How to Change Your Name in Pokemon GO

In every Pokemon game, once you name and design your trainer at the start of the game, you’re stuck with them forever, barring the ability to change their hairstyle in later games. However, as I’m sure many of us can attest, it is more than possible to name your trainer something really silly that you swiftly come to regret. Thankfully, in one of the few games where other players would regularly see that name, it is possible to change it. Here’s how to change your name in Pokemon GO.

How to Change Your Name in Pokemon GO

When Pokemon GO first launched, you had to directly contact Niantic support if you wanted to change your trainer name, but thankfully, it’s a much simpler process these days. All you have to do to change your name in Pokemon GO is tap the PokeBall symbol on the game screen to open the main menu, tap the gear to open your settings, and tap “change nickname.” You’ll get a prompt where you can type in your new name for you and everyone around you to enjoy.

There are a few rules and caveats to this process, though. First and foremost, you can only change your nickname once, and let me stress that again, once. Niantic can’t have players changing their names willy-nilly, it’d muck up their player databases. You get exactly one mulligan to fix a name you regret. After you change your nickname, the option will disappear from the settings menu, so you’re officially stuck with whatever you set.

Secondly, all nicknames have to be between 4 and 15 characters in length, and can only use letters and numbers. You can’t use any nickname that’s already taken by another player, and obviously, you can’t use any naughty language. Just try to pick something simple and harmless so you don’t feel that regret again.