You cannot change your Pokémon Trainer Club username after it is created

The Pokémon Company does not offer a way to edit or rename a Pokémon Trainer Club account username once you have set it during signup. This is a permanent choice — if you want a different username, you will need to create a new account with the username you prefer.

This restriction exists across all Pokémon games and services that use your Trainer Club login, including Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon GO, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game Live. Changing your username on one service does not carry over to the others because they all pull from the same Trainer Club account.

Key Takeaways

  • Pokémon Trainer Club usernames cannot be changed once created, so you must create a new account if you want a different one.
  • Your username is separate from your display name — you can change your display name in account settings, but this does not change your login username.
  • Before creating a new account, transfer any Pokémon, items, or progress you want to keep, because they stay tied to the old account.
  • A new account requires a different email address, so you will need access to a second email or create one before you start.

The difference between username and display name

Many players confuse their username with their display name because both appear in games. Your username is what you type to log in to your Trainer Club account — this cannot be changed. Your display name is what other players see in games like Pokémon GO or Pokémon Scarlet and Violet — this one you can change.

To change your display name, log into your Trainer Club account at trainers.pokemon.com, go to Settings, and look for "Display Name" or "Trainer Name" depending on which game you are using. This change takes effect when ready in most games, though Pokémon GO may take a few hours to update. Changing your display name does not change your login username.

Creating a new account with a different username

If you need a different username, you will create a fresh Pokémon Trainer Club account. Go to trainers.pokemon.com and select "Create Account." You will need a new email address — you cannot use the same email as your old account. If you only have one email, create a second one through Gmail, Outlook, or another free email provider first.

During signup, choose your new username carefully. You will enter your email, create a password, set your username, and confirm your date of birth. The username must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or special characters. Once you submit the form, your new account is live and you cannot change the username.

After your new account is created, you can link it to your games. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Scarlet and Violet, or other titles, go to your game's settings, find the option to link or change your Pokémon account, and sign in with your new Trainer Club credentials. This will let you use the new account going forward.

What happens to your old account and progress

Your old account and everything on it — Pokémon, items, playtime, achievements — stays with that account. Creating a new account does not delete the old one or transfer anything automatically. If you have Pokémon or items you want to move to your new account, you will need to trade or transfer them before you stop using the old one.

In Pokémon Sword and Shield or Scarlet and Violet, you can trade Pokémon between accounts if you have two copies of the game or access to another player. In Pokémon GO, you can transfer Pokémon to the Pokémon Home app, then move them to your new account through Home. Check the specific game's transfer options before you abandon your old account.

The old Trainer Club account itself does not disappear. You can still log into it at trainers.pokemon.com if you remember the password, but you will not be able to use it to sign into games once you have linked your new account to those games on your device.

Avoiding username regret on a new account

Before you create your new account, test the username you want. Go to trainers.pokemon.com, start the signup process, and type your chosen username into the field. The system will tell you when ready if it is already taken or contains blocked words. If it is available, write it down and proceed with account creation.

Think about whether you want your username to include your real name, age, or other personal information. Usernames are visible to other players in multiplayer games, so choose something you will be comfortable with for years. You cannot change it later, so this is the moment to be deliberate.

If you forgot your old username or password

If you cannot remember your old Trainer Club username, go to trainers.pokemon.com and click "Forgot your username?" Enter the email address attached to that account, and Pokémon will send you an email with your username. If you forgot your password, click "Forgot your password?" instead and follow the same process.

If you no longer have access to the email address on your old account, you will not be able to recover it through the standard process. Contact Pokémon Support through the help center at support.pokemon.com and explain your situation. They may be able to help you regain access or confirm that you should create a new account instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reserve a username before I create my account?

No. Usernames are claimed only when you complete account creation. You cannot hold or reserve a username in advance. If you want a specific username, create your account as soon as possible, because someone else may claim it if you wait.

Will my Pokémon GO progress transfer to a new account?

No. Pokémon GO progress is tied to your Trainer Club account. If you create a new account, you start at level 1 with no Pokémon. You can transfer Pokémon from your old account to Pokémon Home, then to your new account, but your level, badges, and playtime stay on the old account.

Can I use the same email for two Trainer Club accounts?

No. Each Pokémon Trainer Club account requires a unique email address. You must create or use a different email for your new account. You can add a recovery email to your account later, but the primary email must be different from any other Trainer Club account.

How long does it take to create a new Trainer Club account?

Account creation is when ready. Once you fill out the signup form and confirm your email, your new account is ready to use. You can log in and link it to your games right away. There is no waiting period or approval process.