How to get Mystery Boxes in Pokémon GO

Players looking to catch a Meltan in Pokemon GO will need to first obtain a Mystery Box. This is an easy to obtain item, but it does require players to take some steps outside of Pokemon GO itself.

Where to get a Mystery Box in Pokemon GO

The Mystery Box item is obtained by transferring a Pokemon from GO to the Pokemon HOME app, or Nintendo Switch games Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee. The easiest method for most is using the HOME app, as it installs to your phone and doesn't require buying a Switch and a game.

Related: Pokemon GO Friend Codes (March 2023)

Player who haven't transferred any Pokemon before will have to get their accounts linked first. Here's how:

• Tap the Poke Ball icon in Pokemon GO
• Select Settings and then select Pokemon HOME
• Sign in and then select Send Pokemon
• Pick the Pokemon you want to send and hit Next
• Confirm the transfer

Once this is done, the Mystery Box can be used in Pokemon GO and will start to attract Meltan while it's active. There is a 3-day wait period before you can get another Mystery Box, so you will want to make the most of it while you have it.

How to catch a Shiny Meltan in Pokemon GO

Since the box makes Meltan appear more often, you might be wondering if there's a chance at getting a Shiny version of the Pokemon. As it turns out, that is the case: you have a much better shot at catching a Shiny Meltan during the Let's GO! event.

The event runs from March 21 to 29, and it will give players the ability to catch Shiny Meltan along with Shiny versions of Pansage, Pansear, Panpour, and Melmetal. Taking advantage of this event with the Mystery Box will greatly increase chances at finding a Shiny in the wild. During the event, the Mystery Box refresh rate is bumped down to two days, so the chances are increased even further.

For more Pokemon GO guides, check out How to evolve Galarian Slowpoke in Pokemon GO on Pro Game Guides.