Yes, you can change your Minecraft username, but the process and limits depend on which version you own

If you play Minecraft Java Edition, you can change your username once every 30 days through your Minecraft account settings on the official website. If you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile), your username is tied to your Microsoft account, and changing it works differently — you change your Microsoft account display name instead, and the change takes effect across all Bedrock platforms you use.

The key difference is that Java Edition treats usernames as separate from your login account, while Bedrock Edition uses your Microsoft account name as your in-game identity. This means Java players have more flexibility to change names frequently, while Bedrock players change their display name less often because it affects their entire Microsoft ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players can change their username every 30 days by visiting minecraft.net, signing in, and using the "Change Name" option in account settings.
  • Bedrock Edition players change their username by editing their Microsoft account display name, which updates across all Bedrock devices and Microsoft services.
  • After you change your Java username, your old name becomes available for other players to claim after 37 days.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game progress, skins, or worlds — those stay with your account.
  • If you have not changed your Java username before, you can do so when ready; the 30-day wait only applies after your first change.

Changing your username in Java Edition

Open a web browser and go to minecraft.net. Sign in with the email address and password you use to play Java Edition. Once you are logged in, look for your account name or profile icon in the top right corner and click it to open the account menu.

Select "Account Settings" or "Profile" (the exact wording varies slightly). You should see a section labeled "Name" or "Username" with your current name displayed. Next to it, click the button that says "Change" or "Change Name." Enter your new username in the text field — it must be between 3 and 16 characters and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores only. Click "Change Name" to confirm.

The change takes effect when ready in your game. If this is your first username change ever, you can do it right away. If you have changed your username before, you must wait 30 days from your last change before you can change it again. The system will tell you the exact date you can change it next if you are still in the waiting period.

Changing your username in Bedrock Edition

Your Bedrock username is controlled by your Microsoft account, so you change it through Microsoft's settings, not through Minecraft itself. Go to account.microsoft.com in a web browser and sign in with the Microsoft account you use to play Bedrock Edition.

Click on your profile picture or name in the top right corner and select "Account Settings." Look for a section called "Your Info" or "Profile." Find the field labeled "Display Name" or "Gamertag" — this is what appears as your username in Bedrock games. Click "Edit" or "Change" next to it, type your new name, and save the change. The new name appears in your Bedrock games within a few minutes.

Unlike Java Edition, there is no waiting period between changes to your Microsoft display name. You can change it as often as you want. However, because your display name is shared across all Microsoft services (Xbox, Outlook, OneDrive, and other Microsoft products), changing it affects your identity everywhere, not just in Minecraft.

What happens to your old username

In Java Edition, when you change your username, your old name does not disappear when ready. Other players cannot use it right away. After 37 days, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim and use. This delay exists so that if you change your mind or need to revert for any reason, Mojang (the company that makes Minecraft) can help restore your old name.

In Bedrock Edition, your old display name is released when ready and can be claimed by others as soon as you change it. There is no waiting period.

What stays the same after you change your username

Your game progress, worlds, skins, and items all stay with your account no matter what username you choose. Friends who added you before the change will still see you as a friend — your friendship list does not break. If you own realm worlds or have access to shared worlds, those permissions remain unchanged.

The only thing that changes is the name that appears above your character in the game and on leaderboards or in chat. Your account UUID (a unique identifier behind the scenes) never changes, so the game always knows it is you.

If you cannot find the change username option

For Java Edition, make sure you are signed into minecraft.net with the correct account. If you are signed in but do not see a "Change Name" button, your account may not be a full Minecraft account yet — it might still be a legacy Mojang account. You can migrate it to a full Microsoft account through the same settings page, which also unlocks the username change feature.

For Bedrock Edition, confirm you are signed into account.microsoft.com with the same Microsoft account you use to launch the game. If you are on Xbox, you can also change your gamertag directly through Xbox settings on your console, and it will update in Bedrock Edition automatically.

Choosing a username that will not cause problems

Minecraft usernames are case-insensitive, meaning "John," "john," and "JOHN" are all treated as the same name. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters for style, but the system does not distinguish between them when checking if a name is taken.

Usernames cannot contain spaces, special characters (except underscores), or numbers at the start. Avoid usernames that are offensive or impersonate well-known players, as servers and realms may ban you. Some servers have their own rules about what names are allowed, so if you play on a specific server, check their guidelines before changing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one after 37 days?

Yes. Once your old Java username becomes available (after 37 days), you can claim it again by changing your username to it. You will have to wait another 30 days before changing to something else. In Bedrock, you can change back to an old display name when ready since there is no waiting period.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list does not break, and they will still see you as a friend. In multiplayer games, they will see your new username above your character. If they search for you by name, they will find your new name, not your old one.

What if someone else claims my old Java username before I want to change back?

If another player claims your old username during the 37-day window, you cannot get it back. You would have to choose a different username. This is why the 37-day delay exists — to give you time to change back if you regret the change.

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username does not affect your login credentials or security. You log in with your email address (Java) or Microsoft account (Bedrock), not with your in-game username.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new username?

Java Edition allows only letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces and special characters like hyphens, periods, or symbols are not permitted. Bedrock display names have slightly more flexibility, but the safest approach is to stick with letters, numbers, and underscores on both versions.