How to Power Up and Evolve Pokémon in Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Power Up and Evolve are different actions. Powering up raises a Pokémon's level, CP and HP by spending Stardust and Candy. Evolving changes it into the next species in its evolution family, usually by spending Candy and sometimes meeting an additional requirement.

Before using either button, decide what the Pokémon is for. A raid attacker, Gym defender and CP-limited PvP Pokémon may need different species, moves, levels and individual values.

Catch Pokémon to build resources

Catching awards species Candy and Stardust, while transferring a Pokémon awards additional Candy. Other sources can include Eggs, walking with a Buddy, Research, raids and special items or bonuses.

The colored catch circle indicates relative catch difficulty, and its size determines the Nice, Great or Excellent throw window. It is not a separate blue target used specifically to earn XP. Curveballs and accurate throws can improve catch results and XP.

Trainer level and Pokémon level are different

Trainer XP increases the level of the account and unlocks features or rewards at particular milestones. A Pokémon has its own level, represented indirectly by the power-up arc and reflected in its CP and HP.

Catching, friendship progress, PokéStop spins, Research, raids and other activities can award Trainer XP. Exact amounts and bonuses can change, so old launch-era XP tables should not be used as a current reference.

How Power Up works

Open a Pokémon's detail page and tap Power Up to preview the cost and resulting CP. The action uses Stardust plus that Pokémon family's Candy. Higher-level power-ups can also require Candy XL when the relevant requirements are met.

Powering up does not evolve the Pokémon and does not award Trainer XP. The cost rises as the Pokémon's level increases, so repeated upgrades can consume a large amount of Stardust.

Check these points before powering up

• Purpose: raids, Gyms, Team GO Rocket, Master League or a CP-capped league.
• Species and form: some forms have different stats or eligible moves.
• Moves: confirm that its Fast and Charged Attacks suit the intended role.
• Appraisal: review Attack, Defense and HP IVs in context.
• CP limit: do not power a Great League or Ultra League candidate past the allowed cap.
• Total cost: compare the full Stardust, Candy and Candy XL requirement with other candidates.

How evolution works

Tap Evolve on an eligible Pokémon and confirm the preview. Most evolutions use Candy, but some also require an evolution item, Buddy adventure, walking distance, time of day, nearby Lure, trade history or another condition displayed in the game.

Evolution changes the species and usually changes its available moves. It can increase or, in unusual species families, alter CP in a way that is not obvious from the base form. Review the displayed evolution result and CP range before confirming when a league limit matters.

Should you evolve or power up first?

For most ordinary cases, the order does not change the total resources required to reach the same final Pokémon level. Evolving first can still be practical because you can inspect the evolved species and its moves before committing more Stardust.

Exceptions and special mechanics may apply to particular Pokémon, forms or event moves. If the evolution is rare or expensive, check the in-game requirements and current event details first.

Unlocking a second Charged Attack

The New Attack option spends Stardust and Candy to unlock another Charged Attack slot. It does not guarantee a particular move. The feature is valuable for many PvP Pokémon and selected raid attackers, but costs vary, so confirm that the Pokémon benefits from the extra coverage.

Transfer unwanted Pokémon carefully

Transferring sends a Pokémon to the Professor and removes it from your collection permanently in exchange for Candy. Favorite important Pokémon to reduce accidental transfers, and appraise or tag uncertain catches before using mass transfer.

Some special, Legendary, Mythical, Shiny, event or otherwise protected Pokémon require extra confirmation or cannot be transferred through the standard group action. Read every warning before proceeding.

A simple upgrade workflow

1. Choose the battle or collection goal.
2. Compare the species, form, moves and appraisal.
3. Check evolution requirements and the final CP if a league cap applies.
4. Evolve first when you want to inspect the result before spending Stardust.
5. Power up only to the level the intended role requires.
6. Keep a Stardust reserve for future teams, trades and move unlocks.

Strong account progress comes from selective investment. Catch broadly to earn resources, but spend them on Pokémon with a defined use rather than automatically upgrading the highest CP catch.