Yes, you can change your Minecraft Java username, but only once every 30 days

You can change the name that appears above your character in Minecraft Java Edition through your Mojang account settings. The change takes effect when ready in single-player worlds and on servers. Microsoft enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes, so you cannot change your name again until 30 days have passed since your last change.

The process itself takes about five minutes and requires you to log into your Microsoft account online — you do not change it inside the game. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after 37 days of inactivity, so if you change your mind, you have a window to change back before losing it permanently.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username through the Microsoft account website, not through the Minecraft launcher or in-game.
  • The change takes effect when ready, but you must wait 30 days before changing again.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to claim 37 days after you stop using it.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game progress, worlds, or items — only the name displayed above your character.
  • If you cannot change your username, your account may be too new, you may have changed it recently, or your account may not be fully migrated to Microsoft.

Step-by-step: changing your username

Start by going to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and signing in with the email and password you use for Minecraft. Once you are logged in, look for the section labeled "Your info" or "Account settings" — the exact location varies slightly depending on your browser and whether Microsoft has updated the layout recently.

Find the field that shows your current Minecraft username. Next to it, you should see a button or link that says "Change" or "Edit". Click that button. Type your new username into the text box that appears. Minecraft usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores only — no spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods.

After you type your new name, click the button to confirm the change. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email address or phone number. Check your email (or text message) for that code, type it in, and submit. Your username changes when ready after you complete this step.

Why you might not be able to change your username

If the change button is grayed out or missing, the most common reason is that you changed your username fewer than 30 days ago. Microsoft locks the change feature for exactly 30 days after each change. Check the date of your last change in your account history — if it was fewer than 30 days ago, you will need to wait until that period passes.

A second reason is that your account may be too new. If you created your Minecraft account fewer than 7 days ago, you cannot change the username yet. Wait a week from the date you created the account, then try again.

A third reason is that your account may not be fully migrated to a Microsoft account. If you originally created a Mojang account (before Microsoft bought Minecraft), you may need to complete the migration process first. Go to minecraft.net, sign in, and look for a prompt to migrate your account to Microsoft. Complete that process, then return to account.microsoft.com to change your username.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old name does not disappear when ready. For 37 days, the old username is reserved under your account and no one else can claim it. If you change your mind during this window, you can change your username back to the old one without waiting the full 30 days — the system treats it as a special case.

After 37 days of inactivity on your account, your old username becomes available for anyone else to register. If someone else claims it, you cannot get it back. This means if you want to keep your old username as a backup option, you need to change back to it before the 37-day period ends.

How the change affects your game

Changing your username does not delete or affect any of your worlds, items, achievements, or game progress. In single-player worlds, your character will straightforward display the new name above their head. On multiplayer servers, the new name appears to all other players when ready.

Some servers keep records of player actions tied to your old username. Server administrators can usually link your old and new usernames in their logs, but this depends on how the server is set up. If you are concerned about a specific server, ask the server owner or administrator whether they will recognize you under your new name.

Changing your username on other Minecraft editions

If you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile devices), you do not change your username the same way. Bedrock uses a gamertag system tied to your Microsoft account, and you change it through your Xbox Live settings rather than through the Minecraft account page. The process is similar but the location is different.

If you play Minecraft on a console like PlayStation or Nintendo Switch, the username is tied to your console account, not your Minecraft account. You would change it through your console's system settings instead. This article covers Java Edition only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one after I change it?

Yes, but only within 37 days. After 37 days, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you change back within the window, you do not have to wait the full 30 days — the system treats it as a special case and lets you switch back when ready.

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

Yes. On servers and in multiplayer, your friends will see your new username when ready. If they have you added as a friend through the Minecraft launcher, the friend list updates automatically. They may need to re-add you if they search by username, but your account itself does not change.

What if someone else takes my old username after I change it?

If someone claims your old username after the 37-day window closes, you cannot get it back. You would need to choose a different username if you wanted to use that name again. This is why it is important to change back within 37 days if you think you might want your old name later.

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

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username does not affect your password or your account security. Your password stays the same unless you choose to change it separately through your account settings.

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

No. Minecraft usernames can only contain letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or other special characters. The username must also be between 3 and 16 characters long.