You cannot change your Pokémon Trainer Club username once it is created
The Pokémon Company does not offer a way to edit or rename a Pokémon Trainer Club account username after you first set it up. This is a permanent choice at account creation, not a setting you can adjust later through your account dashboard or by contacting support.
If you want a different username, you will need to create a new Pokémon Trainer Club account with the name you prefer. This means starting fresh — your new account will not have access to the Pokédex, items, or progress tied to your old account.
Key Takeaways
- Pokémon Trainer Club usernames cannot be changed after the account is created, even by contacting Pokémon support.
- Creating a new account with a different username means losing access to all progress, items, and Pokédex data from your old account.
- Your username is different from your display name in some Pokémon games — check which one you actually want to change before creating a new account.
- If you use your Pokémon Trainer Club account to sign into Pokémon games or services, switching accounts will disconnect those links.
What happens to your old account if you create a new one
Your original Pokémon Trainer Club account does not disappear or get deleted when you make a new one. It remains active and tied to the email address you registered with. If you ever want to go back to it, you can log in using that email and password.
However, any games or services linked to your old account will stay linked to it. If you were using your old Pokémon Trainer Club login to play Pokémon Scarlet, Violet, Legends of Arceus, or other titles, those games will not automatically transfer to your new account. You would need to unlink the old account from the game and link the new one instead — and the game progress itself stays with the old account.
The difference between username and display name
Some Pokémon games let you set a display name that is separate from your Pokémon Trainer Club username. Your display name is what other players see in multiplayer features, while your username is what you type to log in. If you only want to change how your name appears to other players, check whether your game has a display name setting before you decide to create a new account.
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, for example, you can change your character's name and appearance in-game without touching your Pokémon Trainer Club account at all. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, your character name is set when you start the game and cannot be changed, but that is separate from your account username.
How to check your current username
Go to trainers.pokemon.com and log in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, look at the top right corner of the page — your username appears there. You can also find it in your account settings under "Profile" or "Account Information," depending on which version of the site you are viewing.
Write down your username before you decide whether you actually want to change it. Many people think they want a new username but realize after checking that they are happy with the one they have, or that they were confusing it with a display name in a specific game.
Creating a new Pokémon Trainer Club account
If you decide you need a new account, go to trainers.pokemon.com and select "Create Account" or "Sign Up." You will need a new email address — you cannot use the same email as your old account. Enter your desired username, create a password, and fill in your birth date and country. The Pokémon Company will send a confirmation email to verify your address.
Once your new account is active, you can link it to any Pokémon games or services you want to use going forward. Your old account will still exist and can be logged into separately if you ever need to access it.
Unlinking your old account from games and services
If your old Pokémon Trainer Club account is currently linked to Pokémon games, Pokémon Home, or other services, you will need to unlink it before you can link your new account. The steps vary by service.
For most games, go to your account settings within the game, find the option to unlink or disconnect your Pokémon Trainer Club account, and confirm. For Pokémon Home, log in at home.pokemon.com, go to settings, and look for the option to disconnect your account. Once unlinked, you can then log in with your new Pokémon Trainer Club account and link that instead. Your game progress stays with the old account — unlinking does not transfer it.
Why the Pokémon Company does not allow username changes
Usernames are tied to your account's history, friend lists, and any online interactions you have had. Changing a username could create confusion in multiplayer games, mess up friend connections, or cause issues with account recovery if your username no longer matches your account records. Rather than manage those complications, the Pokémon Company treats usernames as permanent identifiers.
This is a common policy across many online gaming platforms. Some services do allow username changes but charge a fee or limit how often you can do it. The Pokémon Trainer Club straightforward does not offer the feature at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username if I contact Pokémon support directly?
No. Pokémon support cannot change your username for you, even if you ask. The username change feature does not exist in their system. Your only option is to create a new account with a different username.
Will my friends still be able to find me if I create a new account?
Not automatically. Your friends will still see your old account in their friend lists, but they will not see your new account unless you add them again using the new account's username. You will need to tell them your new username so they can find you.
What if I forgot my username and cannot log in?
Go to trainers.pokemon.com and click "Forgot your username?" You will need to enter the email address associated with your account, and the Pokémon Company will send you a message with your username. If you do not have access to that email anymore, contact Pokémon support for help recovering your account.
Can I use the same email for two Pokémon Trainer Club accounts?
No. Each Pokémon Trainer Club account must have its own unique email address. If you want a second account, you will need a second email address — you can create a free one through Gmail, Outlook, or another email provider.
Do I lose my Pokédex if I switch to a new account?
Yes. Your Pokédex, caught Pokémon, items, and all game progress are tied to the account you were using when you played. A new account starts completely fresh with no Pokémon, no items, and an empty Pokédex. You cannot transfer progress between accounts.