You cannot change your Pokémon Trainer Club username after you create it

The Pokémon Company does not offer a way to change the username on an existing Pokémon Trainer Club account. Once you set your username during account creation, it stays the same for the life of that account. This applies whether you created the account on the Pokémon website, through the Pokémon app, or linked it to another service.

If you want a different username, your only option is to create a new Pokémon Trainer Club account with the username you prefer. This means starting fresh — your new account will not have access to Pokémon, items, or progress tied to your old account.

Key Takeaways

  • Pokémon Trainer Club usernames cannot be changed once the account is created.
  • Creating a new account with a different username means losing access to all Pokémon and items on your old account.
  • Your display name (the name other players see) can sometimes be changed in individual Pokémon games, but this is separate from your Trainer Club username.
  • Before creating a new account, check whether the game or service you use actually requires a Pokémon Trainer Club account or if you can use a different login method.

What happens to your old account if you create a new one

If you create a second Pokémon Trainer Club account, your first account still exists and retains everything in it — Pokémon, items, in-game progress, and any purchases you made. The two accounts are completely separate. You will need to log in with the username and password of whichever account you want to use.

Some Pokémon games let you link multiple Trainer Club accounts to the same device, but you can only be logged into one at a time. Switching between them requires logging out and logging back in with different credentials.

Whether you actually need a Pokémon Trainer Club account

Not every Pokémon game or service requires a Pokémon Trainer Club account. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, for example, do not use Trainer Club accounts at all — they use your Nintendo Switch account. Pokémon Legends: Arceus works the same way.

Pokémon GO, Pokémon Unite, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game Live do use Pokémon Trainer Club accounts, but they also let you sign in with a Google account or Apple ID instead. If you have not yet created a Trainer Club account for a specific game, check whether that game offers alternative login methods before committing to a username you might regret.

How to choose a username you will not want to change

Since you cannot change your username later, take time before creating the account. Avoid usernames that include numbers tied to your birth year, because they will look outdated in a few years. Avoid inside jokes or references that will feel embarrassing later. Avoid usernames that are too similar to your email address or other accounts, since that makes it easier for someone to guess your password.

A good Trainer Club username is something straightforward, inoffensive, and unlikely to feel dated in five years. It does not have to be your real name — most players use something else entirely.

Changing your display name in Pokémon games

Your Pokémon Trainer Club username is different from your in-game display name. Many Pokémon games let you change the name your character goes by in that specific game, even though your Trainer Club username stays the same behind the scenes.

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can change your character's name by visiting a Pokémon Center and talking to the receptionist. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can change it through the settings menu. Pokémon GO does not let you change your display name, but Pokémon Unite does — check the settings in whichever game you play to see what options are available.

Contacting Pokémon support about your account

If you believe your account was created by mistake, or if you have a specific reason why you need your username changed, you can contact the Pokémon Company through their official support website. Go to support.pokemon.com, select your region and game, and submit a request describing your situation.

The Pokémon Company rarely makes exceptions to the no-change policy, but it does not hurt to explain your circumstances. Response times vary, but support typically replies within several business days. Have your account email address and username ready when you contact them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Pokémon Trainer Club account and create a new one with the same username?

Pokémon does not offer a way to fully delete a Trainer Club account. Even if you stop using an account, the username remains tied to it and cannot be reused. You would need to choose a different username for any new account you create.

If I create a new Trainer Club account, can I transfer my Pokémon from the old one?

No. Pokémon are tied to the account they were caught or obtained on. You cannot move them between accounts. Some games like Pokémon Home let you store Pokémon in the cloud, but you can only access them with the account that uploaded them.

Does my Trainer Club username show up when I play with other people?

In most Pokémon games, other players see your display name or character name, not your Trainer Club username. Pokémon GO is an exception — other players can see your Trainer Club username when you interact with them. Keep this in mind when choosing your username.

What if someone else is using the username I want?

Pokémon Trainer Club usernames must be unique, so if someone else created an account with that username, you cannot use it. You will need to choose a different one. The system will tell you during account creation whether a username is already taken.