Getting an Umbreon in Pokémon GO is easier when you know which evolution method to use. Umbreon is a Dark-type Pokémon that evolves from Eevee, but you cannot always get it by using Eevee Candy alone.
If you want to know how to get an umbreon on pokemon go without wasting Candy or ending up with the wrong evolution, you have two main options. You can use Eevee’s nickname trick for a guaranteed one-time evolution or walk with Eevee as your Buddy to evolve it through the normal method.
Quick Answer
To get Umbreon in Pokémon GO, rename Eevee Tamao and evolve it using 25 Eevee Candy. This nickname trick works only once per account. For additional Umbreon evolutions, make Eevee your Buddy, walk 10 km with it, earn two Eevee Candy from walking, and evolve it at night while it is still your Buddy. Check the evolution preview before confirming.
What You Need Before Evolving Eevee
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- An Eevee: Choose the one you want to evolve into Umbreon.
- 25 Eevee Candy: This is the normal evolution cost.
- A nickname or walking plan: The nickname method is intended as a one-time shortcut. Walking is the repeatable method.
- A little patience: You may need to complete the walking requirement and wait for nighttime in the game.
One important detail: Pokémon GO has had reports of issues with the nickname shortcut. The safest approach is to check the evolution icon on your Eevee’s profile before spending Candy.
How to Get an Umbreon on Pokemon Go Step by Step
There are two main methods to try. Start with the nickname method if you have never used it, or follow the Buddy method if you want a repeatable way to get Umbreon.
Method 1: Use the Tamao Nickname Trick
The nickname trick is the quickest method when it is available for your account.
Step 1: Open your Pokémon collection
Launch Pokémon GO and tap the Poké Ball menu. Select Pokémon to view the Eevee you want to evolve.
Step 2: Rename Eevee to Tamao
Open Eevee’s profile and tap the pencil icon next to its name. Change the nickname to Tamao, making sure the spelling is correct.
This nickname is associated with Umbreon. Other nicknames used for Eevee evolutions will give different results.
Step 3: Check the evolution preview
Look at the Evolve button before you tap it. Ideally, the preview should show Umbreon’s silhouette or image rather than a question mark.
If the game still shows a question mark or asks you to complete the walking requirement, do not assume the nickname has worked. Proceed with the Buddy method instead.
Step 4: Evolve Eevee
If the game confirms Umbreon as the intended evolution, make sure you have 25 Eevee Candy and tap Evolve.
The nickname trick is limited to one successful use of the Tamao name per account. Renaming another Eevee to Tamao will not provide another guaranteed shortcut after the first use.
Method 2: Walk With Eevee and Evolve It at Night
This is the standard method and the best option if you want more than one Umbreon.
Step 1: Set Eevee as your Buddy
Open Eevee’s profile and choose the option to make it your Buddy Pokémon. A Buddy Pokémon is the Pokémon you select to accompany your Trainer and earn rewards through activities such as walking.
Keep the same Eevee selected throughout the process.
Step 2: Walk 10 kilometers with Eevee
Walk until the game records at least 10 km with Eevee as your Buddy. The distance is approximately 6.2 miles.
Check the Buddy profile regularly to make sure your progress is being recorded. Walking distance may take a little time to update, so avoid relying on your phone’s step counter alone.
Step 3: Earn two Eevee Candy from walking
While walking, Eevee can earn Candy as your Buddy. Make sure you have earned at least two Candy from the walking process, as this is an additional check commonly associated with the Umbreon evolution requirement.
You will still need 25 Eevee Candy to pay for the evolution.
Step 4: Keep Eevee as your active Buddy
Once you finish walking, do not switch to another Buddy before evolving Eevee. Keeping the same Pokémon selected helps ensure that the game recognizes the completed requirement.
Step 5: Wait until nighttime in Pokémon GO
Open the game and check the in-game map. You want the game to recognize nighttime before you evolve Eevee.
Do not rely only on the time shown on your phone. The important signal is the evolution preview in Pokémon GO itself.
Step 6: Confirm Umbreon before evolving
Return to Eevee’s profile and inspect the Evolve button. If Umbreon is shown, tap the button and spend 25 Eevee Candy.
If you see a question mark or another evolution, wait and check the requirements again rather than risking your Candy.
Umbreon Evolution Requirements at a Glance
The following table summarizes the two methods and the checks that matter most.
| Requirement | Tamao nickname method | Buddy walking method |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pokémon | Eevee | Eevee |
| Nickname | Tamao | No special nickname needed |
| Walking distance | Intended as a shortcut | 10 km |
| Walking Candy | Not normally required for the shortcut | Earn two Eevee Candy from walking |
| Evolution cost | 25 Eevee Candy | 25 Eevee Candy |
| Time of evolution | Follow the game’s evolution preview | Nighttime in the game |
| Can you repeat it? | No, the shortcut is one-time | Yes, for additional Umbreon |
| Best use | Your first shortcut attempt | Reliable repeat attempts |
The evolution preview is the most useful final check. If the game does not show Umbreon as the expected result, wait until the requirement is recognized.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even when you follow the instructions, a few mistakes can prevent you from getting Umbreon.
Evolving Eevee Before Walking Enough
If you use the standard method, evolving too early may give you a different Eeveelution.
Fix: Complete the full 10 km requirement, earn the required walking Candy, and confirm Umbreon appears on the Evolve button.
Using the Tamao Nickname More Than Once
The nickname trick does not provide unlimited Umbreon evolutions. Changing the name of another Eevee to Tamao will not reset the one-time bonus.
Fix: Use the walking method for your next Umbreon.
Evolving During the Day
The standard method distinguishes between Espeon and Umbreon by the time of evolution. Daytime is associated with Espeon, while nighttime is associated with Umbreon.
Fix: Wait until the in-game map reflects nighttime and check the evolution preview before confirming.
Switching Buddy Pokémon Too Soon
Changing your Buddy can interfere with the process if you have not completed the evolution requirements or if the game has not registered your progress.
Fix: Keep the same Eevee as your Buddy until Umbreon evolves successfully.
Trusting the Nickname Without Checking the Preview
A nickname alone is not a reason to assume the evolution will work, especially if the game still displays a question mark.
Fix: Treat the evolution preview as your final confirmation. If Umbreon is not shown, complete the standard requirements instead.
Practical Tips for Beginners
You do not need advanced Pokémon GO knowledge to get Umbreon. A few simple habits can make the process easier.
- Choose your Eevee carefully. If you have several Eevee, pick one with the stats and appearance you prefer before investing your Candy.
- Track your walking progress. Check Eevee’s Buddy profile so you know how close you are to the required distance.
- Save enough Candy. Avoid spending Eevee Candy on other evolutions if you are close to the 25 Candy requirement.
- Do not rush the evolution. Waiting for the correct in-game time is better than spending Candy on an unwanted Pokémon.
- Remember the distinction between Candy and walking distance. Walking helps satisfy the Buddy requirement and can earn Candy, but you must still have enough Candy to evolve Eevee.
- Keep the final check simple. The correct evolution preview is more useful than guessing based on a nickname or the real-world time.
If your first attempt fails, you usually do not need to catch a rare Pokémon or use a special evolution item. Review your Buddy progress and try again when the game recognizes all the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the nickname for Umbreon in Pokémon GO?
The nickname is Tamao. It is designed to trigger Eevee’s Umbreon evolution once per account, provided the shortcut works as expected in your game.
2. How many Eevee Candy do I need for Umbreon?
You need 25 Eevee Candy to evolve Eevee into Umbreon. The standard method also requires you to walk with Eevee as your Buddy for 10 km and evolve it at night.
3. Can I get Umbreon without walking 10 km?
The Tamao nickname trick is intended to let you skip the walking requirement for one evolution. However, if the game still requires you to walk, follow the normal Buddy method and check the evolution preview.
4. Can I evolve Eevee into Umbreon during the day?
Not through the standard Buddy method. You should evolve Eevee at nighttime in Pokémon GO and confirm that Umbreon appears on the Evolve button.
5. Can I get multiple Umbreon in Pokémon GO?
Yes. You can get multiple Umbreon by repeating the standard Buddy walking method with different Eevee. The Tamao nickname trick, however, is limited to one use per account.
6. Why does my Eevee show a question mark instead of Umbreon?
A question mark means the game has not confirmed a specific evolution. You may have insufficient walking progress, may not have earned the required Buddy Candy, or may be checking at the wrong time.
7. Is Umbreon a good Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Umbreon is especially valued for its defensive strength in certain player-versus-player battles. Its usefulness depends on the league, its stats, and the moves you choose.
Conclusion
The easiest way to try for your first Umbreon is to rename Eevee Tamao and check the evolution preview. For additional Umbreon, walk 10 km with Eevee as your Buddy, earn two Candy from walking, and evolve it at nighttime when the game confirms the result.
Take a moment to verify the Evolve button before spending your 25 Eevee Candy. That simple check can save you from getting the wrong Eeveelution.

Hi, I am Jack Arif, a professional researcher and author on HowMeans.com. I specialize in deep-dive research and the ‘How’ niche, creating comprehensive, step-by-step guides that break down complex topics into simple answers for you every day.