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 Mojang account settings. If you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile), your username is tied to your Microsoft account and you change it through Microsoft's account settings instead — with no waiting period between changes.

The key difference is that Java Edition treats usernames as a limited resource that other players might want, so Mojang spaces out changes. Bedrock Edition treats your username as part of your Microsoft identity, so you can update it whenever you need to.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players change usernames through their Mojang account and must wait 30 days between changes.
  • Bedrock Edition players change usernames through their Microsoft account settings with no waiting period.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days in Java Edition.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game progress, worlds, or items in either version.
  • You need to know your current password to change your username in either version.

Changing your username in Minecraft Java Edition

Go to your Mojang account page at account.mojang.com and sign in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, look for the section labeled "Profile Name" — this is your Minecraft username, not your account email.

Click the button next to your current username to change it. You will see a text field where you can type your new username. Minecraft usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. Once you type your new name, click the button to confirm the change.

After you change your username, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again — always 30 days from the date you made the change. Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after 30 days, so if you change your mind quickly, you cannot reclaim it when ready.

Changing your username in Minecraft Bedrock Edition

Your Bedrock username is part of your Microsoft account, so you change it through Microsoft's settings, not through Minecraft itself. Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your Microsoft account email and password.

Click on "Your info" or "Profile" (the exact wording varies by region), then look for the section that says "Manage your Microsoft account" or "Account settings." Find the option for "Gamertag" or "Display name" — this is what other players see in Bedrock Edition. Click to edit it, type your new name, and confirm the change.

Unlike Java Edition, you can change your Bedrock username as often as you want with no waiting period. The change takes effect when ready in all Bedrock games and apps.

What happens to your worlds and progress when you change your username

Your game progress, worlds, achievements, and inventory stay exactly the same after you change your username. The change is cosmetic — it only affects the name that appears above your character and in chat. All your saved worlds, items, and progress remain tied to your account.

Other players will see your new username the next time they load a world or server where you are present. If you are playing on a multiplayer server, the server may take a few minutes to update your name in its records.

If you cannot change your username right now

In Java Edition, if you see a message saying you cannot change your username yet, you are within the 30-day waiting period from your last change. You will need to wait until that period ends. The Mojang website shows you the exact date you can change it again.

If you are having trouble signing into your account or changing your username, make sure you are using the correct password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page to reset it before you try to change your username.

Usernames that will not work

Minecraft rejects usernames that are already taken, contain only numbers, or use characters other than letters, numbers, and underscores. If you try to change to a name that is already in use, you will see an error message and the change will not go through.

Names that are offensive or violate Minecraft's community standards may also be rejected. If your chosen name is rejected and you are not sure why, try a different name. Minecraft does not provide detailed reasons for rejections beyond "that name is not available."

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my worlds if I change my username?

No. Your worlds, items, and progress are tied to your account, not your username. Changing your name does not affect any of your saved data. Other players will see your new name, but everything you have built and earned stays with you.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

In Java Edition, your old username becomes available for anyone to claim after 30 days, so you could potentially reclaim it if no one else has taken it. In Bedrock Edition, you can change back to any previous name at any time since there is no waiting period.

How long does it take for my new username to show up?

The change is when ready in Bedrock Edition. In Java Edition, the change is when ready in your account settings, but other players may see your old name for a few minutes while their game catches up. Servers update within a few minutes.

What if someone else took my old username?

In Java Edition, after 30 days your old username is available for anyone to claim. If someone else takes it, you cannot get it back unless they change their name and it becomes available again. This is why you should decide quickly if you want to reclaim an old name.

Can I change my username on console or mobile?

On console or mobile Bedrock Edition, you change your username through your Microsoft account settings on a computer or phone browser, not through the game itself. The process is the same as described above — sign into account.microsoft.com and edit your gamertag.