How to Change Your Name in Pokémon GO

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

You can change your Pokémon GO Trainer nickname from the game’s settings, as long as the name you want is available and you have not used up the game’s limited nickname changes. You’ll need access to your account and an internet connection; the game may ask you to confirm the change before it takes effect.

What You’ll Need

Pokémon GO installed and updated on your device.
Access to the account whose Trainer nickname you want to change.
A suitable nickname that is available and follows the game’s naming rules.
A working internet connection so the game can check and save the change.

Step-by-Step

Open Pokémon GO and sign in. Launch the app and wait for your Trainer and map to load. If you are signed into the wrong account, stop and switch to the intended account before changing anything; the nickname belongs to that account’s game profile.
Open the main menu. On the map screen, tap the Poké Ball button to open the main menu.
Go to Settings. Tap the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the menu. If the layout looks different, look for the gear-shaped Settings control rather than relying on its exact screen position.
Find the nickname-change option. In Settings, scroll through the available options and look for Change Nickname. The label or its position may vary slightly as the app changes. If you do not see it, check the troubleshooting section below before assuming that reinstalling the app will help.
Start the change. Tap Change Nickname. Read the on-screen notice carefully. Pokémon GO limits how many times you can change your nickname, and the game may indicate whether another change is available to your account.
Enter the new nickname. Type the name you want, checking spelling, capitalization, and any numbers before continuing. Choose a name that follows the game’s rules and does not contain offensive or otherwise disallowed wording. A name that another player already uses may not be accepted.
Review and confirm. Follow the prompts to check the proposed name. Confirm only when you are sure: a nickname change may be limited, and you may not be able to switch back or make another change later. If the game asks you to confirm again, read the warning and accept it only if the displayed name is correct.
Verify the result. Return to your Trainer profile or the map and check that the new nickname appears. If it does not update straight away, wait briefly, make sure your connection is stable, and reopen the profile before trying the change again.

Common Mistakes

Confusing a Trainer nickname with an account login name. This process changes the name displayed in Pokémon GO. It does not change the email address, sign-in method, or account name used with a linked login provider.
Assuming changes are unlimited. The game restricts nickname changes. Treat each available change as valuable, and check the warning shown in the app before confirming.
Choosing a name before checking it carefully. A typo, unwanted number, or unintended capitalization can be frustrating if you cannot change it again. Pause on the confirmation screen and read the name from beginning to end.
Trying a name that is unavailable or not allowed. A nickname can be rejected because it is already in use or does not meet the game’s rules. Repeatedly submitting the same rejected name will not resolve the issue.
Using a third-party site or app that claims to change the name. Make the change through Pokémon GO’s own settings. Do not share your password or verification codes with anyone offering to change it for you.
Reinstalling the game as a first fix. Reinstalling does not reset the account’s change allowance. It can also mean signing in again, so verify your login details before taking that step.

Tips

Pick a nickname you will be comfortable keeping. Avoid temporary jokes, personal details, or wording you might regret later.
Keep the name within the game’s character and content rules. If an entry is rejected, choose a different name rather than trying to disguise prohibited wording with symbols.
Make sure the displayed account is the correct one before you start. This is especially important if more than one person uses the device or you have multiple game accounts.
Use a reliable connection and avoid closing the app while the confirmation is processing. This reduces the chance of confusion about whether the change was saved.
If the menu has changed after an update, look through Settings carefully and consult the game’s current in-app help. Avoid following old instructions that refer to controls no longer shown.

Troubleshooting

“Change Nickname” is missing: Confirm that you are on the intended account and look through all of Settings, including options farther down the page. The feature may not be available if the account has already used its permitted changes. If the option remains absent, check Pokémon GO’s in-app support for the current rules and account-specific guidance.

The name is rejected: Try a different nickname. Check that it is not already taken, remove potentially disallowed words or symbols, and follow any length or character guidance displayed by the game. The on-screen message is the best guide to why that particular entry failed.

The game says you have no changes left: Do not use unofficial services or try to alter account data. Check the current help information in the app and contact support if you believe the limit message is mistaken. Support may review an issue, but do not assume that an extra change will be granted.

The change seems stuck or the old name remains visible: Wait a short time, check that your device is online, and reopen the profile or restart the app. Avoid submitting another change while the first one may still be processing. If the new name still does not appear, use in-app support and explain what you saw without sharing your password or login codes.

You changed the wrong account’s nickname: Check whether that account still has a change available. If not, contact support to ask whether anything can be done; a reversal is not guaranteed. Confirm the account name and proposed nickname carefully before any future change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Pokémon GO nickname more than once?
The game allows only a limited number of changes. The available option and any limit notice in your account’s Settings are the most useful guides; do not assume you can change it whenever you like.

Does changing my nickname change my login details?
No. It changes the Trainer nickname shown in the game, not the email address, password, or external sign-in account used to access Pokémon GO.

Why won’t Pokémon GO accept the name I entered?
The name may already be in use or may not follow the game’s naming rules. Try a distinct, appropriate alternative and follow the message displayed by the app.

Can I use my old nickname again?
There is no guarantee that the old name will remain available or that you can change back. Treat a change as potentially permanent before confirming.

Will other players see my new nickname?
Your Trainer nickname is the name associated with your in-game profile. Allow time for the change to appear, and reopen the profile if it does not update immediately.

What if I cannot find the option or think the limit is wrong?
Check the full Settings menu and the current in-app help. If the option is unavailable or the limit appears incorrect, contact Pokémon GO support through the app rather than using a third-party service.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.