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

If you play Minecraft Java Edition on a computer, 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, or mobile), your username is tied to your Microsoft account and follows different rules. The steps are straightforward, but the timing and limits differ between versions, so start by confirming which one you own.

The key difference is where you log in: Java Edition players manage their name at minecraft.net, while Bedrock Edition players manage theirs at account.microsoft.com. Both versions enforce a 30-day wait between changes, and both keep your game progress intact no matter how many times you change your name.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players can change their username every 30 days by logging into their Mojang account at minecraft.net and using the profile settings.
  • Bedrock Edition players change their username through their Microsoft account settings, and the change takes effect across all Bedrock games and services.
  • After you change your username in Java Edition, your old name becomes available for other players to claim after 30 days.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game progress, worlds, or items in either version.
  • If you have not changed your username before, Java Edition may require you to migrate your account from a Mojang login to a Microsoft account first.

How to change your username in Minecraft Java Edition

Log into your Mojang account at minecraft.net using your email address and password. If you have never signed in before, you may see a prompt to migrate your account to a Microsoft account — follow that process first, as Mojang no longer issues new Mojang-only accounts. Once you are logged in, look for "Profile" or "Account" in the top navigation menu.

Click on your profile name to open your account settings. You should see a field labeled "Name" or "Username" with your current name displayed. Click the edit button (usually a pencil icon) next to your name. Type your new username — it must be between 3 and 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. Minecraft will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or if it violates content rules. Once you confirm the change, it takes effect within a few minutes, though you may need to log out and back into the game to see it.

How to change your username in Minecraft Bedrock Edition

Your Bedrock Edition username is managed through your Microsoft account, not through Minecraft itself. Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account you use to play Bedrock. Click on "Your info" or "Profile" in the left menu, then look for "Manage your Microsoft account" or a similar option.

Find the section for your profile name or gamertag — this is what other players see in Bedrock games. Click "Edit" and type your new name. Microsoft allows one free gamertag change every 30 days; after that, changes cost money. Once you save the change, it updates across all Bedrock games and services within a few minutes. You do not need to restart the game, but signing out and back in will refresh it faster.

What happens to your old username after you change it

In Java Edition, your old username becomes available for other players to claim after 30 days. During those 30 days, no one else can use it, and you cannot change back to it. If you want to reclaim your old name later, you will have to wait until someone else takes it and then changes away from it themselves.

In Bedrock Edition, the rules depend on Microsoft's policies for gamertags. Generally, your old gamertag is released for others to use, but the exact timing varies. Your game progress, worlds, and items remain yours regardless of what name you use — the username is only a display name.

Why you might need to migrate your Java Edition account first

If you created your Java Edition account before 2020, it may still be registered under a Mojang username and password rather than a Microsoft account. Mojang shut down new account creation in 2020 and now requires all players to use Microsoft accounts for security and support reasons. If you try to change your username and see a message about migration, you must complete that step before you can proceed.

The migration process is free and takes a few minutes. You will be asked to sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one if you do not have one), and then to confirm your old Mojang login. After migration, your Java Edition account is linked to your Microsoft account, and you can change your username using the steps above. Your game progress transfers over — nothing is lost.

The 30-day waiting period between username changes

Both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition enforce a 30-day cooldown between username changes. This means if you change your name today, you cannot change it again for 30 days. The timer resets each time you make a change, so if you change your name on January 1st, your next change is available on January 31st.

This limit exists to prevent players from impersonating others or evading bans by constantly switching names. If you change your name by mistake, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it back. Plan your new username carefully before you confirm the change.

Changing your username does not affect your game data

Your worlds, items, achievements, and game progress are tied to your account, not your username. When you change your name, all of that stays with you. Other players will see your new name in multiplayer servers and in shared worlds, but your single-player worlds and inventory remain exactly as they were.

If you play on a server or realm, the server owner or other players may have recorded your old name in logs or chat history, but the game itself will show your new name going forward. If you are worried about being recognized after a name change, keep in mind that your account ID (a unique number behind the scenes) does not change — players with access to server logs could still identify you that way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once?

Yes, but only once every 30 days in both Java and Bedrock editions. After you change your name, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. There is no limit to how many times you can change it over your account's lifetime, only the 30-day wait between changes.

What if my desired username is already taken?

Minecraft will show you when ready that the name is unavailable when you try to claim it. You will need to choose a different name. If you want a specific name that is currently taken, you can only get it if that player changes their name and does not reclaim it within 30 days.

Do I need to buy Minecraft again if I change my username?

No. Your username is just a display name — it has nothing to do with your purchase or license. Changing your name does not affect your ownership of the game or your ability to play.

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

Yes. In Java Edition, your friends can still see you on their friends list even after you change your name — the list is tied to your account, not your username. In Bedrock Edition, the same applies. Your account identity does not change, only the name that displays.

Can I change my username if I have not played in years?

Yes, as long as your account still exists and you can log in. Inactive accounts are not deleted, so you can reclaim your account and change your name whenever you want. If you have forgotten your password, use the password recovery option on the login page.