Your username is in the settings menu, not on your profile card
Your Pokémon GO username appears in the settings menu under your account information, not on the profile screen you see when you tap your avatar. Many players look at their profile card first and don't see a username field there — that's because the game displays your trainer name on your profile, but your actual username (the one you log in with) lives in a different place. If you set up your account through Google or Facebook, your username is whatever you used to sign into that service.
The quickest way to find it is to open Pokémon GO, tap your avatar in the bottom right corner, then tap the settings icon (the gear symbol) in the top right. Scroll down to the Account section. Your username will be listed there under the heading that shows your login method — either "Google", "Facebook", or "Pokémon Trainer Club".
Key Takeaways
- Your Pokémon GO username is stored in Settings > Account, not on your visible profile card.
- If you signed in through Google or Facebook, your username is the email or account name you used for that service.
- Pokémon Trainer Club accounts show a username you created during signup, which may be different from your trainer name.
- Your trainer name (the one other players see) can be changed in settings, but your username cannot be changed after account creation.
Finding your username if you use Google or Facebook login
If you log into Pokémon GO with a Google account, your username is the full email address you use for that Google account. Open the Settings menu in Pokémon GO, find the Account section, and you'll see "Google" listed with your email address next to it. That email is your username for the game.
The same applies to Facebook login. Your username is the email address or phone number associated with your Facebook account. When you open Settings and look at the Account section, it will show "Facebook" and display the email or phone number linked to that account.
Finding your username if you use Pokémon Trainer Club
Pokémon Trainer Club is Niantic's own account system, separate from Google or Facebook. If you created a Pokémon Trainer Club account directly, you chose a username during signup. This username is different from your trainer name — the trainer name is what other players see in gyms and raids, while your username is what you type to log in.
To find it, open Settings, scroll to Account, and look for the section labeled "Pokémon Trainer Club". Your username will be displayed there. If you can't remember it, you can also check your email — Niantic sends a confirmation email to the address you registered with, and that email often includes your username in the subject line or body.
The difference between your username and trainer name
Your username is what you use to log into the game. It never changes and is not visible to other players. Your trainer name is what appears above your avatar when other players encounter you in gyms, raids, or PvP battles. You can change your trainer name once every 12 months through the Settings menu, but you cannot change your username after your account is created.
This distinction matters when you're troubleshooting login problems or contacting Niantic support. Support staff will ask for your username, not your trainer name, because the username is tied to your account credentials.
What to do if you've forgotten your username
If you can't find your username in the Settings menu and you don't remember what you signed up with, check your email. Look for messages from Niantic or the Pokémon Company sent around the time you created your account. These emails often contain your username or account confirmation details.
If you signed in through Google or Facebook and can't remember which email you used, check your phone's settings. On Android, go to Settings > Accounts and look for Google or Facebook. On iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security to see linked accounts. The email shown there is your Pokémon GO username.
If you still can't locate it, you can contact Niantic Support through the in-game help menu. Tap Settings, scroll to the bottom, and select "Contact Us". Explain that you need to recover your username, and provide the email address associated with your account. Niantic can confirm your username and help you regain access if you're locked out.
Why you might need your username
You'll need your username if you're logging into Pokémon GO on a new device, resetting your password, or contacting support about account issues. If you're switching phones or reinstalling the game, having your username and password ready makes the process faster. Support staff also ask for your username when investigating account problems, bans, or unauthorized access.
Keep your username and password in a safe place — a password manager or a note in a locked file — so you don't have to hunt for them later. This is especially important if you've invested time and money into your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Pokémon GO username?
No. Your username is permanent and cannot be changed after account creation. You can change your trainer name (the one other players see) once every 12 months, but your login username stays the same for the life of the account.
Is my username the same as my trainer name?
No. Your username is what you log in with and is not visible to other players. Your trainer name is what appears in gyms and raids. They are separate fields, and you can change your trainer name but not your username.
What if I don't remember the email I used to sign up?
Check your phone's account settings to see which email is linked to Google or Facebook. If you used Pokémon Trainer Club, search your email inbox for messages from Niantic or the Pokémon Company from around the time you created the account. Contact Niantic Support if you still can't find it.
Do I need my username to play Pokémon GO?
You need it to log in on a new device or if you forget your password. If you're already logged in on your current phone, you don't need to enter it again unless you sign out or reinstall the app.