How to Evolve Eevee in Pokémon GO: All Names & Tricks
Eevee remains one of the most iconic and versatile Pokémon in Pokémon GO. With eight different evolutions — known affectionately by the community as "Eeveelutions" — players frequently search for the most reliable way to obtain the specific form they want.
However, the evolution rules in Pokémon GO differ dramatically from the main series games. Some evolutions rely on items, while others require time-of-day conditions, Buddy requirements, or one-time nickname tricks.
In this definitive guide, you'll learn every strategy you need to evolve Eevee, whether you want a powerful Sylveon for the Great League, an Umbreon for Ultra League, or a high-CP Glaceon for Ice-type raids.
(Image credit: Niantic)
All Eevee Evolutions in Pokémon GO
Eevee currently evolves into the following eight forms. Each evolution requires specific triggers, and several of those triggers work differently from what players expect.
| Evolution | Type | Nickname (One-time) | Standard Method (Repeatable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaporeon | Water | Rainer | Random Chance (No trick) |
| Jolteon | Electric | Sparky | Random Chance (No trick) |
| Flareon | Fire | Pyro | Random Chance (No trick) |
| Espeon | Psychic | Sakura | Walk 10km as Buddy + Day |
| Umbreon | Dark | Tamao | Walk 10km as Buddy + Night |
| Leafeon | Grass | Linnea | Mossy Lure Module |
| Glaceon | Ice | Rea | Glacial Lure Module |
| Sylveon | Fairy | Kira | Earn 70 Buddy Hearts |
How to Evolve Eevee Pokémon GO Using Name Trick
If you have never evolved a specific Eevee type before, you can use a one-time nickname to force the evolution. This is the fastest method, but remember that you cannot use it repeatedly. Here is how to use the nickname trick.
Step 1. Tap on the Eevee you wish to evolve and select the Pencil icon next to its current name.
Step 2. Type in the specific nickname from the chart above (e.g., "Kira" for Sylveon). Ensure there are no accidental spaces after the name.
Step 3. Restart the Pokémon GO app. This forces the server to update and register the name change immediately.
Step 4. Open the app, select your Eevee, and look at the "Evolve" button. You should see the silhouette (shadow) of the Pokémon you want. Tap it to evolve.
Warning:This trick only works once per evolution type. If you have already used the name "Rainer" to get a Vaporeon in 2025, doing it again today will not work.
How to Evolve Eevee Pokémon GO Without Nicknames
Once you have used the nickname tricks, they will not work again. To get more Eevee evolutions, you must use specific gameplay mechanics like walking distances or Lure Modules.
1. Espeon and Umbreon (The Walking Method)
To obtain the Gen 2 psychic or dark evolutions, you must bond with your Eevee through exercise. Learning how to evolve Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon requires strict adherence to distance tracking.
Step 1. Set the Eevee you want to evolve as your Buddy.
Step 2. Walk fully 10km with that Eevee. You must earn exactly 2 Candies from walking (5km per candy).
Step 3. Keep Eevee as your Buddy. Do not swap it out before evolving, or the trick will fail.
Step 4. Evolve the Eevee during the Day to get Espeon, or during the Night to get Umbreon.
(Image credit: Niantic)
Note on Day/Night:
The game decides "Day" and "Night" based on the in-game map, not your watch. If the game map is dark, it is Night. If the map is bright, it is Day.
2. Leafeon and Glaceon (The Lure Method)
The Gen 4 evolutions require specific environmental items called Lure Modules. If you are wondering how to evolve Eevee into Leafeon or Glaceon, you will need to acquire specific Lure Modules from the shop or research tasks.
Step 1. Obtain a Mossy Lure Module (for Leafeon) or a Glacial Lure Module (for Glaceon).
Step 2. Go to a nearby PokéStop. Tap the module slot (the white oval above the photo disc) and activate your chosen Lure.
Step 3. Ensure you are standing inside the spinning radius of the PokéStop.
Step 4. Select your Eevee. The "Evolve" button should now show the silhouette of Leafeon or Glaceon.
(Image credit: Niantic)
3. Sylveon (The Buddy Hearts Method)
Sylveon requires a high level of friendship rather than distance. The process of how to evolve Eevee into Sylveon involves earning "Hearts" with your buddy.
Step 1. Set Eevee as your Buddy.
Step 2. Earn 70 Buddy Hearts with that specific Eevee. This will reach the "Great Buddy" status.
Step 3. Once 70 hearts are accrued, the silhouette on the evolution button will change to Sylveon.
(Image credit: Niantic)
Tip:
You can speed this process up by feeding your Eevee a Poffin, which doubles the number of hearts you can earn in a single day.
4. Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon (The Random Method)
The original three Gen 1 evolutions are the only ones that remain completely random after the name trick is used.
There is currently no item, walking requirement, or stat check that can force an Eevee to become Flareon, Jolteon, or Vaporeon. If you press the evolve button and see a Question Mark (?), you have a 33% chance of getting any one of these three.
(Image credit: Niantic)
How to Avoid Mistakes During Eeveelutions
The most common reason players accidentally get the wrong Pokémon is that they tap the button too quickly. Niantic added a fail-safe visual cue that you should always check. Look at the Evolve Button before you tap.
- If you see a Question Mark (?): The game creates a random evolution. You will get Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon. If you were trying to get Umbreon or Sylveon and you see a question mark, STOP. You have missed a requirement.
- If you see a Shadow/Silhouette: The game has recognized your criteria. If you see the outline of ribbons, it is guaranteed to be Sylveon. If you see the outline of rings, it is guaranteed to be Umbreon.
Which Eevee Evolution is Best?
If you have a high-stat (IV) Eevee or a Shiny Eevee and aren't sure which path to choose, consider how you play the game.
- For PvP (Player vs. Player): Umbreon is widely considered the best Eevee evolution for the Great League (1500 CP) and Ultra League (2500 CP). It has immense defense and stamina, making it a fantastic "tank".
- For Raids (PvE): Glaceon and Sylveon are excellent choices. They act as strong, budget-friendly attackers for Dragon-type raids. They aren't the #1 strongest in their types compared to Legendaries, but they are very reliable.
- For Gym Defense: Sylveon and Vaporeon are annoying to fight against in Gyms due to their high health pools.
Pro Tip: How to Speed Up the Evolution Grind
Evolving Eevee into all eight forms takes significant time and effort. Walking 10km for every single Umbreon or grinding 70 hearts for a Sylveon can take weeks of gameplay.
If you want to complete your Eeveelution collection efficiently without physically traveling long distances every day, you can use a location tool like TunesKit Location Changer.
Highlights of This Reliable Location Software:- Hatch Eggs & Earn Candy: Simulate walking to hit the 10km requirement for Espeon and Umbreon while you are at home.
- Reach PokeStops: Virtually travel to areas with active Lure Modules to get Glaceon or Leafeon.
- Save Time: Automate the "grind" so you can focus on the fun parts of battling and raiding.
FAQs About Eeveelutions
Below are the most frequently asked questions about Eevee evolutions from our users.
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1. Can you choose Eevee's evolution in Pokémon GO?
Yes. Using the name trick gives guaranteed evolutions once per form. After that, you must use Buddy requirements, Lure Modules, or time-of-day conditions depending on the evolution.
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2. Why did my Eevee evolve into Espeon when I wanted Sylveon?
This usually happens because you met the walking requirement (10km) but also had 70 hearts. If you meet requirements for both, the game may prioritize one. Always check the silhouette on the button to see which one the game is predicting.
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3. Can I use the name trick on a Shiny Eevee?
Yes. If you haven't used the name "Kira" yet, you can use it to instantly turn your Shiny Eevee into a Shiny Sylveon.
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4. Do I have to walk the 10km all at once?
No. You can walk 2km one day and 8km the next. However, the Eevee must be your active Buddy at the specific moment you press the evolve button.
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5. Can I re-evolve an Eeveelution into a different one?
No. Evolutions are permanent in Pokémon GO.
Conclusion
Evolving Eevee in Pokémon GO is far more complex than most Pokémon, but mastering these rules gives you full control over every Eeveelution. With eight unique forms, specific Buddy and Lure requirements, and a one-time name trick, every evolution requires strategy and timing.
Whether you want a competitive Umbreon, a raid-ready Glaceon, or a versatile Sylveon, following this guide ensures that every evolution works exactly as you intend. Finally, by leveraging TunesKit Location Changer, your Eevee evolution process will be shortened as much as possible.
