You cannot change your Pokémon Trainer Club username after you create it
The Pokémon Company does not offer a way to edit or rename your Trainer Club username once the account is set up. This is a permanent part of your account, the same way your email address is tied to most online services. If you want a different username, you will need to create a new Pokémon Trainer Club account with the name you prefer.
This policy exists because your username is the public identity other players see when you trade, battle, or participate in online events. Changing it retroactively would confuse trading history and break the connection between your username and your game progress. The Pokémon Company treats usernames as account identifiers, not display names you can swap out.
Key Takeaways
- Pokémon Trainer Club usernames cannot be changed or edited after account creation, and this is permanent.
- If you dislike your current username, you must create a new Pokémon Trainer Club account with a different email address.
- Your game progress, Pokédex, and items stay with your original account and do not transfer to a new account.
- You can have multiple Pokémon Trainer Club accounts as long as each one uses a different email address.
- Before you create a new account, think through the username carefully because you will be stuck with it.
What happens if you create a new account
When you set up a fresh Pokémon Trainer Club account, you start from zero. Your new account will not have access to any Pokémon, items, or progress from your old account. If you have spent time building your Pokédex or collecting rare Pokémon, those stay locked to the original username.
The new account is completely separate. You can link it to a different game file on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device, but the two accounts will never merge. This is why many players decide to keep their original username even if they are not thrilled with it — the cost of starting over is usually higher than living with the name they chose.
How to create a new Pokémon Trainer Club account
Go to the official Pokémon Trainer Club website at trainers.pokemon.com. Click the "Sign Up" button and fill in the registration form. You will need a new email address that is not already connected to any other Pokémon account.
Enter your desired username in the username field. Take your time here — this is the name you will have permanently. Type it exactly as you want it to appear. Then create a strong password, confirm your email address, and agree to the terms of service. Pokémon will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Click the link in that email to set up your account.
Once your new account is active, you can link it to your game. On Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, go to your user profile settings, then link your new Trainer Club account. On mobile games like Pokémon Go, open the app, tap your profile icon, and select "Sign In with Pokémon Trainer Club," then log in with your new credentials.
Reasons the Pokémon Company locks usernames
Usernames are permanent because they anchor your trading and battle history. When you trade a Pokémon to another player, that transaction is recorded under your username. If you could change your name later, the other player would lose track of who they traded with, and disputes would become impossible to resolve.
Locked usernames also prevent impersonation and fraud. If someone could rename their account to match a famous player or content creator, it would create confusion and allow scams. By keeping usernames fixed, the Pokémon Company makes it harder for bad actors to pose as someone else.
Alternatives if you want a different online identity
Some Pokémon games let you set a separate display name that is different from your Trainer Club username. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, for example, you can change your in-game character name without touching your account username. Check the settings menu of the specific game you play to see if this option exists.
You can also use a nickname in your profile bio or on social media to present yourself differently to other players, even though your official Trainer Club username stays the same. Many players do this — their account name might be something they created years ago, but their Discord or Twitter shows a name they prefer now.
How to avoid regret when choosing a username
Before you hit "create account," say the username out loud. Will you still like it in two years? Does it contain slang or references that might feel dated? Avoid usernames with numbers that look like you are trying to claim a name that was taken, and steer clear of anything you would not want a stranger to see.
Check whether the username you want is already taken on the Pokémon Trainer Club site itself — the system will tell you during signup if it is unavailable. You can also search social media to see if the name is associated with something you would not want to be confused with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my old account and use the same username on a new one?
No. Even if you delete your old Pokémon Trainer Club account, the username remains reserved and cannot be reused. You must choose a completely different username for any new account you create.
Will my Pokémon transfer if I create a new account?
No. Pokémon, items, and all progress are tied to the account they were earned on. Creating a new account means starting a fresh game with no Pokémon or items. You cannot move progress between accounts.
Can I change my email address instead of my username?
Yes. You can change the email address linked to your Pokémon Trainer Club account without changing your username. Go to your account settings on trainers.pokemon.com, find the email section, and update it. Your username stays exactly the same.
What if I forgot my username?
Go to trainers.pokemon.com and click "Forgot your username?" Enter the email address associated with your account, and Pokémon will send you a reminder. If you do not have access to that email, contact Pokémon Support through their official website for help recovering your account.
Can I have multiple Pokémon Trainer Club accounts?
Yes, as long as each account uses a different email address. You can link each account to a different game file or device. However, you cannot merge accounts or transfer progress between them.