PokeCoins

PokeCoins
This page contains information on how to get coins in Pokemon Go.

PokeCoins are a type of currency in Pokemon Go, and are used to purchase almost all of the Items located in the Shop, with the exclusion of the PokeCoins themselves.

Purchasing PokéCoins
PokeCoins on their own can be purchased for real-world money.

How to Get Free PokéCoins
The only way to earn PokeCoins without using real money is by leaving a Pokemon at a Gym to defend it, which you can do once you choose ateam at level 5. You can defend each Gym with a single Pokemon. To do this, you must: If you've located a friendly Gym, check if it's a high enough level to accommodate your Pokemon. If there's an empty slot, you'll see an icon on the bottom left of the screen once you open the Gym menu. This same icon will also be present at a white unoccupied gym. If that icon is missing, you'll have to train in the Gym to increase its prestige by clicking on the boxing glove icon on the bottom right. This will raise the Gym's level, which can be up to level 10, coinsiding with the number of Pokemon that can be left there. Once the Gym's level is increased, you'll be able to leave a Pokemon there to defend it. Once you've found a rival Gym, you must battle to decrease the Gym's prestige to zero. You can do this repeatedly, healing your Pokemon in between battles. Once you've defeated the Gym enough times, the previously reigning team will be kicked out. Then the Gym will appear as a white unocuppied gym, which will allow you to claim it for your Team.
 * A. Locate a Friendly or Unoccupied Gym

Once you have successfully deposited a Pokemon at a Gym to defend it in your honor, you can open the Shop screen to collect your "Defender Bonus."

You should see a shield at the top right with a number within it, representing the number of Pokemon you have left at Gyms. This bonus can be collected from anywhere and can be collected once every 21 hours. If it has been more than 21 hours since you have last collected a bonus, you can claim it immediatly.

Because it can be pretty difficult to hold a Gym for 21 hours, take this strategy into consideration: Find an area with plenty of Gyms all nearby at a time when few people visit. Claim all of the Gyms in quick succession, preferably with a band of your teammates, and then claim your Defender Bonus!