If you want to unlock Meltan in Pokémon GO, you must connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME. This link between the two services is what gives you access to the Mystery Box, which is the only way to spawn Meltan in the game.
The good news is that the process is completely free and only takes a few minutes to set up. Once connected, you can repeatedly earn Mystery Boxes and farm Meltan whenever the cooldown resets.
Here is the complete step-by-step guide.
What Is Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based storage system developed by The Pokémon Company. It allows players to transfer Pokémon between compatible games, including Pokémon GO and Nintendo Switch titles.
You do not need a paid Pokémon HOME subscription to receive the Mystery Box. The free Basic Plan works perfectly for Meltan farming.
All you need is a Nintendo Account.
What You Need Before Connecting
Before you connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, make sure you have:
• A Nintendo Account
• Pokémon HOME installed (mobile or Nintendo Switch version)
• The latest version of Pokémon GO
• A stable internet connection
Once these are ready, you can begin linking your accounts.
Step-by-Step: Connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME
Follow these steps carefully:
- Open Pokémon GO
Tap the Poké Ball
Go to Settings
Scroll down and tap Pokémon HOME
Sign in using your Nintendo Account
Confirm the link
Once connected, your accounts will stay linked unless you manually disconnect them.
How to Send a Pokémon to Pokémon HOME
After linking your accounts:
- Go back into Pokémon GO Settings
Tap Pokémon HOME
Select Send Pokémon
Choose any Pokémon you are happy to transfer
Confirm the transfer
Important: Pokémon sent to Pokémon HOME cannot be returned to Pokémon GO.
After completing the transfer, you will automatically receive the Mystery Box in your inventory.
READ MORE: Shiny Meltan Pokémon GO – How to catch the Mythical Pokémon 2026 -A Complete Guide
How to Get the Mystery Box
After linking your accounts:
- Open Pokémon GO
- Go to Settings
- Tap Pokémon HOME
- Select Send Pokémon
- Choose any Pokémon you are happy to transfer
- Confirm the transfer
Once completed, you will automatically receive the Mystery Box in your inventory.
Activate the Mystery Box and Meltan will begin spawning around you for 60 minutes.
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How Often Can You Use the Mystery Box?
After activating it, the Mystery Box goes on cooldown. To reactivate it, you must send another Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.
How the Mystery Box Works
The Mystery Box works similarly to Incense. When activated:
• Meltan spawns around you for 60 minutes • Spawns appear consistently during the duration • You can catch multiple Meltan in one session
This makes Meltan one of the few Mythical Pokémon that can be farmed repeatedly rather than being limited to one encounter.
READ MORE: Mystery Box Cooldown Pokémon GO – How Long It Lasts and How to Reset It
Mystery Box Cooldown Explained
After you use the Mystery Box, it will enter a cooldown period. To recharge it, you must transfer another Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.
This means you can continuously unlock new Meltan spawn sessions as long as you are willing to transfer Pokémon.
There is no limit to how many times you can use the Mystery Box over time.
Why you should connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME
Connecting Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME is not just about Meltan.
It gives you:
• Access to consistent Meltan farming • A reliable way to earn 400 Meltan Candy for Melmetal • A method to shiny hunt Meltan during special events • A long-term Mythical Pokémon strategy
Because Meltan evolves into Melmetal, which performs strongly in certain PvP formats, this connection has real competitive value.
Common Questions About Connecting Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME
Is it safe to connect accounts? Yes. The connection is officially supported by The Pokémon Company and Niantic.
Do I need a paid Pokémon HOME plan? No. The free plan is enough for Mystery Box access.
Can I send Pokémon back to Pokémon GO? No. Transfers are one-way only.
How often can I get a Mystery Box? Every time you transfer a Pokémon to Pokémon HOME and the cooldown has reset.
If you want Meltan in Pokémon GO, you must connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME. The process is simple, free, and unlocks one of the most consistent Mythical Pokémon farming methods in the game.
For players building toward Melmetal or hunting Shiny Meltan during special events, linking these accounts is essential.
This system allows you to repeatedly farm Meltan as long as you continue transferring Pokémon.
