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

If you play Minecraft: Java Edition on a PC, you can change your username once every 30 days through your Mojang account settings. If you play Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10/11, consoles, and mobile), your username is tied to your Microsoft account, and you change it the same way you'd change any Microsoft account name — which affects your username across all Microsoft services, not just Minecraft.

The key difference is that Java Edition lets you keep your old username private while Bedrock Edition makes the change everywhere. Java players also get a 30-day waiting period between changes; Bedrock players can change as often as Microsoft allows account name changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players change usernames through the Mojang launcher and can do so once every 30 days.
  • Bedrock Edition players change usernames through Microsoft account settings, and the change affects all Microsoft services.
  • 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.
  • If you forget which version you own, check your launcher — Java shows the Mojang launcher, Bedrock shows the Microsoft Store or Xbox app.

Changing your username in Java Edition

Open the Minecraft launcher and click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left. Select Accounts, then click on your account name. You'll see a button labeled Change next to your current username. Click it, type your new username, and confirm the change.

The new name takes effect when ready in-game, but you must wait 30 days before changing it again. Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after that 30-day window closes. If you change your mind within those 30 days, you can change back to your previous name without waiting — that counts as your one change for the month.

Changing your username in Bedrock Edition

Your Bedrock username is part of your Microsoft account. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and select Your info from the left menu. Click Manage your Microsoft account, then find the option to change your account name. The new name will appear in Minecraft within a few minutes.

Because this changes your Microsoft account name, it affects your username in Xbox, Outlook, OneDrive, and any other Microsoft service you use. If you want a different name just for Minecraft without changing your entire Microsoft account, Bedrock Edition does not offer that option — the username must match your account name.

What happens to your worlds and progress

Changing your username does not delete or move your worlds, items, or progress. In Java Edition, your worlds stay on your computer exactly where they are. In Bedrock Edition, your worlds sync to your Microsoft account, so they follow you to any device you sign into.

Other players' worlds that you've visited will show your new username if they load that world again. If you were banned from a server or realm, changing your username does not remove the ban — the ban is tied to your account ID, not your display name.

If you cannot find the change username button

In Java Edition, make sure you're signed into the correct account in the launcher. If you see a Play button but no account menu, click the account icon in the top right corner instead. Some older accounts created before Mojang merged with Microsoft may need to migrate to a Microsoft account first — the launcher will prompt you to do this, and you can change your username after migration is complete.

In Bedrock Edition, confirm you're signed into the correct Microsoft account. If you're playing on console (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch), you change your username through your console's account settings, not through the game itself. The steps vary by console, but the option is usually under Account or Profile in your system settings.

Usernames that are already taken or unavailable

If the username you want is already taken, you cannot use it. In Java Edition, you can check if a name is available by trying to change to it — the system will tell you if it's taken. In Bedrock Edition, Microsoft will show you during the account name change process whether the name is available.

Some names are reserved by Microsoft or Mojang and cannot be claimed by players. If you see a message that a name is unavailable even though you don't see another player using it, it's likely reserved. Try a variation — adding a number, underscore, or different spelling usually works.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Java Edition, yes — if you change back within 30 days, it counts as your one change for that month. After 30 days, your old username is available for anyone to claim, so you can reclaim it, but you'll have to wait another 30 days before changing again. In Bedrock Edition, you can change your Microsoft account name as often as Microsoft allows, so you can switch back anytime.

Do I lose my skins or capes when I change my username?

No. Your skins and capes stay with your account. In Java Edition, skins are stored on your account and follow you to your new username. In Bedrock Edition, skins sync through your Microsoft account. If you purchased a skin or cape, it remains yours after the name change.

Will my friends still see me in their friends list after I change my username?

Yes. In Java Edition, friends see your new username when ready. In Bedrock Edition, the change syncs across Xbox Live, so friends on any Microsoft platform will see your new name. Your account ID stays the same — only the display name changes.

What if I'm playing on a realm or server with a username ban?

Changing your username will not lift the ban. Realms and servers ban your account ID or UUID, not your display name. If you were banned, you'll still be banned under your new username. You would need to contact the realm or server owner to appeal the ban.

How do I know if I have Java Edition or Bedrock Edition?

Open your Minecraft launcher. If it says "Minecraft Launcher" and shows your account in the top right, it's Java Edition. If it says "Minecraft" and shows an Xbox or Microsoft account icon, it's Bedrock Edition. You can also check your purchase — Java Edition was sold separately before the launcher unified, while Bedrock Edition comes through the Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass.