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 Minecraft account settings on the official website. 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 display name instead, which updates across all your devices and games.

The key difference is that Java Edition lets you pick any available username you want, while Bedrock Edition uses the name you set in your Microsoft account. Both are free to change, but Java Edition has a waiting period between changes and Bedrock Edition changes take effect when ready across all your devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players can change their username once every 30 days by logging into their Minecraft account on minecraft.net and visiting the profile settings.
  • Bedrock Edition players change their username by updating their Microsoft account display name, which affects all Microsoft games and services.
  • After you change your Java Edition username, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim after 37 days.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game progress, inventory, or worlds in either version.
  • If your chosen username is already taken, you will need to pick a different one — neither version lets you use a name someone else has claimed.

How to change your username in Java Edition

Log into your account at minecraft.net using your email address and password. Once you are signed in, look for your profile name or avatar in the top right corner and click it. Select "Profile" from the menu that appears.

On your profile page, you will see your current username displayed prominently. Next to it is a button that says "Change" or "Change name" — click that button. A text box will appear where you can type your new username. Type the name you want, and the system will tell you when ready whether it is available. If it is taken, try a different one. Once you find one that is available, click the button to confirm the change. Your new username takes effect right away in the game.

If you have changed your username recently, the button will show you when you can change it again. Java Edition enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes, so if you changed your name two weeks ago, you will need to wait another two weeks before you can change it again.

How to change your username in Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition does not have a separate username system. Your in-game name is your Microsoft account display name, so you change it by updating your Microsoft account settings. Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email and password you use for Bedrock Edition.

Once you are signed in, click your profile picture or name in the top right corner and select "View profile" or "Manage your Microsoft account." Look for a section called "Your info" or "Personal info." You should see your display name listed there. Click "Edit" or "Change name" next to your display name and type the new name you want. Click save or confirm, and the change takes effect when ready. The next time you launch Bedrock Edition, your new name will appear in the game.

Unlike Java Edition, there is no waiting period between changes in Bedrock Edition. You can change your Microsoft display name as often as you want, though Microsoft may have its own policies about how frequently you can change it (usually once per week or month, depending on your account age).

What happens to your old username and game progress

When you change your username in Java Edition, your old name does not disappear when ready. It stays reserved under your account for 37 days. After 37 days, the old name becomes available for someone else to claim. This means if you change your mind within that window, you cannot get your old name back by changing your username again — you would have to wait until the 37-day period ends and then hope no one else has claimed it.

Your game progress, worlds, and inventory are not affected by a username change in either version. All your saved worlds, items, and achievements stay with your account. Other players will see your new name in multiplayer servers and in shared worlds, but your personal single-player worlds and progress remain exactly as they were.

What to do if your desired username is taken

If the username you want is already claimed by another player, the system will tell you it is unavailable. You cannot reserve a name or request that someone else release it — you will need to choose a different username instead.

Some players add numbers, underscores, or slight variations to make a name unique. For example, if "Alex" is taken, you might try "Alex123" or "Alex_" or "AlexMC." The system will tell you right away whether your variation is available, so you can try several options quickly until you find one that works.

Changing your username on servers and multiplayer worlds

When you change your username, your account history on multiplayer servers and shared worlds updates automatically. Server administrators will see your new name associated with your account, and your playtime, builds, and reputation transfer to your new username. You do not lose access to servers you were already on, and you do not need to re-join them.

However, if a server uses a whitelist (a list of approved player names), the server owner may need to update the whitelist to include your new username. If you cannot join a server you were previously on after changing your name, contact the server owner and ask them to add your new username to their whitelist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one after 37 days?

Not automatically. After 37 days, your old username becomes available for anyone to claim. If no one has claimed it, you can change your username back to it. But if someone else has taken it in the meantime, you cannot use it unless that person changes their name first.

Do I need to pay to change my username?

No. Changing your username is free in both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. If a website or service asks you to pay to change your Minecraft username, it is not legitimate.

Will my friends still see me on their friends list after I change my name?

Yes. Your account stays the same — only your display name changes. Friends will see your new username, but you will still appear on their friends list and they will still appear on yours.

What if I own both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition?

They are separate accounts with separate usernames. Your Java Edition username and your Bedrock Edition username (which is your Microsoft display name) can be different. Changing one does not affect the other.

Can I change my username if my account is banned?

If your account is banned from a specific server, changing your username will not let you rejoin that server — the ban is tied to your account, not your username. If your account is banned from the Minecraft launcher itself, you will not be able to launch the game at all, so changing your username will not help.