buddy Pokémon icon in your trainer profile.
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Check km walked towards candy.
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Monitor heart levels and perks unlocked.
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Swap buddies strategically based on distance and candy needs.
Conclusion: Mastering Buddy Changes in Pokémon Go
Changing your buddy Pokémon is simple but can have a big impact on your gameplay strategy. Whether you’re farming candy, preparing for events, or just want a new companion, mastering buddy swaps maximizes your rewards. Remember to use Adventure Sync, track distances, and plan buddy swaps around your goals. With these strategies, you’ll make the most out of every Pokémon Go adventure!
FAQs
1. Can I change my buddy anytime?
Yes, you can swap buddies as often as you like. Candy earned stays with the old buddy.
2. Does changing buddy reset candy?
No, candy remains. Only heart and affection progress resets for the previous buddy.
3. Can I use Adventure Sync with my buddy?
Yes, Adventure Sync tracks distance for candy even when Pokémon Go is closed.
4. How do I choose the best buddy for candy farming?
Select Pokémon that require candy for evolution or rare Pokémon you want to collect.
5. Are there any restrictions for swapping buddies during events?
No, but swapping to event-specific Pokémon may maximize rewards and bonuses.
Key Takeaways Summary
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Changing your buddy in Pokémon Go is quick and simple.
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Use Swap Buddy in your trainer profile to select a new Pokémon.
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Candy earned with previous buddies remains, while heart levels reset.
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Adventure Sync helps collect candy efficiently.
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Plan buddy changes around evolution, events, and distance requirements.