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 on the web, navigate to your profile settings, and enter a new username. The change takes effect when ready in-game, though you may need to restart the game client to see it reflected everywhere.

The 30-day waiting period is a hard limit — Microsoft enforces it to prevent account takeovers and username squatting. If you changed your username recently, you will have to wait until the cooldown expires before you can change it again. There is no way to bypass this timer.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username by logging into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, not through the Minecraft launcher.
  • Each username change triggers a 30-day cooldown before you can change it again.
  • The new username takes effect when ready, but you may need to close and reopen the Minecraft launcher to see it in-game.
  • If someone else has already taken the username you want, you will need to choose a different one.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game progress, skins, or worlds — those stay with your account.

Step 1: Log into your Microsoft account

Go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in with the email address and password you use for Minecraft. If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your account, you will be asked to verify your identity through your phone or authenticator app before you can proceed.

If you do not remember your password, click "Can't access your account" on the sign-in page. Microsoft will walk you through recovery steps using your recovery email or phone number.

Step 2: Find your profile settings and enter a new username

Once you are logged in, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner and click it. Select "View profile" or "Manage your Microsoft account" — the exact wording varies depending on your browser and account type. You should see a section labeled "Your info" or "Profile".

Look for a field that says "Minecraft username" or "Gamertag". Click the edit button (usually a pencil icon) next to it. Type your new username into the text box. Usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed. If the username you want is already taken, the system will tell you when ready and you will need to choose a different one.

Step 3: Confirm the change and restart your game

After you enter your new username, click "Save" or "Confirm". Microsoft will show you a message confirming the change was successful. The new username is now active on your account.

Close the Minecraft launcher completely and reopen it. Sign in again if prompted. Your new username should now appear in the launcher and in-game. If you are still seeing your old username, try restarting your computer — sometimes the change takes a moment to sync across all devices.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a grace period. Microsoft typically holds the old name for a few weeks before releasing it, but this timing is not may provide. If you are worried about someone impersonating you by taking your old name, you can create a second account and claim it yourself, though this is not necessary for account security.

Changing your username does not change your account ID or UUID — the unique identifier that Minecraft uses behind the scenes. Your worlds, skins, achievements, and friends list all stay with your account regardless of what name you choose.

If you cannot find the username field in your Microsoft account

Some older accounts or accounts created before the Microsoft migration may not have a username field visible in the standard profile settings. If you do not see a "Minecraft username" or "Gamertag" option, try these steps: First, make sure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account — the one linked to your Minecraft game. Second, try accessing your profile from a different web browser, as some browsers cache old page layouts.

If you still cannot find the field, your account may not be fully migrated to the Microsoft system yet. You can check your migration status by opening the Minecraft launcher, clicking the menu icon in the top left, and looking for a "Migrate Account" button. If you see one, follow the on-screen steps to complete the migration. After migration is complete, the username field will appear in your Microsoft account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once?

Yes, but only once every 30 days. After you change your username, you must wait a full 30 days before you can change it again. This timer resets each time you make a change, so if you change your username on January 1st, you cannot change it again until February 1st at the earliest.

What if someone took the username I want?

You will need to choose a different username. Minecraft does not have a reservation system or a waiting list for taken names. If the name is taken by an inactive account, you may be able to claim it after a very long period of inactivity, but Microsoft does not publish the exact timeline for this.

Will changing my username affect my worlds or skins?

No. Your worlds, skins, achievements, and all other game data stay with your account. The username is just the display name — it does not affect anything you own in-game. Other players will see your new name the next time they see you online.

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

No, changing your username does not require a password change. Your password stays the same. However, if you are concerned about account security, you can change your password separately in your Microsoft account settings at any time.

Why does my old username still show in-game after I changed it?

The Minecraft client sometimes caches your old username locally. Close the launcher completely, wait a few seconds, and reopen it. If the old name still appears after you sign back in, restart your computer. If the problem persists after a restart, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Minecraft launcher.