You can change your 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 tap "Change Nickname." Type your new username — it can be 1 to 25 characters long and include letters, numbers, spaces, and underscores. Tap the checkmark to confirm. The change takes effect when ready, though other players may see the old name briefly while the servers update.

You get one free username change when you first set up your account. After that, you can change it again 30 days after your last change. There is no cost, but Niantic (the company that makes Pokémon GO) enforces a waiting period between changes to prevent abuse.

If you try to change your username and see an error message, the most common reason is that you are within the 30-day window. The app will tell you the exact date you can change it again. You cannot bypass this timer.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your profile settings, select "Change Nickname," and type your new name to update your username in the game.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, with no cost each time you do.
  • Usernames can be 1 to 25 characters and include letters, numbers, spaces, and underscores.
  • Other players may see your old name for a few minutes after you change it while the servers catch up.
  • If you get an error, you are likely still within the 30-day waiting period from your last change.

What characters and symbols are allowed in a username

Pokémon GO accepts letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers 0 through 9, spaces, and underscores. You cannot use special characters like hyphens, periods, commas, or symbols. If you try to enter a character the game does not allow, the app will not let you confirm the change.

Your username must be between 1 and 25 characters long. A space or underscore counts as one character. If you hit the character limit, the app will stop you from typing more.

Niantic reserves the right to reset your username if it violates their terms of service — for example, if it contains profanity, impersonates another player, or includes hateful language. If your username gets reset, you will receive a notification in the app and can choose a new one when ready.

Why your username change might not work

The most common reason a username change fails is the 30-day waiting period. If you changed your username recently, you must wait until the full 30 days have passed. The app will show you the date you are may be able to access to change again.

Another reason is that the username you chose is already taken. Pokémon GO does not allow two players to have the exact same username. If you see a message that your chosen name is unavailable, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique.

Server issues can also block changes temporarily. If you get an error message that does not mention the 30-day timer or a duplicate name, try closing the app completely and reopening it. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem persists, restart your phone.

How to change your username on different devices

The process is the same whether you play on iPhone or Android. Tap your profile icon, open settings, and select "Change Nickname." The steps and menu layout are identical across both platforms.

If you play on multiple devices with the same account, changing your username on one device changes it everywhere. You do not need to update it separately on each phone or tablet.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Your old username becomes available for other players to use once you change it. If you want to keep a name you used before, do not expect to reclaim it later — someone else may take it.

Your Pokémon, items, and progress stay exactly the same when you change your username. Only the name other players see in gyms, raids, and PvP battles updates. Your trainer level, Pokédex, and all your caught Pokémon remain unchanged.

Changing your username if you forgot your password

If you cannot log into your account, you cannot change your username through the app. You will need to reset your password first. Go to the Pokémon GO login screen and tap "Forgot password?" Enter the email address linked to your account. Niantic will send you a password reset link.

Once you have reset your password and logged back in, you can change your username normally through the settings menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Niantic enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. The app will show you the exact date you can change it again. There is no way to bypass this timer or pay to change it sooner.

What if someone else is using the username I want?

Usernames in Pokémon GO must be unique — no two players can have the same name. If the name you want is taken, try adding a number, underscore, or letter to make it different. For example, if "Trainer" is taken, try "Trainer1" or "Trainer_".

Does changing my username affect my friends list or raid groups?

No. Your friends will still see you in their friends list, and your raid group will still recognize your account. Only the display name changes — your account ID and all your data stay the same.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Only if no one else has claimed that name in the meantime. Since old usernames become available when you change them, another player may have taken it. If it is still available, you can use it again after waiting 30 days from your last change.

What should I do if my username was reset by Niantic?

If your username was reset for violating the terms of service, you will see a notification in the app. You can choose a new username when ready. Avoid profanity, impersonation, and hateful language to prevent future resets.