How to Delete Eggs in Pokémon GO? A Comprehensive Guide
Unfortunately, directly deleting eggs in Pokémon GO is not possible. Eggs can only be removed by hatching them or by utilizing special events or research tasks that allow you to replace unwanted eggs with event-specific ones.
Understanding Eggs in Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO eggs are a crucial part of the game’s mechanics. They represent Pokémon that are not yet born and can be hatched by walking a certain distance with them incubating. Different eggs hatch different Pokémon, and the anticipation of what you’ll get adds to the excitement. However, sometimes players find themselves stuck with eggs they don’t want, leading to the desire to delete them.
Why Players Want to Delete Eggs
Several reasons fuel the desire to delete eggs:
- Undesirable Pokémon: Some players dislike specific Pokémon that commonly hatch from certain egg types. They might already have many of that species or simply not find it useful.
- Egg Clutter: Having a full inventory of 7km eggs, for example, can prevent players from obtaining more desirable 10km or 12km eggs.
- Limited Incubator Space: Players with limited incubators might prefer to hatch more desirable eggs first. Having unwanted eggs taking up space is frustrating.
- Event Eggs: Players sometimes want to obtain the new event eggs, but they are stuck with the old ones.
The Incubator System and Hatching
The incubation process is straightforward:
- Place an egg into an incubator.
- Walk the required distance (2km, 5km, 7km, 10km, or 12km) while the Pokémon GO app is open and tracking your movement.
- Once the distance is reached, the egg will hatch, revealing a new Pokémon.
Different incubators affect the hatching process:
| Incubator Type | Uses | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Incubator | Infinite | Comes standard and hatches one egg at a time at normal speed. |
| Regular Incubator | 3 Uses | Hatches one egg at a time at normal speed. |
| Super Incubator | 3 Uses | Hatches one egg at a time faster than normal. |
The (Non-Existent) “Delete Egg” Button
It’s essential to understand that there is no direct method to delete eggs in Pokémon GO. The game designers have deliberately prevented this, likely to maintain the gameplay loop and encourage players to continue playing to hatch eggs. This is also probably because eggs that are given at pokestops or through adventure sync are usually free.
Alternative Strategies for Managing Eggs
While you can’t delete eggs, you can manage them strategically:
- Hatch Them!: This is the most obvious solution. Prioritize hatching eggs you want to get rid of, even if they aren’t your preferred distance eggs.
- Focus on Adventure Sync: Adventure Sync allows the game to track your movement even when the app is closed. This can help you hatch eggs more quickly without constantly having the app open.
- Participate in Events: Some events offer research tasks that reward special event-themed eggs. Claiming these eggs when your inventory is full can sometimes overwrite unwanted eggs acquired before the event. This is the closest thing to “deleting” eggs you can get.
- Egg-Related Research Tasks: Keep an eye out for research tasks that reward eggs. Just as with events, claiming an egg when your inventory is full might replace a less desirable egg. However, this is not guaranteed.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
- Misunderstanding “Deleting” Eggs: Many players mistakenly believe there’s a way to simply remove an egg from their inventory.
- Ignoring Egg Types: Failing to pay attention to the egg type (2km, 5km, 7km, 10km, 12km) can lead to hatching undesirable Pokémon.
- Not Using Incubators Efficiently: Using incubators on the wrong egg types can be inefficient and frustrating. Prioritize higher distance eggs for limited-use incubators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Trade Eggs with Other Players?
No, trading eggs is not possible in Pokémon GO. Trading is restricted to Pokémon that have already been hatched or caught in the wild.
What Happens if I Transfer a Pokémon I Hatched from an Egg?
Transferring a Pokémon hatched from an egg has no impact on the egg itself. The egg is gone after hatching, and transferring the Pokémon is a separate action.
Will Niantic Ever Add an Egg Deletion Feature?
It’s unlikely that Niantic will add a direct egg deletion feature. It would disrupt the core gameplay loop and decrease player engagement. Instead, they are more likely to introduce new ways to influence the types of eggs players receive.
Is There a Way to Guarantee a Specific Pokémon Will Hatch from an Egg?
No, hatching a specific Pokémon is primarily based on random chance. While some egg pools are more likely to contain certain species, there’s no guaranteed method.
Can I Influencing the Egg I Receive from a Pokestop?
You cannot directly influence the type of egg received at a PokéStop. It’s random. However, special events often boost the chances of getting specific egg types from certain PokéStops or gifts.
What Happens if I Stop Walking While an Egg is Incubating?
The game will stop tracking your distance until you start moving again with the app open and tracking or Adventure Sync is enabled.
Does the Speed at Which I Walk Affect Hatching?
Yes, the game limits the speed at which it tracks distance for hatching. Going too fast (e.g., driving a car) will prevent the game from registering the distance. Walking, jogging, or cycling at a moderate pace is ideal.
What is the Difference Between a Regular Incubator and a Super Incubator?
A Super Incubator hatches eggs faster than a regular incubator. Specifically, it reduces the distance required to hatch an egg. Both can only be used a limited number of times before breaking.
Can I Store Unlimited Eggs in Pokémon GO?
No, you have a limited egg inventory, which is typically nine egg slots.
Why Am I Only Getting 2km Eggs?
The egg type you receive from PokéStops or gifts is determined by chance. If you are only getting 2km eggs, it is simply due to randomness. Try opening gifts from friends in different regions as this might slightly improve your chances.
What Are the Benefits of Hatching Eggs?
Hatching eggs provides:
- Pokémon
- Stardust
- Candies for the hatched Pokémon
- Experience Points
These resources are essential for leveling up and powering up your Pokémon.
Is there a trick to force an egg into hatching faster?
There’s no trick to force eggs to hatch faster, other than using a Super Incubator. The distance requirement must be met through tracked walking or adventure sync. Claims that shaking your phone or other similar methods will force faster hatching are false.