Yes, you can change your Minecraft Bedrock username, but the process depends on which account type you use

If you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Windows, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or mobile, your username is tied to your Microsoft account. You can change it through your Microsoft account settings, and the change takes effect across all Bedrock platforms where you play. The process takes a few minutes and you can do it from any web browser or from your device settings.

The key difference from Java Edition is that Bedrock usernames are managed by Microsoft, not by Mojang. This means your username change affects your entire Microsoft gaming profile, not just Minecraft. You get one free username change per 30 days, and additional changes cost money.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Bedrock username is controlled by your Microsoft account, so you change it through Microsoft's settings, not through Minecraft itself.
  • The first username change per 30 days is free; any changes after that cost a small fee that varies by region.
  • Your new username appears when ready on all devices where you play Bedrock, including console, mobile, and PC.
  • If you forget your Microsoft account password, you must reset it before you can change your username.

Changing your username through the Microsoft website

Go to account.microsoft.com in any web browser and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Bedrock game. Once you are logged in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu, then select "Manage your Microsoft account."

Find the section labeled "Gamertag" or "Username" — the exact wording varies depending on your region and account type. Click "Edit" or "Change" next to your current username. Type your new username into the text box. Microsoft will check whether the name is available; if it is taken, you will see a message and can try a different one.

After you confirm your new username, Microsoft may ask you to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone. Complete that step, and your username change is done. The new name appears on your profile when ready and syncs to all your Bedrock games within a few minutes.

Changing your username on Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch

If you prefer not to use a web browser, you can change your username directly from your console. On Xbox, go to Settings, select "Account," then "Personalization," and look for "Gamertag." Select "Change gamertag" and follow the on-screen steps.

On PlayStation, go to Settings, select "Users and Accounts," then "Account," and choose "Profile." Select "Edit Profile" and find the username field. On Nintendo Switch, go to System Settings, select "Users," choose your user account, and select "Profile." Look for the username or nickname field and select "Edit."

The console method works the same way as the website: you enter your new name, Microsoft checks availability, and you verify your identity if prompted. Your Minecraft Bedrock username updates across all platforms once the change is confirmed.

Understanding the cost and frequency limits

Your first username change in any 30-day period is free. If you want to change your username again before 30 days have passed, Microsoft charges a fee. The cost varies by region and currency, but typically ranges from a few dollars to around ten dollars per additional change within that window.

After 30 days from your last change, your next change becomes free again. If you are unsure when your last change was, you can check your account history on the Microsoft website under "Recent activity" or "Account history." This shows the date of your most recent username change.

Some players change their username once and never again; others change it several times a year. Plan your changes if you know you might want a different name soon, so you can space them out and avoid paying the fee.

What happens to your worlds and friends list after you change your username

Your Minecraft worlds, achievements, and inventory stay exactly the same. Changing your username does not delete your game progress or reset your worlds. Friends who have you added will still see you on their friends list, though your name will update to show your new username.

If you play on a Realm (Minecraft's multiplayer subscription service), your access to that Realm does not change. The Realm owner will see your new username, but you keep all the same permissions and access you had before.

Other players who have not added you as a friend will see your new username the next time they encounter you in a world or server. There is no transition period where both names work — the change is when ready and complete.

Troubleshooting: what to do if your username change does not work

If you see an error message saying your username is unavailable, the name you chose is already taken or contains characters Microsoft does not allow. Try a different name, or add numbers or underscores to make it unique. Usernames can be 3 to 16 characters and cannot include spaces or most special characters.

If you cannot access your Microsoft account to make the change, you may need to reset your password first. Go to account.microsoft.com, select "Sign in," then "Can't access your account," and follow the recovery steps. You will need access to the email address or phone number linked to your account.

If your new username appears on the Microsoft website but has not shown up in Minecraft after several minutes, try signing out of Minecraft completely and signing back in. On console, restart the game. On mobile or PC, close Minecraft entirely and reopen it. The sync usually takes less than five minutes, but restarting the game forces it to refresh your profile information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. If your old username is still available, you can change back to it using the same process. However, if someone else has taken it, you cannot use it again unless that person changes their username first.

Does changing my Bedrock username affect my Java Edition account?

No. Minecraft Java Edition uses a separate username system and is not linked to your Microsoft account username. Your Java username stays the same unless you change it through the Java launcher settings. The two games have completely separate identity systems.

What if I share my console with family members?

Each person who plays on the console needs their own Microsoft account and their own user profile on the device. When you change your username, it only affects your account and your Minecraft worlds. Other family members keep their own usernames and progress.

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

Yes. Your Microsoft account and username remain active even if you have not played Minecraft recently. You can change your username at any time by signing into your Microsoft account, as long as you remember your password.

Will my skin or cape disappear if I change my username?

No. Your skin, cape, and any cosmetics you own stay with your account. They are tied to your Microsoft account, not to your username, so they transfer automatically when you change your name.