Yes, you can change your username, but the method depends on which version you own

You can change your username in Minecraft, but the process is different for Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Java Edition lets you change your username once every 30 days through your Microsoft account. Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile) does not let you change the username itself — instead, you create a new character profile with a different name while keeping the same account.

The reason for this difference comes down to how each version stores your identity. Java Edition ties your username to your Microsoft account login, so changing it is straightforward. Bedrock Edition uses character profiles instead, which means your account stays the same but you can have multiple names playing under it.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players can change their username once every 30 days by visiting the Microsoft account website and editing their profile.
  • Bedrock Edition does not support username changes — you must create a new character profile with a different name instead.
  • You need to own the game and have a Microsoft account linked to it before you can make any changes.
  • After you change your Java Edition username, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim after 37 days.

How to change your username in Java Edition

Log into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com using the email address connected to your Minecraft Java Edition purchase. Click on "Your info" in the left menu, then find the "Minecraft Java Edition" section. You will see your current username displayed there.

Click the "Edit" button next to your username. Type in your new username — it must be between 3 and 16 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Click "Change" to confirm. The system will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or if you have changed your username too recently (within the last 30 days).

The change takes effect right away, but it can take a few minutes for Minecraft servers to recognize the new name. If you are in the middle of playing when you change it, restart the game to see the update.

How to create a new character in Bedrock Edition

Open Minecraft Bedrock Edition and go to the main menu. Click on "Sign in with Microsoft" if you are not already logged in. Once you are signed in, you will see your current character profile displayed.

Look for the option to "Create New Character" or a plus icon next to your character name. Select this to open the character creation screen. Choose a new name for this character — the name can be up to 16 characters. You can customize the appearance (skin, hair, clothing) as well, though this is separate from the name.

After you create the character, you can switch between different character profiles from the main menu. Your original character and all its worlds remain unchanged. Each character profile can have its own inventory and progress on different servers, though they all connect to the same Microsoft account.

What happens to your old username after you change it

In Java Edition, your old username enters a cooldown period. For 37 days after you change it, no one else can claim that name. After 37 days, the name becomes available for anyone to register. This cooldown exists so that people cannot when ready impersonate you by taking your old name.

During those 37 days, your old username still appears in chat logs and on servers where you played before the change. Players who knew you by that name will see it in their chat history, but new interactions will show your new username.

Troubleshooting: what to do if you cannot change your username

If the system says you changed your username too recently, you must wait until the 30-day window has passed. There is no way to bypass this limit — it is built into Microsoft's account system. Check the date of your last change by going back to account.microsoft.com and looking at the "Minecraft Java Edition" section, which shows when you last made a change.

If the name you want is already taken, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique. You can also check if a name is available before you attempt the change by searching for it on a Minecraft name lookup website, though these sites are not official and may not be completely current.

If you are playing Bedrock Edition and cannot create a new character, make sure you are signed in with a Microsoft account. Bedrock requires an active Microsoft account connection — you cannot create character profiles while playing offline or with a local account.

Changing your username on servers and communities

Some servers and communities keep their own records of player names and may not update automatically when you change your username. If you play on a private server or in a community with a website, you may need to update your profile there separately. Contact the server owner or check their website for instructions on updating your player name in their system.

If you have a skin or cape tied to your old username, it will transfer to your new username automatically in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, skins are tied to your character profile, so they move with whichever character you are using.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but only after the 37-day cooldown has passed. Once your old name becomes available again, you can change your username back to it. However, you still have to wait the full 30 days between any username changes, so this process takes at least 67 days total.

Do I lose my worlds and progress if I change my username?

No. In Java Edition, your worlds, inventory, and achievements stay with your account — they are not tied to your username. In Bedrock Edition, your progress stays with your character profile, so changing the name does not affect what you have built or collected.

What if someone took my old username after the 37-day cooldown?

Once the cooldown ends, anyone can claim your old name. If someone takes it, you cannot get it back unless they change their username first. This is why it is important to keep your account find — if someone gains access to your account, they could change your username and lock you out.

Can I have multiple usernames at the same time?

In Java Edition, no — you can only have one username per account. In Bedrock Edition, yes — you can create multiple character profiles with different names, and they all play under the same Microsoft account.

Does changing my username affect my Microsoft account email or password?

No. Your username is separate from your account login. You still sign in with your email address and password — changing your username only changes how your name appears in the game.