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

If you play Minecraft Java Edition or Bedrock Edition, your username is tied to your Microsoft account. To change it, you log into your Microsoft account online, go to your profile settings, find the Xbox username section, and enter a new name. The change takes effect when ready in-game, though it may take a few minutes to show up on servers and in other players' friend lists.

You can change your username once every 30 days. If you changed it recently, you will see a countdown timer telling you when the next change is available. There is no cost to change your username — Microsoft does not charge for this.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, not through the Minecraft launcher.
  • Navigate to your profile, then Xbox profile, then Gamertag to change your username.
  • New usernames must be between 3 and 15 characters and cannot contain spaces or special characters.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change shows up in-game within minutes.
  • Your game data, worlds, skins, and achievements stay with your account when you change your name.

Step 1: Log into your Microsoft account online

Go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser. Enter the email address and password for the Microsoft account linked to your Minecraft game. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need to complete that step as well.

Do not try to change your username through the Minecraft launcher itself — that option is not available there. You must use the Microsoft account website. If you are not sure which email is linked to your Minecraft account, check the launcher: open Minecraft, look for your profile name in the top left corner, and click it to see your account email.

Step 2: Find your Xbox profile and gamertag settings

Once you are logged in, look for "Your info" or "Profile" in the left menu. Click on it. Then find the section labeled "Xbox profile" or "Gamertag" — the exact wording varies depending on your account type, but it will be clearly marked as the place to change your gaming username.

Click "Edit" or "Change" next to your current username. A text box will appear where you can type your new name. If you do not see an Xbox profile section, your account may be very old and not yet linked to the Xbox system. In that case, you may need to create an Xbox profile first, which the website will prompt you to do.

Step 3: Enter your new username and confirm

Type your new username into the box. Your new name must be between 3 and 15 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, and underscores, but not spaces or special characters like hyphens, periods, or symbols.

Microsoft will tell you when ready if your chosen name is already taken or breaks the naming rules. If it is available, click "Save" or "Confirm". The change takes effect right away. In Minecraft, you may need to restart the game or rejoin a server to see your new name appear, but this usually happens within a few minutes.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for someone else to use after a short waiting period. Your player data, worlds, and achievements stay with your Microsoft account — they do not disappear when you change your name. This is true whether you play Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, or both.

On multiplayer servers, players on your friends list will see your new name the next time they log in. If you have a skin or cape tied to your account, those stay with you under your new username. Your Minecraft Realms subscription, if you have one, also transfers to your new name without interruption.

If you cannot change your username yet

If you see a message saying you cannot change your username, you likely changed it within the last 30 days. The website will show you exactly when you can change it again. You cannot bypass this waiting period, even if you contact Microsoft support.

If you have never set a username before — for example, if you are using a very old account that predates the Microsoft account system — you may need to create one first. The same Xbox profile section will guide you through that process. This is different from changing an existing username and has no waiting period.

Username rules and what names are not allowed

Beyond the character limit and format rules, Microsoft blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity. The system checks this automatically when you try to save, so you will get when ready feedback if your choice violates the policy.

You also cannot use a username that is identical to someone else's, even if it differs only in capitalization. Minecraft usernames are case-insensitive, so "Steve" and "steve" are treated as the same name. If you want a name that is close to an existing one, you will need to add numbers or underscores to make it distinct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username cost money?

No. Microsoft does not charge to change your Minecraft username. If a website claims you need to pay, it is not a legitimate source.

Will my worlds and skins disappear if I change my name?

No. Your game data, worlds, skins, and achievements are all tied to your Microsoft account, not your username. They stay with you when you change your name.

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

No. Microsoft enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. You can see the exact date you can change it again on your Xbox profile page.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Try a variation — add a number, use an underscore, or shorten it. Microsoft will tell you when ready whether a name is available when you try to save it.

Does my username change on other Microsoft games too?

Yes. Your Xbox gamertag is shared across all Microsoft games tied to that account, including Minecraft, Halo, and others. Changing it in one place changes it everywhere.