You can change your Pokémon GO username, but only once

Pokémon GO allows you to change your username 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.

The one-time change is permanent in the sense that you cannot undo it or change back to your original name. If you want a different username after that, your only option is to create a new Pokémon GO account entirely, which means starting over with no Pokémon, items, or progress from your current account.

Key Takeaways

  • You get exactly one username change during the life of your account, so choose carefully before confirming.
  • The change happens when ready and your old username when ready becomes available for someone else to claim.
  • After you use your one change, you cannot change your username again without creating a brand new account.
  • The username change option is found in your account settings under the profile or settings menu, depending on which device you use.
  • Your new username must follow Pokémon GO's content policy and cannot contain offensive language, impersonation, or spam.

Where to find the username change option

Open Pokémon GO and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. This takes you to your profile page, where you see your current username, level, and Pokédex progress. Look for a settings icon — usually a gear or three horizontal lines — and tap it to open your account settings.

In the settings menu, scroll down until you find an option labeled "Change Username" or "Username". Tap it, and the game will show you a warning that this change is permanent and can only be done once. Read this warning carefully, because once you proceed, there is no going back.

Steps to change your username

After you tap the change username option and see the permanent warning, you will see a text field with your current username highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new username into the field. Pokémon GO will check the name in real time to see if it is already taken or violates the content policy.

If the name is available and acceptable, a confirm button will appear. Tap it, and the game will ask you to confirm one more time. This is your final note to change your mind — after you confirm here, the change is final and when ready. Once confirmed, your new username is live and your old one is released for other players.

Rules for your new username

Your new username cannot contain spaces, special characters, or numbers in most cases — Pokémon GO restricts usernames to letters only, though the exact rules can vary slightly by region. The name must be between 1 and 15 characters long.

The username also cannot impersonate another player, contain offensive language, or look like spam or advertising. Pokémon GO's system checks new names against a filter, and if your choice violates these rules, the confirm button will not appear and you will see an error message instead. If this happens, try a different name.

What happens if you do not use your one change

If you never change your username, you keep your original name for as long as you play. The one-time change does not expire — you can use it years after you create your account. However, once you use it, that is your final username unless you start a completely new account.

Some players hold onto their one change in case they want to rebrand later, while others use it right away if they chose a name they regret. There is no penalty for waiting, but there is also no way to get the change back if you lose track of it.

Starting over with a new account

If you have already used your one username change and want a different name now, you must create a new Pokémon GO account. This means signing up with a different email address or social media account, and you will start at level 1 with no Pokémon or items from your old account.

Your old account will still exist and can be played, but the two accounts are completely separate. You cannot transfer Pokémon, items, or progress between them. Before you create a new account, make sure you understand that you are starting completely fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my original name?

No. Once you change your username, you cannot change it back, even if your original name is now available. Your one change is permanent, and you cannot use it again. If you want your old name back, you would need to create a new account.

What if someone else took my old username after I changed it?

Pokémon GO does not reserve old usernames for returning players. Once you change your username, your old name is when ready available for anyone else to claim. If someone else takes it, you cannot get it back.

Do I lose my Pokémon or progress when I change my username?

No. Changing your username does not affect your Pokémon, items, level, or any progress in the game. Only your display name changes. Everything else stays exactly as it was.

Can I change my username if I play on multiple devices?

Your Pokémon GO account is tied to your login, not your device. If you play on both a phone and a tablet with the same account, you have one username change total across both devices. Changing it on one device changes it everywhere.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Pokémon GO will tell you when ready when you type a name that is already in use — the confirm button will not appear. Try a different name. You can keep trying different names until you find one that is available and passes the content filter.