You can change your username in Pokémon GO, but only once every 30 days

Pokémon GO lets you change the name that appears above your character in the game, but the system limits how often you can do it. You get one free username change, and after that you can change it again only if 30 days have passed since your last change. The process takes about two minutes and happens entirely within the app — you do not need to contact Niantic (the company that makes Pokémon GO) unless something goes wrong.

The username you choose is permanent between changes, so other players see it when you battle them, trade with them, or appear on nearby Pokéstop leaderboards. Changing it does not affect your Pokémon, your items, your level, or anything else in your account — only the name displayed above your character.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once for free, then once every 30 days after that by paying 0.99 USD (or the equivalent in your region's currency).
  • The change takes effect when ready in the app, but other players may see the old name for a few minutes while the game's servers catch up.
  • Usernames must be between 1 and 15 characters, cannot contain spaces or special characters, and cannot include words Niantic has flagged as inappropriate.
  • If you try to change your username and the app says it is unavailable, wait a few hours — the system sometimes blocks changes temporarily during server updates.

How to change your username step by step

Open Pokémon GO and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. This opens your trainer profile, which shows your current username, level, and Pokédex progress. At the top of the profile screen, you will see your username displayed in large text.

Tap directly on your username. A text box will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type the new one you want. As you type, the app will tell you whether the name is available — if it shows a green checkmark, the name is yours to use. If it shows a red X, that name is already taken or contains a word the system does not allow.

Once you see the green checkmark, tap the confirm button (usually labeled "OK" or "Change"). If this is your first change, the new name takes effect when ready at no cost. If you have already used your free change, the app will ask you to pay 0.99 USD before confirming. After you confirm, your new username is live in the game.

What usernames are not allowed

Pokémon GO rejects usernames that contain spaces, numbers, or special characters like hyphens, underscores, or periods. You can use only letters from A to Z. The app also blocks any username that contains words Niantic considers offensive or inappropriate — the exact list is not public, but common profanity and slurs are always blocked.

If you try a name and the app says it is unavailable, it means either another player already chose it or it contains a flagged word. Try a variation: add a letter to the end, change the spelling slightly, or pick a different name altogether. Usernames are case-insensitive, so "Ash" and "ASH" are treated as the same name.

The 30-day waiting period explained

After your first change, you must wait 30 days before changing your username again. This timer starts the moment you confirm your new name, not when you first tap the username field. If you change your name on March 15, you cannot change it again until April 14 at the earliest.

The 30-day limit applies whether you pay for the change or not. Niantic uses this rule to prevent players from constantly switching names to avoid being identified during trades or battles, and to reduce the load on their servers from frequent name changes.

What happens if the change does not work

If you tap your username and nothing happens, or if the app says the username change feature is unavailable, the most common cause is a server issue. Niantic sometimes takes the username system offline during updates or maintenance. Wait at least an hour and try again.

If the problem persists after several hours, restart the app completely: close it entirely (not just minimizing it), wait 10 seconds, and open it again. If you still cannot change your username after restarting, check whether you have the latest version of Pokémon GO installed. Open your device's app store, search for Pokémon GO, and install any available update.

If you have updated the app and restarted your device and the feature is still broken, you can contact Niantic support through the app. Tap your profile icon, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Settings." Then tap "Help" and select "Contact Us." Describe the problem and include the date and time you tried to change your username.

How other players see your name change

When you change your username, the new name appears when ready on your profile and in your own game view. However, other players may see your old name for a few minutes or even up to an hour while Pokémon GO's servers sync the change across all regions. This is normal and not a problem — the old name will disappear from their view once the servers catch up.

If you trade with someone or battle them shortly after changing your name, they might see your old name during that interaction. This does not affect the trade or battle — it is just a display delay. The next time they encounter you in the game, they will see your new name.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Changing your username does not affect anything in your account except the name displayed above your character. Your Pokémon, items, level, badges, and all other progress stay exactly the same.

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

Yes, as long as 30 days have passed since your last change and no one else has claimed that old name. If another player took your old username, you cannot use it again unless they change theirs first.

What if someone else is using the username I want?

Usernames in Pokémon GO are first-come, first-served. If the name is taken, you cannot use it. Try adding a number or letter to the end, or pick a different name. You can always change it again in 30 days if the name becomes available.

Does changing my username affect my trainer code or friend list?

No. Your trainer code (the 12-digit number other players use to add you as a friend) never changes. Your friends will still see you on their friend list with your new username, and you remain friends with everyone on your list.

How much does it cost to change my username after the first time?

Each change after your first one costs 0.99 USD in the United States. The price may vary in other countries and is charged in your local currency. You can only change your username once every 30 days, so you cannot pay to change it more frequently than that.