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, or mobile), your username is tied to your Microsoft account, and changing it works differently — you change your Microsoft account profile name instead, and the change shows up across all your devices when ready.

The key difference is that Java Edition treats your username as a separate piece of your account, while Bedrock Edition uses your Microsoft profile name directly. Both are free to change, but Java Edition has the 30-day waiting period between changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players can change their username every 30 days by logging into their Mojang account and visiting the profile settings page.
  • Bedrock Edition players change their Microsoft account profile name, which updates their Minecraft username when ready across all platforms.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after you change it, so choose a new one before you make the switch.
  • Changing your username does not affect your worlds, skins, or progress — everything stays attached to your account.

How to change your username in Java Edition

Log into your account at launcher.mojang.com using your email address and password. Once you are logged in, look for your profile name at the top of the page and click on it. You will see a section labeled "Change Profile Name" with your current username displayed.

Click the button to change your name. Type your new username — it must be between 3 and 16 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Minecraft will tell you when ready if the name is already taken. Once you confirm the change, your new username takes effect the next time you log into the game.

If you have changed your username before, the page will show you when you can change it again. You must wait the full 30 days from your last change before you can pick a new one. During that waiting period, the "Change Profile Name" button will be grayed out.

How to change your username in Bedrock Edition

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

Click on "Your info" in the left menu, then look for your profile name near the top of the page. Click "Edit name" and type your new username. Microsoft will check whether the name is available — if it is taken, you will see that message and can try a different one. Once you save the change, it updates when ready in Bedrock Edition on all your devices.

Unlike Java Edition, there is no waiting period between changes on Bedrock. You can change your Microsoft profile name as often as you want, and each change shows up in Minecraft right away.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for any other player to claim. This happens when ready in Bedrock Edition and after your next login in Java Edition. If you are worried about someone else taking your old name, do not tell people what your new username is until you have logged in and confirmed the change went through.

Your worlds, skins, and all your progress stay attached to your account no matter what name you use. Friends who had you added will still see you on their friends list, though your name will update to the new one. If you play on servers, the server owner will see your new username the next time you join.

Troubleshooting a username change that did not work

If you tried to change your username and it did not take effect, the most common reason is that you did not log back into the game after making the change. In Java Edition especially, the new name only appears after you close the launcher completely and log in again. Try closing Minecraft entirely, waiting 30 seconds, and launching it fresh.

If the change button is grayed out in Java Edition, you are still within the 30-day waiting period from your last change. The page will show you the exact date you can change again. If you are in Bedrock Edition and your name did not update, sign out of your Microsoft account in the game settings, wait a minute, and sign back in.

If you see an error message saying the username is unavailable, someone else claimed it between the time you changed yours and the time the system processed the change. This is rare but can happen. Pick a different new username and try again.

Why you might want to change your username

Players usually change their username because they created their account years ago with a name they no longer like, or because they want a name that matches their current gaming identity across other platforms. Some players change their name to avoid being recognized by other players they used to play with, or straightforward because they think of a better name after playing for a while.

The 30-day limit in Java Edition exists to prevent spam and account takeovers — it slows down someone who gains access to your account and tries to change your identity repeatedly. For normal players, it just means you should think through your new name before you make the change, since you will be stuck with it for a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my worlds and progress disappear if I change my username?

No. Your worlds, skins, achievements, and everything else attached to your account stays with you when you change your username. The change only affects what name other players see — your account data does not move or reset.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

In Java Edition, yes, but you have to wait 30 days after your first change. In Bedrock Edition, you can change back when ready. Keep in mind that if someone else claimed your old username in the meantime, you will not be able to use it again.

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

No. Your password and your username are separate. Changing your username does not affect your password, and you do not need to update anything else on your account.

What if I play both Java and Bedrock Edition?

They are separate accounts with separate usernames. Changing your Java Edition username does not change your Bedrock Edition username, and vice versa. You will need to change each one separately through its own system.

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

In Java Edition, no — only letters, numbers, and underscores are allowed. Bedrock Edition has similar restrictions. If you try to use a space or special character, the system will reject it and ask you to pick a different name.