How to Get a Coin Bag in Pokemon GO (July 2025 Guide)
Ever wondered how to catch that elusive Gimmighoul in Pokemon GO? Well, I've got exciting news for you! The secret lies in obtaining the mysterious Coin Bag - a special item that transforms your Pokemon GO experience into a treasure hunt for the 999th and 1000th Pokemon. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just starting your Gimmighoul journey, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting and using the Coin Bag in July 2025.
Table of Contents
What is the Coin Bag in Pokemon GO?
The Coin Bag is essentially your golden ticket to catching Roaming Form Gimmighoul in Pokemon GO. Think of it as a special incense that works exclusively for attracting these treasure-loving ghost-type Pokemon. Once activated, this magical item creates a 30-minute window where Gimmighoul will spawn around you approximately every 1.5 minutes, giving you multiple chances to catch this rare Pokemon and collect those precious Gimmighoul Coins.
| Coin Bag Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Special Incense |
| Duration | 30 minutes per use |
| Spawn Rate | ~1 Gimmighoul per 1.5 minutes |
| Daily Limit | 1 use per day |
| Requirements | Nintendo Switch + Pokemon Scarlet/Violet |
| First Unlock | Permanent after first postcard |
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting
Before diving into the process, let me save you some potential frustration by outlining exactly what you'll need:
- Pokemon GO App - Updated to version 0.265.0 or higher
- Nintendo Switch Console - Either standard Switch or Switch Lite
- Pokemon Scarlet OR Pokemon Violet - You only need one version
- Stable Internet Connection - For both devices
- Bluetooth Enabled - On your smartphone
- Game Progress - Reach the first Pokemon Center in Los Platos (Scarlet/Violet)
Pro Tip: Don't have a Nintendo Switch? Ask a friend who owns one to help! The Coin Bag stays in your inventory permanently once obtained.
How to Get a Coin Bag in Pokemon GO?
Step 1: Prepare Your Games
First things first - make sure both games are ready for connection:
In Pokemon Scarlet/Violet:
- Progress to the first Pokemon Center in Los Platos
- Ensure you're connected to the internet (press L button)
- Have the game running and ready
In Pokemon GO:
- Update to the latest version
- Clear some space in your item bag
- Collect at least one postcard from a PokeStop
Step 2: Connect Pokemon GO to Nintendo Switch
Here's where the magic begins:
- Open Pokemon GO on your phone
- Tap the Poke Ball at the bottom center
- Navigate to Settings (gear icon in top right)
- Scroll down to "Connected Devices and Services"
- Select "Nintendo Switch"
- Tap "Connect to Nintendo Switch"
Your phone will now enter pairing mode - you'll see a searching animation.
Step 3: Pair with Pokemon Scarlet/Violet
Switch over to your Nintendo Switch:
- Press X to open the menu in Scarlet/Violet
- Select "Poke Portal"
- Choose "Mystery Gift"
- Select "Connect to Pokemon GO"
- Choose "Pair with a Pokemon GO account"
- Select "Yes" when your account appears
Both devices should now show a successful connection message!
Step 4: Send Your First Postcard
This is the crucial step that unlocks your Coin Bag:
- Return to Pokemon GO
- Open your Item Bag
- Select "Postcard Book"
- Choose any postcard you've collected
- Tap the three lines at the bottom
- Select "Send to Nintendo Switch"
Step 5: Claim Your Coin Bag
After sending the postcard:
- Check your Pokemon GO items
- Find the Coin Bag in your inventory
- Activate it to start spawning Gimmighoul!
Congratulations! You now have permanent access to the Coin Bag!
How to Use the Coin Bag Effectively?
Activation Tips
Once you have the Coin Bag, here's how to maximize your Gimmighoul hunting:
- Best Times to Use: During events with bonuses, when you can walk around, or when you have time for the full 30 minutes
- Movement Matters: Walking increases spawn rates significantly - stationary players see spawns every 5 minutes, while moving trainers encounter them every 30 seconds
- Visual Cues: Look for tiny ghost-like creatures - Gimmighoul is smaller than most Pokemon spawns
Daily Routine for Coin Bag Users
- Send a postcard daily (resets at midnight local time)
- Activate Coin Bag when you have 30 minutes free
- Walk around for maximum spawns
- Use Pinap Berries for extra coins per catch
- Save Golden Lures for community hunting sessions
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Running into problems? Here are solutions to the most common issues:
"Can't Connect to Nintendo Switch"
Solutions:
- Restart both devices
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone
- Turn off Airplane Mode on Switch
- Disconnect other Bluetooth devices
- Update both games to latest versions
- Try connecting in a less crowded area
"Postcard Won't Send"
Fixes:
- Ensure you haven't sent one today (check after midnight)
- Verify internet connection on both devices
- Re-pair the devices
- Check if your Postcard Book has postcards
- Clear cache in Pokemon GO settings
"Coin Bag Not Appearing"
Steps to resolve:
- Wait a few minutes after sending postcard
- Restart Pokemon GO
- Check your full item inventory
- Ensure the postcard was successfully received on Switch
- Try sending another postcard the next day
Advanced Strategies for Gimmighoul Hunting
Maximizing Coin Collection
Want to evolve Gimmighoul into Gholdengo faster? Here's how:
Daily Coin Sources:
- Catching Gimmighoul: 5-10 coins each
- Spinning Golden PokeStops: Variable coins
- Walking with Gimmighoul buddy: 1 coin per 5km
- Sending postcards (after 5 days): Receive Golden Lure
Golden Lure Strategy:
- Send postcards for 5 consecutive days
- Receive Golden Lure Module
- Use on high-traffic PokeStops
- Coordinate with local players
- Spin for bonus coins (9, 99, or more during events!)
Shiny Hunting Tips
During special events like the 9th Anniversary:
- Shiny Gimmighoul appears with white coloring
- Use Coin Bag during event bonuses
- Look for special anniversary coin variants
- Check every spawn - shiny rate varies by event
Evolution Guide: From Gimmighoul to Gholdengo
The 999 Coin Challenge
Evolving Gimmighoul requires dedication:
| Collection Method | Coins per Day (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Daily Coin Bag Use | 50-100 coins |
| Golden PokeStop Spins | 20-50 coins |
| Buddy Walking (20km) | 4 coins |
| Event Bonuses | Variable |
| Total Daily Average | 74-154 coins |
At this rate, you'll need approximately 7-14 days of consistent play to collect 999 coins!
Coin Bag vs Other Items
How It Compares
| Feature | Coin Bag | Regular Incense | Mystery Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 30 minutes | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Cooldown | 24 hours | None | 3 days |
| Spawns | Gimmighoul only | Various Pokemon | Meltan only |
| Requirement | Nintendo Switch | Purchase/Earn | Nintendo Switch |
| Reusable | Yes (daily) | One-time use | Yes (cooldown) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to keep my Switch nearby after getting the Coin Bag?
No! Once you've obtained the Coin Bag, it's permanently in your inventory. You only need the Switch for sending daily postcards to reactivate it.
Can I get multiple Coin Bags?
You only receive one Coin Bag, but it's reusable daily after sending postcards. If you already have a Golden Lure Module when earning another, you'll receive Gimmighoul Coins instead.
What happens if I don't have Pokemon Scarlet or Violet?
Unfortunately, these games are required for Coin Bag access. However, you can:
- Ask a friend with the games to help
- Visit Golden PokeStops during events
- Trade for Gimmighoul with other players
Can event Gimmighoul evolve?
Special event Gimmighoul (like the 9th anniversary coin variant) typically CANNOT evolve. Only regular Roaming Form Gimmighoul can evolve into Gholdengo.
How do I know if my Coin Bag is active?
Look for the Coin Bag icon with a timer on your main screen, similar to an active incense. Gimmighoul will start spawning immediately around your trainer.
What's the best strategy for rural players?
For rural trainers:
- Use Coin Bag while traveling to maximize spawns
- Save Golden Lures for trips to populated areas
- Set Gimmighoul as buddy for passive coin collection
- Trade with urban players for extra Gimmighoul
Pro Tips from Experienced Trainers
Optimization Techniques
- Stack Your Bonuses: Use Coin Bag during events with increased spawn rates
- Community Coordination: Share Golden Lure schedules with local groups
- Resource Management: Save Pinap Berries specifically for Gimmighoul
- Time Your Walks: Use Coin Bag during your regular Pokemon GO walks
- Event Preparation: Stock up on Pokeballs before major Gimmighoul events
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't waste Coin Bag uses while stationary
- Don't forget to send daily postcards
- Don't use Golden Razz on Gimmighoul (low flee rate)
- Don't ignore tiny spawns - Gimmighoul is easy to miss
- Don't expect instant 999 coins - patience is key!
Conclusion
Getting the Coin Bag in Pokemon GO opens up an exciting new dimension to your gameplay. While it requires a Nintendo Switch and Pokemon Scarlet or Violet, the investment pays off with access to one of the most unique Pokemon in the game. Remember, consistency is key - send those daily postcards, use your Coin Bag wisely, and before you know it, you'll have your very own Gholdengo!
Whether you're hunting for shinies during special events or steadily working toward that 999-coin goal, the Coin Bag transforms Pokemon GO into a daily treasure hunt. So grab your Switch, connect those games, and let the Gimmighoul hunting begin!
For more Pokemon GO guides and tips, check out our other articles on mastering raid battles and fixing common game errors. Happy hunting, trainers!