Why can't I add a Pok??mon to a gym?

Why Can't I Add a Pokémon to a Gym?

If you're having trouble adding a Pokémon to a Gym in Pokémon GO, it's often due to specific rules or the current status of the Gym or your Pokémon. The most crucial rule to remember is that only one Pokémon of a single species can be assigned to a Gym at one time. This means if a Pikachu is already defending a Gym, you won't be able to assign another Pikachu to that same Gym, regardless of which trainer placed the first one.

Beyond this species uniqueness rule, several other common reasons can prevent you from assigning a Pokémon:

Common Reasons You Can't Add a Pokémon to a Gym

Understanding these restrictions can help you quickly identify why your Pokémon isn't being accepted into a Gym.

1. Species Uniqueness Rule

As highlighted, a fundamental rule of Gym defense is that each Gym can only host one Pokémon of a specific species.

• Example: If a Snorlax is already defending the Gym, you cannot add another Snorlax, even if it's your own and the Gym has open slots. You would need to choose a different Pokémon species.
• Solution: Select a Pokémon of a different species that is not currently defending the Gym.

2. Gym is Full

Every Gym has a maximum capacity of six Pokémon. Once six Pokémon are defending a Gym, no more can be added until one is defeated and removed.

• Example: If a Gym displays six Pokémon icons, it's at full capacity.
• Solution: Wait for a slot to open, perhaps by an opposing team battling and removing a Pokémon, or find another Gym with available space.

3. Gym Controlled by an Opposing Team

You can only add your Pokémon to Gyms that are currently controlled by your team (Team Mystic, Team Valor, or Team Instinct). If a Gym is occupied by an opposing team, you must first defeat their Pokémon to take control of it.

• Example: If the Gym's color is red (Team Valor) but you are Team Mystic, you cannot add your Pokémon.
• Solution: Battle the Gym and defeat the defending Pokémon until the Gym turns gray (neutral) or is claimed by your team. Then, you can add your Pokémon.

4. Your Pokémon is Already Assigned to Another Gym

Each of your Pokémon can only defend one Gym at a time. If the Pokémon you're attempting to assign is currently defending another Gym, it will be unavailable.

• Example: Your favorite Blissey is currently at a Gym across town and you try to place it in a local Gym.
• Solution: You'll need to wait for that Pokémon to return from its current assignment, either by being defeated or by being remotely returned to you. Choose a different Pokémon that is not currently assigned.

5. Trainer Limit Reached

Trainers can only have a maximum number of Pokémon defending Gyms simultaneously (typically 20). If you've reached this limit, you won't be able to add any more Pokémon to Gyms until one of your currently assigned Pokémon returns.

• Example: You have 20 Pokémon spread across different Gyms.
• Solution: Wait for one of your Pokémon to return from a Gym, or choose to remotely return one if the option is available (though this is rare and usually only happens when they are about to be kicked out).

6. Gym Under Attack or in Cooldown

Gyms that are actively being battled by an opposing team, or have recently completed a battle, may be temporarily inaccessible for adding Pokémon. This is to prevent interference during battles.

• Example: You see a battle animation or a message indicating the Gym is under attack.
• Solution: Wait a few minutes for the battle to conclude or the cooldown period to pass. Try again after a short delay.

7. Pokémon's Current Status

While less common for preventing placement, if a Pokémon is fainted or has very low HP, it's generally not ideal for Gym defense. Also, if the Pokémon is currently part of your selected Battle Party, it might temporarily show as unavailable for placement.

• Example: Your chosen Pokémon is fainted.
• Solution: Use a Revive and Potions to heal your Pokémon. If it's in your Battle Party, simply switch to a different party or remove it from the current one.

Troubleshooting Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to help you troubleshoot why you can't add your Pokémon:

By checking these common reasons and applying the solutions, you should be able to successfully add your Pokémon to a Gym in Pokémon GO.