Adding a Pokémon to a Gym in Pokémon GO can sometimes be restricted by specific rules and conditions. The most common reasons include a unique species limit per Gym, the Gym being full, or issues with your Pokémon's status.
Common Reasons You Can't Add a Pokémon to a Gym
Here are the primary factors that might prevent you from assigning a Pokémon to a Gym:
1. Gym Species Limit
One of the most crucial rules in Pokémon GO is that only one Pokémon of a single species can be assigned to a Gym at any given time. This means if a Trainer has already placed a Snorlax in the Gym, no other Trainer (including you) can place another Snorlax in that same Gym, even if there are open slots. You would need to choose a different Pokémon species.
- Example: If a Blastoise, Charizard, Venusaur, and Lapras are currently defending a Gym, and you want to add your own Blastoise, you won't be able to. You must select a Pokémon of a species not currently present.
2. Gym is Full
Each Gym can only accommodate a maximum of six defending Pokémon. If the Gym already has six Pokémon assigned to it, there are no open slots for you to add yours.
- Solution: You'll need to wait until one of the current defenders is defeated and removed from the Gym, or find another Gym with available space.
3. Your Pokémon is Not Eligible
For a Pokémon to be placed in a Gym, it must meet several criteria regarding its status and type.
Requirement | Description |
---|---|
Full HP | Your Pokémon must have full or nearly full Hit Points (HP). Fainted or low-HP Pokémon cannot be assigned. |
Not in Another Gym | A Pokémon can only defend one Gym at a time. If the Pokémon you're trying to add is already defending another Gym, you won't be able to use it. |
Not a Mythical | Certain special Pokémon, particularly Mythical Pokémon (e.g., Mew, Celebi, Victini), cannot be placed in Gyms. |
No Active Cooldown | After a Pokémon has been used in a battle or recently returned from a Gym, there might be a short cooldown period before it can be assigned again. |
4. Gym Control and Team Affiliation
You can only add a Pokémon to a Gym if your team currently controls it, or if it's an open slot in a Gym your team has just taken over.
- Opposing Team Gym: If the Gym is controlled by an opposing team (e.g., Mystic or Valor if you're Instinct), you must first battle and defeat all the defending Pokémon to take control of the Gym. Once it's neutral, you can claim it for your team.
- Full Friendly Gym (Different Team Members): Even if your team controls the Gym, if six Pokémon from other players on your team have already filled all the slots, you still cannot add your Pokémon.
5. Technical Issues
Sometimes, the problem might be technical rather than rule-based.
- GPS Signal or Internet Connection: A weak or unstable GPS signal or internet connection can prevent the game from registering your attempt to add a Pokémon. Ensure you have a strong signal.
- Game Glitches: Occasionally, a temporary bug or glitch in the game itself might prevent the action. Restarting the app can often resolve these.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you're encountering issues when trying to add a Pokémon to a Gym, consider these practical steps:
- Check Gym Status: Verify if the Gym is full (has 6 Pokémon) or if a Pokémon of the same species as yours is already present.
- Heal Your Pokémon: Ensure the Pokémon you wish to add has full HP before attempting to place it.
- Verify Pokémon Availability: Confirm the Pokémon isn't already defending another Gym.
- Check Internet/GPS: Move to an area with better signal or restart your game and/or device.
- Try a Different Pokémon: Select a different species of Pokémon to see if that resolves the issue, especially if you suspect the species limit is the problem.
- Wait and Retry: If you recently battled or placed a Pokémon, give it a few minutes before trying again.
By understanding these various reasons and troubleshooting steps, you can more effectively determine why you might be unable to add a Pokémon to a Gym in Pokémon GO.