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 look for "Change Nickname" — this is the official way to update the name other players see. You will be taken to a screen where you can type your new username, which must be between 1 and 25 characters long and cannot contain spaces or special characters like @, #, or &.

After you submit your new name, it takes effect when ready in the game. Other players will see the updated username the next time they encounter you in battle or see you on a nearby Pokéstop. The 30-day cooldown begins the moment you change it, so you cannot change it again until that period passes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Change Nickname option is in your profile settings, accessed through the gear icon at the bottom right of the main screen.
  • Your new username must be 1 to 25 characters, with no spaces or special characters — letters, numbers, and underscores only.
  • Changes take effect when ready in the game, but you must wait 30 days before changing your username again.
  • If your chosen name is already taken or violates Pokémon GO's naming policy, the game will reject it and ask you to try a different one.

What characters and words are not allowed

Pokémon GO blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names. The game also rejects names that impersonate official Pokémon accounts or Niantic staff — so you cannot use "Niantic_Support" or similar variations. If you try to submit a name that violates the policy, the game displays an error message and returns you to the naming screen without making the change.

Spaces are not permitted in usernames, but underscores are. If you want to separate words visually, use an underscore instead — for example, "Trainer_Name" works but "Trainer Name" does not. The game will also reject a name if another player has already claimed it, so if your first choice is taken, you will need to add a number or variation.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This cooldown is a hard limit built into the game — there is no way to bypass it or request an exception. The timer starts the moment your new name goes live, not when you submit the request.

If you realize you made a typo or chose a name you dislike when ready after changing it, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can fix it. For this reason, it is worth double-checking your new username before you confirm the change.

What happens if your name gets reported

If other players report your username as offensive or inappropriate, Niantic's moderation team reviews it. If they determine it violates the naming policy, they will force a username change on your account. When this happens, you receive a notification in the game and are given a set number of days to choose a new name yourself. If you do not choose one within that window, the game assigns you a temporary username like "Trainer_12345" until you pick one.

A forced change does not count against your 30-day cooldown — you can change your name again when ready after selecting a new one if Niantic forced the previous change. However, repeated violations can result in account restrictions or suspension, so it is best to follow the naming guidelines from the start.

Changing your username on different devices

Whether you play on iPhone or Android, the process is identical. Open the app, tap your profile icon, select settings, and choose Change Nickname. Your username is tied to your Pokémon GO account, not to your phone, so if you log into the same account on a different device, your username will be the same.

If you have multiple accounts on the same phone, each one has its own separate username. Make sure you are logged into the correct account before you change the name, because the change applies only to whichever account is currently active.

Usernames versus trainer names in older accounts

Some players created accounts before Pokémon GO introduced the nickname system and may have an older "trainer name" instead. If you have an older account, you can still change your nickname through the same settings menu. The game treats both the same way — other players see whichever name is currently set, and the 30-day cooldown applies regardless of whether you are updating a nickname or a trainer name for the first time.

If you cannot find the Change Nickname option in your settings, make sure your app is fully updated. Older versions of Pokémon GO may not display the option, so check your device's app store for any pending updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The 30-day cooldown is enforced by the game and cannot be skipped. You must wait the full 30 days from your last change before you can change your username again, even if you contact Niantic support.

What if the username I want is already taken?

The game will tell you the name is unavailable and ask you to choose a different one. Try adding a number, underscore, or variation of the name. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so "Trainer" and "trainer" are considered the same name.

Does changing my username affect my Pokédex or my level?

No. Your username is just the display name other players see. Your level, Pokédex, items, and all game progress remain exactly the same. Only the name changes.

Can I use my real name as my Pokémon GO username?

Yes, as long as it does not match a famous person or Niantic staff member. Common names like "John" or "Sarah" are fine. Names that impersonate public figures or official accounts will be rejected.

What do I do if my username was forced to change by Niantic?

You will receive a notification in the game telling you to choose a new username within a set timeframe. Go to your profile settings and select Change Nickname to pick a new name that follows the policy. If you do not choose one in time, the game assigns you a temporary name.