Trainer Profile Backgrounds are a feature introduced to Pokémon Go in November 2026.
After being leaked across various datamines over the summer, developer Scopely Explore confirmed that Location Backgrounds and certain Special Backgrounds will appear in the background of Trainer Profiles starting with Go Wild Area 2026.
Also known as 'Rare Backgrounds', here's how the Trainer Profile Background update works in Pokémon Go, how you can see a list of all eligible backgrounds you own with a search string, and everything else we know about the feature.
Update (9th November): Now the feature is live for all players, updated the guide with images, a video, a search string tip and more.
All supported Trainer Profile Backgrounds in Pokémon Go
As of Monday, 9th November, 2026, the following Rare Backgrounds are supported by the Trainer Profile Backgrounds feature:
- All Location Backgrounds (includes in-person Go Tour, Go Fest, Go Wild Area events, collabs such as National Trust and European Space Agency science museums, from one-off celebrations such as the Times Square's 10th anniversary event, etc)
- Go Wild Area: Global 2026 Special Backgrounds (available during 'Into the Wild' raids)
It's been confirmed that "additional Special Backgrounds will become available" in the future, with updates on which from Scopely Explore to come.
Trainer Profile Backgrounds search string in Pokémon Go
If you weren't sure which Rare Backgrounds in your collection are eligible for a Trainer Profile Background, then by searching 'profilebackground', you'll see the full list in your collection.
Alternatively, viewing a Pokémon with an eligible background will give you a quick tutorial screen.
How to set your Trainer Profile Background in Pokémon Go
The Trainer Profile Background's appearance is tied to your Buddy Pokémon's Location Background or Special Background.
This means setting one is up is as simple as choosing a Buddy with an eligible Background. It also means, unfortunately, you have to keep that Pokémon as you Buddy for the Background to appear. (It'll be great to see Trainer Backgrounds 'unlock' for your Profile permanently one day, if anyone from Scopely Explore is listening.)
Hope you enjoy using the new feature!
The Trainer Profile Backgrounds feature debuted during Go Wild Area 2026. If you want to get your hands on those Special Backgrounds to show off in your Profile Background, then catch five-star Pokémon from Raids and Max Battles during the 'Into the Wild' event:
Matthew Reynolds
Sign up to the newsletter mailing list for a FREE guide to the week ahead in Pokémon Go - plus original reporting and features straight to your inbox.
