Pokémon GO how to change Poké Ball and use a different Poké Ball type is something every player needs to understand, especially as you unlock stronger balls like Great Balls and Ultra Balls. Using the right Poké Ball at the right time can make a huge difference when catching rare Pokémon, saving resources, and improving your overall success rate.
In this guide, we explain exactly how to change Poké Balls in Pokémon GO, when to use each type, and how to maximise your catch chances.
If you are looking for more Pokémon GO tips, raid guides, and event breakdowns, check out our full Pokémon GO Guides Hub for everything you need in one place.
How to Change Poké Ball Type in Pokémon GO
Changing your Poké Ball type in Pokémon GO is simple, but it is not always obvious if you are new to the game.
Follow these steps during a catch encounter:
- Tap on a wild Pokémon to enter the catch screen
- Look at the bottom of the screen for the Poké Ball icon
- Tap the Poké Ball icon to open your available ball types
- Select the ball you want to use (Poké Ball, Great Ball, or Ultra Ball)
- The selected ball will now be ready to throw
Once selected, your chosen Poké Ball will remain active until you change it again or run out.
Struggling to manage your items? Our guide on how many gifts can you open a day will help you avoid wasting valuable space.
All Poké Ball Types in Pokémon GO
There are three main Poké Ball types available in Pokémon GO, each with increasing effectiveness.
Poké Ball
The standard Poké Ball is the most basic option and is widely available from PokéStops, gifts, and research rewards.
It is best used for:
- Common Pokémon
- Low CP encounters
- Situations where you want to conserve better balls
Great Ball
Great Balls offer a noticeable boost to catch rate compared to standard Poké Balls.
They are ideal for:
- Mid-level Pokémon
- Slightly rarer encounters
- Pokémon that break free from standard throws
You will start unlocking Great Balls as you level up, making them a reliable middle-ground option.
Ultra Ball
Ultra Balls provide the highest catch rate of the standard ball types.
They are best used for:
- Rare Pokémon
- High CP encounters
- Raid rewards and strong spawns
Using Ultra Balls wisely is important, as they are less common and more valuable.
For players focusing on efficiency, our breakdown of Pokémon GO berries and how they affect catch rates pairs perfectly with choosing the right Poké Ball.
When Should You Use a Different Poké Ball?
Knowing when to switch Poké Balls is just as important as knowing how.
Here are some simple guidelines:
- Use Poké Balls for easy catches to save resources
- Switch to Great Balls if a Pokémon breaks free more than once
- Use Ultra Balls for anything rare, high CP, or difficult to catch
- Combine stronger balls with berries for even better results
The goal is to balance efficiency with resource management, especially if you play regularly.
How to Improve Catch Rates in Pokémon GO
Switching Poké Balls is only part of the equation. To maximise your chances of catching Pokémon, you should combine multiple techniques.
Key tips include:
- Use Razz Berries to make Pokémon easier to catch
- Aim for Nice, Great, or Excellent throws
- Use curveballs for a catch bonus
- Wait for the Pokémon’s attack animation before throwing
These techniques stack with better Poké Balls, giving you the highest possible chance of success.
If you are playing during events, you should read our Pokémon GO current events guide to see which Pokémon are worth using your Ultra Balls on.
Why You Cannot Change Poké Balls Sometimes
There are certain situations in Pokémon GO where you cannot manually change your Poké Ball type.
For example:
- Raid battles use Premier Balls only
- Some special encounters have fixed ball types
- Research rewards may limit your ball selection
These restrictions are built into the game design and cannot be bypassed.
Managing Your Poké Ball Inventory
Running out of Poké Balls can quickly slow down your progress, so managing your inventory is important.
Here are a few ways to stay stocked:
- Spin PokéStops and Gyms regularly
- Open gifts from friends
- Complete research tasks
- Take advantage of event bonuses
Keeping a healthy supply of all ball types ensures you are always ready for any encounter.
Pokémon GO How to Change Poké Ball and Use a Different Poké Ball Type : Switching Summary
Understanding Pokémon GO how to change and use a different Poké Ball type gives you a clear advantage when catching Pokémon. By switching between Poké Balls based on the situation and combining them with other techniques, you can significantly improve your catch rate and avoid wasting valuable resources.
Once you get into the habit of switching balls strategically, catching even the toughest Pokémon becomes much more manageable.
Looking for more Pokémon GO guides? Check out our full Pokémon GO hub here.
