Yes, you can change your username, but only once

Pokémon GO lets you change your username one time, and only one time. After you use that single change, you cannot change it again through the normal settings. The change takes effect when ready once you confirm it, and the old name becomes available for other players to use.

This one-time limit is permanent — Niantic, the company that makes Pokémon GO, does not offer exceptions or additional changes even if you pay for them. Plan your new username carefully, because you will be stuck with it unless you create a new account entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • You get exactly one free username change in Pokémon GO, and it cannot be reversed or repeated.
  • To change your username, open the app, tap your profile icon, select Settings, find the username field, and tap the pencil icon next to it.
  • Your new username must be between 1 and 15 characters, cannot contain spaces, and cannot include certain words that Niantic blocks.
  • If you have already used your one change, the only way to get a different username is to create a new Pokémon GO account.

How to change your username in the app

Open Pokémon GO and tap the Poké Ball icon at the bottom of the screen. Select your profile picture or avatar in the top left corner. This opens your profile page, where you will see your current username displayed near the top.

Tap the Settings icon (the gear symbol) in the top right corner of your profile. Scroll down until you see the username field. Next to your current username, you will see a pencil icon — tap that icon to edit. Type your new username into the text box that appears, then tap the checkmark or confirm button to save the change.

The system will tell you when ready if your new name is available. If another player has already taken it, you will see an error message and can try a different name. Once you confirm a name that is available, the change is final and takes effect right away.

Rules for what your new username can be

Your username must be between 1 and 15 characters long. It can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but it cannot contain spaces or most special characters like hyphens, periods, or symbols. Usernames are not case-sensitive — "RedPikachufan" and "redpikachufan" are treated as the same name.

Niantic blocks certain words and phrases from being used as usernames. These include profanity, slurs, and references to real people's names or locations. If you try to use a blocked word, the system will reject it and ask you to choose something else. The exact list of blocked words is not public, so if your chosen name is rejected, try removing or changing the part that triggered the block.

What happens if you have already used your one change

If you have already changed your username once, that option is gone. Pokémon GO does not restore the ability to change it again, and Niantic support will not make exceptions. You cannot pay to unlock another change, and there is no workaround within the app.

Your only option at that point is to create a new Pokémon GO account using a different email address or sign-in method. You will start over with a new trainer, no Pokémon, and no progress — but you will get one free username change on the new account. This is a significant cost if you have invested time in your current account, so most players choose to keep their existing username rather than start fresh.

How to avoid picking a username you will regret

Since you only get one change, test your new name before you confirm it. Say it out loud. Imagine seeing it in a Pokémon GO battle or on a leaderboard a year from now. Think about whether it will still feel right if your interests change — usernames tied to specific games, shows, or trends can feel dated quickly.

Avoid usernames that include your real name, birth year, or location, since these can make it easier for strangers to identify you. Usernames that are too similar to famous players or content creators may also cause confusion. A straightforward, neutral name that you will not mind seeing in public is usually the safest choice.

Changing your account name versus your username

Your Pokémon GO username is different from your account name. Your account name is the email address or sign-in method you use to log in — that can be changed through your email provider or sign-in service, but it does not change what other players see in the game.

The username is what appears when other players see you in gyms, raids, or battles. That is the name you change through the Settings menu in the app, and that is the one you only get to change once. Make sure you are editing the right thing — if you are trying to change how you log in, you need to change your email or account settings outside the Pokémon GO app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

No. Once you change your username, the old name is released and becomes available for other players. You cannot reclaim it, even if no one else has taken it yet. If you regret your change, your only option is to create a new account.

What if I forgot I already changed my username?

Check your Settings page — if the pencil icon next to your username is gone or grayed out, you have already used your one change. You can also contact Niantic support to confirm, though they cannot give you another change even if you ask.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other symbols are not allowed. The system will reject your change if you try to use them.

Do I need to pay to change my username?

No. Your one username change is free. Niantic does not offer paid additional changes, and no amount of money will unlock a second change.

Will changing my username affect my Pokémon or my progress?

No. Your Pokémon, items, level, and all progress stay exactly the same. Only the name that other players see changes.