Backgrounds on Trainer profiles are coming to Pokémon Go over the next week.
After being leaked across various datamines over the summer, developer Scopely Explore has confirmed that Location Backgrounds and Special Backgrounds will appear on Trainer profiles starting with this year's Go Wild Area.
The feature will roll out in two waves, and with some small caveats. Here's how Trainer Profiles work in Pokémon Go, and when they will debut for you.
When do Trainer Backgrounds release in Pokémon Go?
Location Backgrounds from this year's Go Wild Area event will appear on Trainer profiles first, before expanding to all other Location Backgrounds a few days later. Here's the specific dates and details:
- Sendai, Mexico City Go Wild Area 2026 Location Backgrounds: Friday, 6th November
- All Location Backgrounds and Go Wild Area 2026 Special Backgrounds: Monday, 9th November
- Additional Special Backgrounds: TBC
Note that you won't be able to see these Backgrounds until 10am local time. That means if you have a friend in an earlier time zone who has set one of these Backgrounds, they won't show up for you until 10am rolls around.
How to set your Trainer Background in Pokémon Go
The Trainer 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.)
As mentioned above, the feature will be exclusive to in-person Go Wild Area attendees for the first weekend, before rolling out to all other Location Backgrounds on Monday, meaning anything from previous Go Fest events or National Trust properties will then work.
Then at a later date, additional Special Backgrounds will be available - but what those include, and when, is to be confirmed.
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