How to Link Pokemon Go to Twitch

Connecting your Pokémon GO account to Twitch unlocks exclusive rewards simply by watching official Pokémon streams. This process doesn’t directly link your Pokémon GO app but instead connects your Pokémon Trainer Club account (which manages your Pokémon GO profile) to your Twitch account. Doing this correctly ensures you can claim special Timed Research codes, encounter rare Pokémon like Altaria or special Sableye variants, and earn items like Elite Charged TMs or Stardust during major tournaments. Let’s break down exactly how to set this up smoothly.

The main incentive is accessing Twitch Drops – exclusive rewards distributed during Pokémon livestream events. Imagine watching the Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC) or World Championships on Twitch and earning codes just for having the stream open! Recent events offered codes for Timed Research leading to encounters with MEWeedle’s Altaria (the Europe International Champion’s signature Pokémon) or a special Sableye knowing Shadow Claw and Foul Play moves. You also score practical items like Lucky Eggs, XP boosts, Candy XL, or large chunks of Stardust. Missing the link step means missing out entirely. Plus, it’s a one-time setup for future events.

What You Need Before Starting

• A Pokémon Trainer Club (PTC) Account: This is the master account associated with your Pokémon GO profile. If you don’t have one, head to the Pokémon Trainer Club website and sign up. Crucially, this is the account your Pokémon GO game uses.
• An Active Twitch Account: Sign up for free on Twitch.tv if you don’t already use the platform.
• Know Which PTC Account is Linked: This is vital. You cannot unlink accounts later, even if you delete the PTC account. Double-check you are logging into the exact PTC account tied to your Pokémon GO progress. Customer support cannot see or change these links for you.

Step-by-Step: Linking Pokémon Trainer Club and Twitch

1. Visit the Official Rewards Portal: Open your web browser and go to rewards.pokemon.com. This is the official hub for managing Twitch Drops for Pokémon games. Do not use other sites.
2. Log In With Your Pokémon Trainer Club Credentials: Click the login button and carefully enter the username and password for the PTC account linked to your specific Pokémon GO profile. This step is irreversible – ensure it’s the correct account!
3. Authorize the Twitch Connection: The rewards site will prompt you to connect your Twitch account. Click the button to proceed. You’ll be redirected to Twitch’s login page.
4. Log In to Your Twitch Account: Enter your Twitch username and password on the Twitch login page. Grant permission when Twitch asks if you want to link the accounts.
5. Confirmation is Key: After logging into Twitch, you should be redirected back to rewards.pokemon.com. Look for a confirmation message indicating your accounts are successfully linked. Sometimes you might need to refresh the page.

How to Use Your Linked Accounts for Twitch Drops

Once linked, earning rewards during events is straightforward:

1. Find an Active Drop Campaign: Look for official Pokémon streams (like Twitch.tv/PokemonGO or Twitch.tv/Pokemon) tagged with “DropsEnabled”. Pokémon social media announces these major events.
2. Watch the Required Time: Tune into the qualifying livestream or rebroadcast. Most campaigns require 30 minutes of watch time. Keep the stream window active and unmuted – minimizing or muting often pauses progress tracking. Watching on PC or mobile is recommended over consoles or TV casting apps.
3. Claim Your Drop: After hitting the required watch time (e.g., 30 minutes), a notification usually pops up in the Twitch chat. If you miss it, visit your Twitch Drops Inventory (accessible via your Twitch profile menu). Find the earned Drop and click “Claim”.
4. Get Your Code: Go back to rewards.pokemon.com. Log in with your linked PTC account. Click “View Inventory”. Find the Drop you claimed on Twitch and select “Show Code“. Copy this code.
5. Redeem in Pokémon GO: Open the Pokémon GO Web Store (store.pokemongolive.com) in your browser. Log in using the same method you use for the Pokémon GO app (Google Account, Apple ID, or your linked PTC account). Paste the code into the redemption box. The Timed Research or items will then appear in your Pokémon GO app.

Troubleshooting Common Link and Drop Issues

• “I claimed the Drop but don’t see the reward!” This almost always means you logged into rewards.pokemon.com with a different PTC account than the one linked to your Twitch. Log out and try the correct PTC login. If it’s truly the linked account and still missing, support cannot retrieve it.
• Watch Time Not Progressing: Ensure the stream isn’t muted or minimized. Try refreshing the page, clearing your browser cache, and logging back into Twitch. Stick to PC or mobile browsers; avoid consoles or casting.
• “Can I link multiple accounts?” No. The link is permanent and exclusive. One Twitch account links to one PTC account forever. You cannot switch or add more.
• Code Redemption Failed? Codes have strict expiration dates (e.g., August 26, 2024, 11:59 PM UTC for World Championships codes). Redeem them promptly on the Pokémon GO Web Store. Double-check you are pasting the entire code correctly.

Linking your Pokémon GO profile (via your Trainer Club account) to Twitch is your golden ticket to free bonuses just for watching exciting Pokémon tournaments and streams. While the permanence of the link demands careful setup, getting it right opens up a stream of valuable rewards like rare Pokémon encounters and battle items. Remember the core steps: use rewards.pokemon.com, log into your main PTC account first, authorize Twitch, and always claim Drops via your Twitch inventory before grabbing the code. Keep an eye on official Pokémon channels for the next “DropsEnabled” stream, settle in to enjoy the battles, and reap those in-game benefits!