Where to change your username

You change your Minecraft username through the Minecraft Launcher on your computer, not in the game itself. The launcher is the program you open before you start playing — it's where you log in with your Microsoft account. If you play on console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) or mobile (phone or tablet), you cannot change your username through Minecraft; instead, you change your console or device account name, which then shows up in the game.

The username you see in-game is tied to your Microsoft account. When you change it in the launcher, the change takes effect when ready in Minecraft Java Edition. If you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Windows 11, or consoles), the process is slightly different and happens through your Microsoft account settings instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players change their username in the Minecraft Launcher under the account settings, and the change takes effect right away.
  • Bedrock Edition players change their username through their Microsoft account settings on the web, not in the launcher.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days; if you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, you will see an error message.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, so choose carefully.
  • Console and mobile players change their username by changing their device account name, which then shows in Minecraft automatically.

Steps to change your username in Java Edition

Open the Minecraft Launcher and log in with your Microsoft account if you are not already logged in. Look for your account name or profile picture in the top right corner of the launcher window. Click on it to open a dropdown menu.

Select Skins from the dropdown. On the left side of the window, you will see a section labeled Profile Name with your current username displayed. Click the pencil icon or the edit button next to your username. Type your new username into the text box — it can be between 3 and 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. Click Save or Confirm to finish. The launcher will show your new username when ready, and it will appear in-game the next time you log in.

Steps to change your username in Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition does not let you change your username in the launcher. Instead, you change it through your Microsoft account on the web. Go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and log in with the Microsoft account you use for Minecraft.

Once you are logged in, look for Your Info or Account Settings in the left menu. Find the section labeled Gamertag or Username — this is what shows in Minecraft Bedrock. Click Edit or Change next to your current gamertag. Type your new username and confirm the change. The new name will show in Bedrock Edition within a few minutes. If you do not see it right away, close and reopen the game.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Minecraft enforces a 30-day rule: you cannot change your username again until 30 days have passed since your last change. If you try to change it before that time is up, the launcher or Microsoft account page will show an error message telling you when you will be able to change it next.

This rule exists to prevent people from constantly switching names and confusing other players. If you change your username by mistake, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it back. For this reason, take a moment to make sure you like the new name before you confirm the change.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for another player to claim. This happens when ready — you cannot reserve it or get it back later. If you think you might want to use that name again someday, you will need to wait for someone else to claim it first, then hope it becomes available again in the future, which is not may provide.

Your old username does not carry over to your new one. Any skins, capes, or cosmetics you owned stay with your account, but the name itself is gone. Other players will not see your old username in their friends list or chat history — it will show as your new name everywhere.

Changing your username on console or mobile

If you play on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, you change your username by changing your console account name. Go to your console's account settings, find the profile name or gamertag option, and change it there. The new name will show in Minecraft automatically the next time you log in.

On mobile (iOS or Android), the process depends on which account system you use. If you play through a Microsoft account, change your gamertag on account.microsoft.com as described in the Bedrock section above. If you play through a different account system (like a Google Play account on Android), change the name in that account's settings instead.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your new username does not show up in-game after you change it, try closing the launcher or game completely and opening it again. Sometimes the change takes a few minutes to sync. If you are playing Java Edition, make sure you changed the name in the launcher, not just in your Microsoft account — the two are separate.

If you see a message saying the username is already taken, someone else has claimed it. Try a different name. If you see a message about the 30-day waiting period, you will have to wait before you can change it again. If the launcher or account page will not let you click the edit button, make sure you are logged in with the correct Microsoft account — you can only change the username for the account you are currently using.

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. The launcher or account page will tell you the exact date when you can make another change.

Will my friends still see me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list and chat history will show your new username. They do not need to do anything on their end — the change happens automatically for everyone.

What if I change my username by mistake?

You will have to wait 30 days before you can change it again. There is no way to undo a username change or get your old name back when ready. Choose your new name carefully before you confirm.

Does changing my username affect my worlds or inventory?

No. Your worlds, inventory, skins, and all other game data stay exactly the same. Only your name changes — everything else attached to your account remains untouched.

Why is my new username not showing up in the game?

Close the launcher or game completely and open it again. Changes can take a few minutes to sync. If you play Java Edition, make sure you changed the name in the launcher, not just in your Microsoft account settings — they are separate systems.