If you’re trying to figure out how to get PokéCoins without paying in Pokémon GO, the good news is that there is a free method — but it takes a bit of strategy.
PokéCoins are the main premium currency in Pokémon GO, used for items like Remote Raid Passes, storage upgrades, and more.
The Only Free Way to Get PokéCoins
Right now, the only way to earn PokéCoins for free is by placing your Pokémon in Gyms.
How it works:
- Put a Pokémon in a Gym
- It earns coins while defending
- You get the coins when it’s knocked out
Daily PokéCoin Limit
There is a cap on how many coins you can earn:
- Maximum: 50 PokéCoins per day
Even if multiple Pokémon return on the same day, you won’t earn more than 50 coins total.
How Many Coins Do You Get?
You earn:
- 1 PokéCoin per 10 minutes in a Gym
That means a Pokémon needs to stay in a Gym for around 8 hours and 20 minutes to reach the daily limit.
Best Strategy to Earn PokéCoins Fast
If you want to maximise your free PokéCoins, here’s what works best:
1. Use multiple Gyms
Place Pokémon in several Gyms to increase your chances of earning coins daily.
2. Choose less busy areas
Gyms in quieter locations tend to hold longer, meaning more coins.
3. Don’t rely on one Pokémon
If one gets knocked out early, others can still earn coins.
4. Time your placements
Try placing Pokémon in Gyms at different times of day so they return across multiple days.
If you’re catching everything, you might even run into Ditto, see our why you can’t catch Ditto in Pokémon GO guide.
What Should You Spend PokéCoins On?
If you’re earning coins slowly, prioritise:
- Pokémon storage upgrades
- Item bag upgrades
- Remote Raid Passes
These give the most long-term value.
Trying to evolve Gimmighoul can take a while, but this how to evolve Gimmighoul in Pokémon GO guide shows the most efficient way to reach 999 coins.
Final Tip
You don’t need to spend real money to get PokéCoins, but consistency is key. If you’re placing Pokémon in Gyms every day, those free coins will add up quickly.
If you’re grinding Pokémon daily, check out our how to get Stardust fast in Pokémon GO guide to maximise your rewards.
