Promo codes in Pokémon GO are popular for getting new items or other bonuses. The input process on Android is now changing.
What are promo codes? Occasionally, codes are shared that grant players bonuses in Pokémon GO. Usually, these bonuses are useful items, but sometimes they can also include things like avatar items or even Pokémon encounters.
A list of active promo codes for February 2024 can be found here.
How were promo codes entered on Android before? It was very simple: You just had to scroll down in the shop of the game within the app until you reached the “Promos” field. There you would enter the code.
Now, however, developer Niantic is changing how this works. Instead of the previous simple way, Android users now also have to take the detour that iOS users are already familiar with.
Changes to promo codes on Android starting February 13
This is changing: From February 13, Android users will also have to go through the web store to enter promo codes, the Pokémon GO team announced via the blog (via pokemongolive.com).
iOS users already know this: Niantic’s former “redemption page” was recently moved to the Pokémon GO web store. You can find the link to redeem codes here (via pokemongolive.com).
How does this work? Instead of entering the code in the game, starting February 13, you need to:
- Visit the web store
- Log in there with your Pokémon GO account
- Players with Trainer Club accounts must link another sign-in service to redeem offers
- Then enter the code in the field
- Now switch back to the game. You should see a pop-up indicating that a code has been successfully redeemed.
Sometimes the pop-up message does not appear immediately, or the activation may take a little while. However, you can check in your account’s log if the code activation was successful.
Why is Pokémon GO doing this? In the announcement, it states: “Our goal was to create a central contact point for everyone. We hope the transition will be easy for all trainers.”
However, the change has initially received criticism from trainers. Some players on the Pokémon GO subreddit, “TheSilphRoad”, regret the change, as it is a detour that Android users did not have to take before (via reddit).
As it stands, the decision is less popular than other adjustments that have been made recently. For example, Niantic implemented an update that allows you to feed your buddy faster and is also testing further quality-of-life improvements. You can learn more about the updates in Pokémon GO here.
