You can change your username once every 30 days through the in-game settings

Open Pokémon GO and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select the gear icon to open Settings, then tap "Username". You'll see your current name and a button to change it. Tap that button, type your new username, and confirm. The change takes effect when ready in your game and is visible to other players right away.

The username you choose must be between 1 and 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. Pokémon GO blocks usernames that contain profanity, impersonation attempts, or references to real people without permission. If your chosen name is rejected, the game will tell you it's unavailable and you'll need to pick something else.

Once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This cooldown starts the moment you confirm the new name, so choose carefully. If you make a mistake, you'll have to wait the full month before you can try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Username changes happen when ready in-game through your profile settings and are visible to other players when ready.
  • You can only change your username once every 30 days, so plan your new name before you confirm it.
  • Usernames must be 1 to 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but cannot contain profanity or impersonation.
  • If Pokémon GO rejects your chosen name, the game will tell you it's unavailable and you'll need to select a different one.

What happens to your trainer level and Pokédex when you change your name

Your trainer level, caught Pokémon, badges, and all progress stay exactly the same when you change your username. The name is purely cosmetic — it's what other players see when they battle you in raids or gyms, but it has no effect on your account data or gameplay history.

Friends who have you added will see your new name the next time they open the game. If you're part of a raid group or local community, let them know your new name so they recognize you in gyms and raids. Your trainer code (the 12-digit number in your profile) never changes, so people can always find you that way if they need to.

Changing your username on different devices

The process is identical whether you play on iPhone or Android. Open the app, tap your profile icon, select Settings, and tap Username. Both platforms use the same Pokémon GO servers, so your new name syncs across any device you log into with the same account.

If you log out and log back in on a different phone or tablet, your new username will already be there. The change is tied to your Pokémon GO account, not to the device itself.

If your username was already taken or rejected

Pokémon GO shows you when ready whether a name is available. If you see "This username is unavailable," it means either another player has already claimed it or the name violates the game's content policy. You cannot reserve a username or request that someone else change theirs, so you'll need to pick a different one.

If you want a specific name that's taken, your only option is to wait and hope the other player stops playing and their account becomes inactive. Niantic does not have a process for reclaiming inactive usernames, so this is not a reliable path. Choose an alternative name instead.

Troubleshooting if the change won't go through

If you tap the change button and nothing happens, close the app completely and reopen it. Sometimes the settings menu gets stuck. Force-close Pokémon GO (swipe it away on iPhone, or use the app switcher on Android) and try again.

If you see an error message like "Something went wrong," check that you have an active internet connection. The username change requires a live connection to Pokémon GO's servers. Switch from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa and try again.

If the same error keeps appearing after you've waited a few minutes, restart your phone. This clears temporary glitches that sometimes block the settings menu from communicating with the server. After restarting, open Pokémon GO and try the change one more time.

Why you might want to change your username

Many players change their username when they return to the game after a long break and want a fresh start. Others change it because their old name no longer fits who they are, or because they want to match a username they use on other platforms. Some players change their name to avoid being recognized by someone they'd rather not raid with.

The 30-day cooldown exists to prevent harassment — it stops someone from changing their name constantly to evade blocks or to impersonate other players repeatedly. Because of this limit, think about whether you'll be happy with your new name for at least a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. Pokémon GO enforces a strict 30-day cooldown between username changes. The timer starts the moment you confirm your new name, and you cannot change it again until that period ends. If you change your mind shortly after, you'll have to wait.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your trainer code never changes, so anyone who has you added as a friend or knows your code can find you. Your new username will appear in their friends list the next time they open the game. If you're in a local raid group, just let them know your new name so they recognize you in gyms.

What if I want to use a username that has spaces or special characters?

Pokémon GO only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters are not permitted. If you want to separate words, use an underscore instead — for example, "Trainer_Name" instead of "Trainer Name".

Does changing my username affect my Pokémon or my trainer level?

No. Your username is purely cosmetic. All your caught Pokémon, your trainer level, your badges, and your entire account history stay exactly the same. Only the name that other players see changes.

What if someone else is using a username I want?

You cannot request that another player change their name, and Niantic does not reassign usernames from inactive accounts. If the name you want is taken, you'll need to choose a different one. Consider adding numbers or underscores to a similar name — for example, "Trainer_1" or "Trainer123".