You can change your Minecraft username once every 30 days through your Microsoft account

Your Minecraft username is tied to your Microsoft account, not to Minecraft itself. To change it, you log into your Microsoft account online, find the profile settings, and update the name there. The change takes effect when ready in the game. You can do this once per month — if you change your name today, you cannot change it again for 30 days.

This process is free and takes about five minutes. You do not need to buy anything, contact support, or use a third-party tool. The steps are the same whether you play on Windows, Mac, Linux, or console.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with the email and password you use for Minecraft, and navigate to your profile settings to change your username.
  • Your new username appears in the game within seconds, but you cannot change it again for 30 days after you make the change.
  • If you play on a console like Xbox, the change syncs automatically to that device once you sign in again.
  • Old usernames become available for other players to claim after a period of inactivity, so someone else may eventually use your previous name.

Step-by-step: changing your username on Microsoft account

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Click "Sign in" and enter the email address and password you use to log into Minecraft. If you use a phone number or authenticator app to sign in, follow those steps instead.

Once you are signed in, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner and click it. Select "View profile" or "Manage your account" — the exact wording varies depending on your browser and device. You should see a page with your account information.

Find the section labeled "Your info" or "Profile" and look for your username or gamertag. Click "Edit" or "Change" next to it. Type your new username in the box that appears. Microsoft will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or contains blocked words. Once you see a green checkmark or "available" message, click "Save" or "Confirm".

What happens in the game after you change your name

Your new username shows up in Minecraft within seconds. If you are already in a game world, you may need to restart the game or rejoin the server to see the change take effect everywhere. Other players will see your new name the next time they load their world or refresh their player list.

On console versions like Xbox or PlayStation, sign out and sign back in to your Microsoft account. The new username will sync to your console profile automatically.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your username, you are locked into that name for 30 days. This is a Microsoft policy, not a Minecraft rule, and it applies to all games that use your Microsoft account. You cannot change it again until the 30 days have passed, even if you change your mind when ready.

If you made a typo or chose a name you regret, you have to wait the full month. Plan your username carefully before you confirm the change.

What happens to your old username

Your previous username does not disappear from your account history. Microsoft keeps a record of all the names you have used. However, the old name itself becomes available for other players to claim after you stop using it. The exact timeline varies — sometimes it takes weeks, sometimes months — but eventually someone else may use your former username.

This means old friends might not find you by your previous name if they search for you later. If you are changing your username, consider telling people in your regular servers or friend groups what your new name will be.

If you cannot sign into your Microsoft account

If you forgot your password, go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" Follow the steps to verify your identity using your phone number or recovery email. Microsoft will walk you through resetting your password.

If you do not remember which email address you used to create your Minecraft account, check your email inbox for messages from Microsoft or Minecraft. Look for account confirmation emails or password reset messages — they will show you which email is linked to your account.

Changing your username on older Minecraft accounts

If you have a very old Minecraft account created before Microsoft bought the game, you may have a "legacy" account that is not yet linked to a Microsoft account. These accounts cannot change their username through the normal process. You will need to migrate your legacy account to a Microsoft account first.

To migrate, go to minecraft.net, sign in with your old Minecraft username and password, and follow the "Migrate Account" prompt. You will be asked to create or link a Microsoft account. Once migration is complete, you can change your username using the steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No. Microsoft enforces a 30-day cooldown between changes. You must wait the full month before you can change your username again, even if you change it back to the original name.

Will my old skins and worlds disappear if I change my username?

No. Your skins, worlds, and all your game data stay with your Microsoft account. The username is just the display name — everything else remains the same.

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

No. Your password and username are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. You only need to change your password if you think someone else knows it.

What if someone else already took the username I want?

You cannot use a name that is already claimed by another player. Microsoft will show you "unavailable" when you try to save it. Choose a different name or wait to see if that player stops using Minecraft and the name becomes available later.

Does changing my username affect my Microsoft account for other games or services?

Your Microsoft account username is different from your Minecraft username. Changing your Minecraft name only affects how you appear in Minecraft and other games that use the same gamertag system. Your email address and account login stay the same.