Yes, you can change your username for free, but only once every 30 days

Minecraft lets you change your username at no cost through your Microsoft account settings. You can do this once every 30 days. If you want to change it again before 30 days have passed, you will have to wait — there is no way to pay to skip the waiting period.

The free change applies whether you play on Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, or both. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a grace period, usually around 37 days. This matters if you have built a reputation under that name, because once it is gone, it is gone for good.

Key Takeaways

  • You get one free username change every 30 days through your Microsoft account, with no payment option to change more frequently.
  • You must own a Microsoft account linked to your Minecraft profile to change your username at all.
  • The change takes effect when ready in-game, but your old username stays reserved for about 37 days before others can claim it.
  • If you change your username, your UUID (the permanent identifier behind the scenes) does not change, so your game progress and items stay with you.
  • Friends will see your new username within minutes, and multiplayer servers will recognize you by your UUID rather than your name.

Where to change your username for free

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account connected to your Minecraft profile. Click on your profile picture in the top right, then select "View profile" or "Account settings" depending on your region.

Look for the section labeled "Minecraft profile" or "Gaming" (the exact name varies by region). You will see your current username and a button to change it. Click that button, type your new username, and confirm. The change is when ready in-game.

If you do not see a Minecraft profile section, your Microsoft account may not be linked to Minecraft yet. You can link them through the Minecraft Launcher on your computer or through the Xbox app. Once linked, the Minecraft profile section will appear in your account settings.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, the old one does not disappear when ready. Microsoft keeps it reserved under your account for about 37 days. During that time, no one else can claim it, and you can change back to it if you want to undo your decision.

After 37 days, your old username becomes available for anyone else to create a new account with. If someone claims it, you cannot get it back. This matters if you have been known by that name in the community — other players may not recognize you by your new one, and any reputation or standing you built under that name stays with whoever takes it next.

Your UUID stays the same, so your progress does not change

Behind every Minecraft account is a UUID, a long string of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies you. When you change your username, your UUID does not change. This means your inventory, your builds, your achievements, and your position in the world all stay exactly where they are.

On multiplayer servers, your UUID is what the server tracks, not your username. So if a server has you on a whitelist or has given you permissions, those stay with you even after you change your name. The server owner will see the name change, but your access does not break.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This is a hard limit with no exceptions. You cannot pay to skip it, and contacting Microsoft support will not override it.

The 30-day timer starts from the moment you confirm the change, not from when you first tried to change it. If you change your mind when ready after, you still have to wait the full 30 days before you can try again. Plan your new username carefully before you confirm.

What to do if you cannot access your Microsoft account

If you have forgotten your Microsoft password or lost access to the email address tied to your account, you will not be able to change your username through the normal route. Microsoft has a recovery process, but it can take several days.

Go to account.live.com/password/reset and follow the steps to regain access. You will need to verify your identity, usually by answering security questions or confirming a recovery email. Once you regain access to your Microsoft account, you can change your Minecraft username through the normal method described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days if I pay?

No. Microsoft does not offer a paid option to change your username more frequently. The 30-day waiting period is the same for everyone, and there is no way around it.

Will my friends still see my old username in their friends list?

No. Your friends list will update to show your new username within a few minutes. They will see the change reflected everywhere in the game and in their social menus.

What if someone takes my old username after the 37-day grace period?

You cannot reclaim it. Once the grace period ends and someone else creates an account with that name, it is gone. This is why it is worth thinking through your new username before you confirm the change.

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

No. Your password is separate from your username and does not need to change. Your Microsoft account password stays the same.

Does changing my username affect my Minecraft Realms or servers I own?

No. Your Realms subscription and any servers you own stay linked to your UUID, not your username. You will still own and access them under your new name.