Where to find the username change option

Your username in Pokémon Unite changes through your account settings, not through the game menu itself. The exact location depends on which platform you play on — Nintendo Switch, mobile (iOS or Android), or PC — because each one connects to a different account system.

On any platform, start by opening Pokémon Unite and looking for a settings icon. This is usually a gear symbol in the top corner of the main screen or in the pause menu during a match. Tap or click it, then look for "Account" or "Profile" options. From there, you should see a section for your username or display name.

If you play on Nintendo Switch, your username is tied to your Nintendo Account. If you play on mobile or PC, it connects to your Pokémon Trainer Club account or your Nintendo Account (if you linked them). The platform you use determines which account system controls your name.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Pokémon Unite username lives in account settings, accessed through the gear icon in the main game menu, not in gameplay settings.
  • Nintendo Switch players change their name through Nintendo Account settings, while mobile and PC players change it through Pokémon Trainer Club or linked Nintendo Account settings.
  • Most platforms let you change your username once every 30 days, though some allow it more frequently if you have never set a custom name before.
  • The name change takes effect when ready in Pokémon Unite, but may take a few minutes to show up in other Pokémon games if your accounts are linked.

Changing your name on Nintendo Switch

If you play Pokémon Unite on Nintendo Switch, your username is controlled by your Nintendo Account, not by the game itself. To change it, you need to go into your Switch system settings before you even open Pokémon Unite.

From the Switch home screen, press the X button to open System Settings. Scroll down and select "Users and Accounts," then choose your user profile. Select "Profile" and then "Nickname." Type in your new name — it can be up to 10 characters — and press OK. The change takes effect right away, and the next time you launch Pokémon Unite, your new name will appear.

Nintendo allows you to change your profile nickname as often as you want, so you are not locked into a 30-day waiting period the way some other platforms are. However, the name must follow Nintendo's content policy: no offensive language, no impersonation of real people, and no spam or advertising.

Changing your name on mobile or PC

Mobile and PC players change their username through the Pokémon Trainer Club account or a linked Nintendo Account. Open Pokémon Unite, tap the settings gear icon, and select "Account." Look for an option labeled "Username," "Display Name," or "Trainer Name" — the exact wording varies by platform and app version.

Tap that option and enter your new name. Most platforms limit you to one change every 30 days, though if you have never set a custom username before (your account still shows a default name), you may be able to change it when ready. After you confirm the change, it takes effect in Pokémon Unite within a few minutes.

If your mobile or PC account is linked to a Nintendo Account, the name change may also update in other Pokémon games that use that Nintendo Account, though this can take several minutes to sync across all games. If you only play Pokémon Unite, the change stays within that game alone.

What happens if your name change fails

The most common reason a name change does not go through is that you have already changed your username within the last 30 days. If you see an error message saying you cannot change your name yet, check when you last made a change. You will have to wait until that 30-day window closes before you can try again.

Another reason the change might fail is if the name you chose violates the content policy. Names with profanity, real people's names, or anything that looks like spam will be rejected. Try a different name that is clearly a username rather than an attempt to impersonate someone or advertise something.

If you are still having trouble after waiting 30 days and choosing a different name, restart Pokémon Unite completely and try again. Sometimes the app needs to refresh its connection to your account. If the problem persists, contact the Pokémon Support Center through the official Pokémon website — they can investigate whether your account has a technical issue or a restriction.

Changing your name across linked accounts

If you have linked your mobile or PC Pokémon Unite account to a Nintendo Account, changing your username in Pokémon Unite will not automatically change your Nintendo Account nickname. These are separate systems, and each one controls its own name.

To change your Nintendo Account nickname, go to the Nintendo Account website, sign in, and select "Profile" from the menu. Click "Nickname" and enter your new name there. This change affects all Nintendo games you play, including Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and any other Nintendo titles linked to that account.

If you want the same name across all your Pokémon games, you will need to change it in both places: your Nintendo Account settings and your Pokémon Trainer Club account (if you use one). Pokémon Unite will then display whichever name is active in the account system you are logged into.

Why your name might not update when ready in battles

After you change your username, it shows up in Pokémon Unite right away — but other players in your matches might still see your old name for a few minutes. This happens because the game caches player information to keep battles running smoothly, and it takes a moment for all the servers to sync the new name across all active matches.

If you are in the middle of a match when you change your name, you will still appear under your old name to other players in that match. The new name takes effect in your next match. This is normal and not a sign that anything went wrong.

If your name still shows as old after playing several matches, try closing Pokémon Unite completely and reopening it. This forces the app to pull your current account information from the servers instead of relying on cached data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

Nintendo Switch players can change their profile nickname as often as they want. Mobile and PC players are limited to one change every 30 days, though you may be able to change it when ready if you have never set a custom name before. After your first change, the 30-day cooldown begins.

What if someone else is using the name I want?

Pokémon Unite allows multiple players to have the same username, so you can use any name that is not blocked by the content policy. Two players can both be named "Pikachu" or "Champion" without conflict. The game distinguishes between players using a separate ID number behind the scenes.

Will changing my username affect my rank or battle history?

No. Your rank, wins, losses, and all battle history stay exactly the same. Changing your username is purely cosmetic — it only changes what other players see when they look at your profile or face you in a match. Your account data and progress are unaffected.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

Most platforms only allow letters, numbers, and underscores in usernames. Spaces and special characters like @, #, or ! are usually not permitted. Check the character limit and allowed symbols when you enter your new name — the system will tell you if something is not allowed before you confirm the change.

What if I forgot what my current username is?

Open Pokémon Unite and go to settings, then Account or Profile. Your current username is displayed there. On Nintendo Switch, you can also see it in System Settings under Users and Accounts. On mobile or PC, it shows in the account settings menu within the game.