So, you’ve got an Inkay and are wondering… how do I make it evolve? Learning how to evolve Inkay in Pokemon GO is a bit different from other Pokémon. You need to do this funny upside-down trick with your phone. Just get some candies, hold your phone the right way, and you’re set. Once you do it, seeing Malamar appear is pretty satisfying.
To evolve Inkay into Malamar in Pokemon GO, you need 50 Inkay Candy. Then, flip your phone upside down and tap the evolve button. The button will get a little darker when the phone recognizes the flip, and your Inkay will evolve into Malamar—just like in Pokémon X and Y.

Why Inkay is Different
Most Pokémon evolve when you have enough candies, maybe a level requirement, or a special stone. Inkay? Nope. You have to flip your phone. Physically upside down. The first time you try it, it can be confusing, but the moment Malamar appears, it’s worth it.
A little background: Inkay hails from the Kalos region, and Malamar, its evolved form, is Dark/Psychic type. Not top tier everywhere, but fun in PvP and shiny hunting.
Inkay Evolution Requirements Pokémon GO
Before evolving, here’s what you need:
- Candies: 50 per evolution. Can be collected through catches, trades, buddy system, or Rare Candies.
- Phone Flip: Auto-rotate must be enabled.
- Level: Any trainer level works, but higher CP Inkay is better for battles.
- Events: Occasionally give extra candies or increased spawn rates.
Beginners often forget the upside-down trick or think a special item is needed—it’s not.
Step-by-Step Guide to Evolve Inkay into Malamar
Catch Inkay
Use community days, spawn boosts, or events. Don’t just wait passively.
Gather Candies
Use the buddy system, pinap berries, or trade duplicates until you have 50.
Flip Your Phone
Turn your phone upside down, slowly if needed. Tap evolve when the button darkens.
Confirm Evolution
Watch the animation and enjoy your Malamar.
Step | Action | Notes |
---|---|---|
1 | Catch Inkay | Use incense, events, or spawn hotspots |
2 | Collect Candies | 50 required; buddy system helps |
3 | Flip Phone | Android/iPhone, ensure auto-rotate is on |
4 | Tap Evolve | Wait for Malamar to appear |

How to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon GO on Android
Evolving Inkay on Android is pretty straightforward once you know the trick. First, make sure auto-rotate is enabled. Without it, your phone won’t detect the upside-down motion, and the evolve button won’t darken. Collect the required 50 candies and select the Inkay you want to evolve.
Next, flip your phone upside down slowly and tap the evolve button. Sometimes it takes a second attempt if the sensor doesn’t trigger immediately. Android devices usually handle this better than some iPhones, but being patient and careful with the phone orientation is key to getting your Malamar.
How to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon GO on iPhone
If you follow the steps above, it should work every time. Make sure rotation lock is off and hold your phone steady upside down before tapping evolve.
Some iPhone users find rotating slowly helps the sensor register correctly. Once it works, you’ll see Malamar appear with the evolution animation—just like in Pokémon X and Y.
How to Evolve Shiny Inkay Pokémon GO
Shiny Inkay evolves exactly the same way as regular Inkay. You don’t need anything extra—just 50 candies and the upside-down phone trick.
Helping Inkay evolve is mostly about being ready. Have 50 candies collected, make sure your phone can rotate, and know how to flip it upside down.
You can also evolve several Inkay in a row if you’re farming candies or hunting for shiny ones. The upside-down trick can feel odd at first, but once you get it, evolving becomes quick and easy. Being organized and taking your time helps a lot.
How to Evolve Shadow Inkay Pokémon GO
Shadow Inkay first needs purification if it came from Team Rocket. Purification reduces its CP cost and slightly boosts stats, but evolution still works the same way as normal Inkay. Once purified, collect the required 50 candies and flip your phone upside down to evolve it into Shadow Malamar.
Shadow Malamar keeps its Dark/Psychic typing, and it can be a fun addition to PvP or battle scenarios because of its unique moveset.
PvP and Malamar Usage
Malamar isn’t top tier everywhere but has some useful moves: Counter + Psychic or Snarl + Night Slash. Works well in Great and Ultra leagues.

How to Help Inkay Evolve in Pokémon GO
Helping Inkay evolve is mainly about preparation. Make sure you have 50 candies ready, your phone is set up correctly, and you know how to flip it upside down.
You can also evolve multiple Inkay in a row if you’re farming candies or hunting for shiny versions. Patience is key—the upside-down method seems tricky at first, but once you get used to it, evolution becomes quick and easy. It’s all about being organized and following the steps carefully.
Inkay Evolution Tips and Tricks Pokémon GO
A few tricks make evolving Inkay easier. Using the buddy system or pinap berries helps collect candies faster. Events also increase spawn rates, making it simpler to farm multiple Inkay.
Another tip: evolve higher CP Inkay if you want a stronger Malamar for battles. Be patient with the phone flip; don’t rush it. Following these simple tips ensures you get successful evolutions without frustration.
Inkay Evolution Guide for Beginners Pokémon GO
If you’re new to Pokémon GO, evolving Inkay might seem confusing. Just follow the steps: catch Inkay, collect 50 candies, flip your phone upside down, and tap evolve.
It’s normal to make mistakes initially. Repeat the process slowly, and soon you’ll get Malamar every time. Beginners benefit from practicing the flip a couple of times, and events or community days can make collecting candies easier and faster.
How to Evolve Inkay Pokémon GO at Level 30+
You can evolve Inkay at any trainer level. But if your Inkay is level 30 or higher, it will have better CP and stats, which is useful for battles.

Catching Inkay Efficiently
Method | Tips |
---|---|
Buddy System | Walk with Inkay to gain candies |
Trading | Trade duplicates for extra candies |
Events | Watch for spawn boosts and bonuses |
This covers Inkay Candy farming Pokémon GO and Inkay evolution event Pokémon GO naturally.
Problems or Mistakes When Evolving Inkay
- Phone not upside down
- Insufficient candies
- App glitch or outdated version
Covers Inkay evolution glitch Pokémon GO, Pokémon GO Inkay evolution problem, and Pokémon GO Inkay evolution trick. Restart the app and try again.
FAQs
- Can I evolve Inkay at any level?
Yes, candies and phone flip matter, not trainer level. - Do I need a Pokémon GO Inkay evolution item?
No, just candies. - Why won’t Inkay evolve in Pokémon GO?
Check candies, phone orientation, and app version. - How does Inkay evolve in Pokémon GO?
Flip your phone upside down, tap evolve, and the evolution happens. - Is there a special trick to evolve Inkay Pokémon GO evolution?
Follow the step-by-step method—spin slowly or flip carefully if needed.