Yes, you can change your username in Pokémon GO, but only once

Pokémon GO lets you change your username one time for free. After you use that single change, you cannot change it again through normal gameplay. If you want a different name after that, you have to start a new account. The one free change is permanent — you do not get another one if you change your mind later.

The username you see in Pokémon GO is separate from your Google or Niantic account login. Changing your Pokémon GO username does not change how you sign in. Your level, Pokédex, items, and Pokémon all stay with your account no matter what name appears above your avatar.

Key Takeaways

  • You get one free username change in Pokémon GO, and it cannot be reversed or repeated.
  • To change your username, open the app, tap your avatar, select "Settings," then "Change Nickname," and enter your new name.
  • Your new username must be between one and 16 characters and cannot contain spaces or special characters.
  • The name change takes effect when ready in your game, but other players may see the old name for a few minutes while the servers update.

How to change your username step by step

Open Pokémon GO and tap your avatar icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. This opens your trainer profile. Tap the gear icon labeled "Settings" in the top right of your profile page.

Scroll down until you see "Change Nickname." Tap it. A text box will appear with your current username highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one. Tap the checkmark or "OK" button to confirm. Your new username is now active in the game.

Rules for your new username

Pokémon GO has strict rules about what characters you can use. Your username must be between one and 16 characters long. You can use letters (A–Z, a–z) and numbers (0–9), but you cannot use spaces, hyphens, underscores, or any special characters like @, #, or &.

Niantic, the company that makes Pokémon GO, also blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people. If you try to enter a name that breaks these rules, the game will reject it and ask you to try again. You will see an error message telling you the name is not allowed.

What happens if you have already used your one change

If you have already changed your username once, Pokémon GO will not let you change it again. The "Change Nickname" option will either disappear from Settings or show a message saying you have already used your change.

Your only option at that point is to create a new Pokémon GO account with a different email address or Google account. This new account starts at level one with an empty Pokédex. You will not transfer your Pokémon, items, or progress from your old account — those stay with the original account and username.

How long the change takes to show up everywhere

Your new username appears in your game when ready after you confirm the change. However, other players in your area may still see your old name for a few minutes. This delay happens because Pokémon GO's servers take time to send the update to all players' devices.

If you are in a raid or gym battle when you change your name, other players in that battle might see the old name until the battle ends and the game refreshes. This is normal and does not affect your account or progress.

Why you might want to change your username before playing

Pokémon GO assigns you a random default username when you first create your account. Many players change it to something they prefer — a nickname, their real name, or something related to Pokémon. Since you only get one change, it makes sense to think about what you want before you use it.

Some players regret their choice after a few months of playing and wish they could change again. Choosing a name you will be happy with for the long term saves you from that frustration. Avoid names that reference trends or jokes that might feel outdated in a year or two.

What you cannot do with your username

You cannot reserve a username before you create your account. Pokémon GO does not have a username reservation system. If you want a specific name, you have to create the account and set that name when ready, or someone else might take it.

You also cannot transfer your username to a different account. Your username is tied to the account it was created on. If you want to move to a new account, you start fresh with a new username.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once?

No. Pokémon GO gives you one free username change for the life of your account. After you use it, you cannot change your username again. If you want a different name, you must create a new account.

Does changing my username affect my level or Pokémon?

No. Your level, Pokédex, items, and all your Pokémon stay exactly the same. Only the name that appears above your avatar changes. Your account progress is not affected at all.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Pokémon GO does not hold usernames. If the name you want is already taken, you cannot use it. You will have to choose a different name. There is no waiting list or way to claim a name someone else is using.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. Pokémon GO only allows letters (A–Z, a–z) and numbers (0–9). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, underscores, or symbols like @, #, or &. If you try, the game will reject the name and ask you to try again.

Will other players see my new username right away?

Your new username appears in your game when ready, but other players may see your old name for a few minutes while the servers update. This delay is normal and temporary. Everyone will see your new name within a few minutes.