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

Open Pokémon GO and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select the settings gear icon, then scroll down to find "Change Nickname". Type your new username — it can be 1 to 16 characters long and include letters, numbers, and underscores. Tap the checkmark to confirm. The change takes effect when ready in your game, though other players may see the old name for a few minutes while the servers update.

You get one free username change when you first create your account. After that, you can change it again 30 days later. If you try to change it before 30 days have passed, the game will show you the exact date when you can change it next.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 30 days by going to your profile, tapping settings, and selecting "Change Nickname".
  • Usernames must be between 1 and 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but not spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods.
  • The game will reject usernames that are already taken, contain offensive language, or violate Pokémon GO's naming policy.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to use after you change it, so you cannot reserve it.

What characters and words are not allowed in a username

Pokémon GO blocks spaces, hyphens, periods, and most special characters. You can only use letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). If you try to use anything else, the game will show an error message and ask you to try again.

The game also rejects usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names, even if you think they are harmless. Pokémon GO's filter is automated, so sometimes it blocks words that seem innocent — if this happens, try a different spelling or add a number to your username. The system also blocks names that are already in use by another player, so if you see "that username is not available", someone else has claimed it.

Why the game might say your username is unavailable

If you see "that username is not available" or a similar message, the most common reason is that another player already has that name. Pokémon GO does not allow duplicate usernames, so you will need to choose something different. Try adding a number at the end, using an underscore, or picking a different name altogether.

Less often, the name you chose triggers the game's content filter even though you did not intend it to. This usually happens when a word or phrase is flagged automatically. If you believe your username was blocked by mistake, you can contact Pokémon GO support through the in-game help menu, though the review process can take several days.

How to change your username if you are locked out of your account

If you cannot log into your Pokémon GO account at all, you will not be able to change your username through the normal menu. Instead, visit the Pokémon Trainer Club website or the Niantic support page and sign in with your account credentials. From there, you can update your profile information, including your username, without opening the game.

If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot your password?" link on the login screen to reset it via email. Once you regain access to your account, you can change your username through either the website or the in-game menu.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Once you change your username, your old name becomes available for any other player to claim. You cannot reserve it or get it back later. If you think you might want to use that name again someday, write it down before you change it — but keep in mind that someone else may take it in the meantime.

Other players will see your new username the next time they encounter you in a raid, gym battle, or trade. If you are part of a friend list, your friends will see the change reflected in their friend list within a few minutes.

The 30-day waiting period between username changes

Pokémon GO enforces a 30-day cooldown between username changes to prevent spam and account abuse. This timer starts the moment you confirm your new username, not when you first open the settings menu. If you change your username on January 15th, you cannot change it again until February 14th.

The game will tell you the exact date you can change your username next if you try to change it before the 30 days are up. There is no way to bypass this waiting period, even if you contact support. Plan your username changes carefully, especially if you are trying to match a new team name or coordinate with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username to something I used before?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Since old usernames become available when ready after you change them, another player may have taken yours. If the name is still free, you can use it again after your 30-day cooldown ends.

What if I see a username error that is not listed here?

Take a screenshot of the error message and contact Pokémon GO support through the in-game help menu. Include details about what you were trying to do and what the error said. Support can investigate whether the issue is a bug or a policy violation.

Does changing my username affect my Pokémon, items, or level?

No. Your username is just the name other players see. Your level, Pokédex, items, and all your Pokémon stay exactly the same when you change your username.

Can I use spaces or special characters like hyphens in my username?

No. Pokémon GO only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters will cause an error. If you want to separate words, use an underscore instead.