You can change your Pokémon GO username, but only once, and the process depends on how you created your account

Pokémon GO lets you change your username one time for free. After that single change, you cannot modify it again — the name you pick becomes permanent. The steps to change it depend on whether you signed up with a Pokémon Trainer Club account, Google, or Apple ID. Each login method has its own process, and you need to know which one you used when you first installed the game.

The change takes effect when ready once you confirm it. Other players will see your new name in gyms, raids, and PvP battles right away. You cannot revert to your old username, and you cannot reserve a name that another player is currently using.

Key Takeaways

  • You get one free username change in Pokémon GO, and after that the name is locked permanently.
  • Pokémon Trainer Club accounts change their username through the official Pokémon website, not inside the game.
  • Google and Apple ID accounts change their username inside the Pokémon GO app under settings.
  • Your new name appears to other players when ready, so choose carefully since you cannot change it again.
  • If another player is already using the name you want, you must pick something different.

How to change your username if you use a Pokémon Trainer Club account

Open a web browser and go to accounts.pokemon.com. Sign in with the email address and password you use for Pokémon GO. Once you are logged in, look for "Username" in your account settings — it will show your current name and a link to change it.

Click the change link and type your new username into the box. Pokémon GO usernames can be 1 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. The system will tell you when ready if the name is already taken. Once you confirm the change on the website, it syncs to your game within a few minutes.

How to change your username if you use Google or Apple ID

Open Pokémon GO and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Settings" (the gear icon). Look for "Username" in the settings menu — you will see your current name and an option to change it.

Tap the change option and enter your new username. The same rules explore: 1 to 16 characters, letters, numbers, and underscores only. If the name is taken, the app will say so and you will need to try a different one. Once you tap confirm, the change is live in the game when ready.

What happens if you forget which account type you used

If you are not sure whether you signed up with Pokémon Trainer Club, Google, or Apple ID, open Pokémon GO and tap your profile icon. Scroll to the bottom of your profile page — you will see which login method is connected to your account. It will say "Pokémon Trainer Club", "Google", or "Apple ID" next to your name.

Once you know which one it is, use the steps above for that account type. If you are still stuck, you can contact Pokémon GO support through the in-game help menu (tap the Poké Ball, then Settings, then Help), and they can walk you through the process.

Why you only get one free change

Pokémon GO limits username changes to one per account to prevent players from constantly switching names to avoid consequences or confuse other players in competitive play. After your one change, the name is permanent for the life of that account. This also prevents people from impersonating others by copying a famous player's name and then changing it later.

If you want a different name after your one change is used, you would need to create a new account and start over from level 1. For that reason, it is worth taking time to pick a name you will be happy with long-term.

Things to know before you change your username

Your old username will not appear anywhere in the game after the change — other players cannot see what you were called before. Your Pokédex, items, and level stay exactly the same. The change does not affect your friendship list or your team (Mystic, Valor, or Instinct).

If you are part of a Discord server or local Pokémon GO group, let them know your new name so they recognize you in raids and trades. Some players use their username as part of their identity in the community, so a heads-up prevents confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once?

No. You get one free change, and after that your username is permanent. If you use your one change and later want a different name, you would need to create a new account and start the game over.

What if the username I want is already taken?

You cannot use a name that another player is currently using. Try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique — for example, "Trainer_123" instead of "Trainer". The system will tell you right away if a name is available.

How long does it take for my new username to show up in the game?

If you changed it through the Pokémon website (Trainer Club), it syncs within a few minutes. If you changed it in the app (Google or Apple), it is live when ready. You may need to close and reopen the app to see the change everywhere.

Will my friends still see me on their friends list after I change my name?

Yes. Your friendship connections do not change. Your friends will see your new username on their list, and you will still see them on yours. The change is purely cosmetic.

Can I go back to my old username?

No. Once you change your username, the old one is gone and you cannot reclaim it. You also cannot change back to it because you only get one change total. Choose your new name carefully.