Where to change your username

You change your Minecraft username on the official Minecraft website, not in the game itself. Go to minecraft.net, sign in with your Microsoft account, and look for the profile or account settings section. The exact location depends on whether you play Java Edition or Bedrock Edition, but both routes start from the same login page.

If you play Java Edition, click your username in the top right corner after signing in, then select "Profile". You'll see your current username listed there with an option to change it. If you play Bedrock Edition (Windows 10/11, console, or mobile), the username change happens in the same account settings but may be labeled differently depending on your device.

You cannot change your username inside the game launcher or in-game. Any tool or website claiming to change your username without going through minecraft.net is not legitimate and may compromise your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Username changes happen only on minecraft.net after you sign in with your Microsoft account.
  • Java Edition players change their username in Profile settings; Bedrock players use account settings on their device.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the old name becomes available to other players after a delay.
  • Your UUID (the permanent identifier behind your account) stays the same, so your worlds, skins, and progress follow you to the new name.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Minecraft enforces a 30-day cooldown between username changes. If you just changed your name, you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed from the date of that change. The website will show you when you're next may be able to access to change it.

This limit exists to prevent account takeovers and name-squatting. If someone gains temporary access to your account, they can't when ready lock you out by changing your name repeatedly. It also keeps players from cycling through names to confuse others in multiplayer.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old name doesn't disappear when ready. It enters a grace period (usually 30 days) during which nobody else can claim it. After that period ends, the old name becomes available for any other player to use.

Your UUID—the permanent code behind your account—never changes. This means your worlds, skins, and progress stay with you even after you change your name. Other players' worlds and servers will see your new name, but your data follows you automatically.

Java Edition: Step-by-step

Open a web browser and go to minecraft.net. Click "Sign In" in the top right and enter your Microsoft account email and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Microsoft account, you'll need to complete that step.

Once signed in, click your username in the top right corner again and select "Profile". Look for the section showing your current Minecraft username. Next to it, you should see a "Change" button or link. Click it, type your new username (it must be between 3 and 16 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores), and confirm the change.

The new name takes effect when ready in the launcher and in-game. If you're already logged in to the game, you may need to restart the launcher for the change to show up.

Bedrock Edition: Step-by-step

The process varies slightly depending on your device. On Windows 10/11, open the Minecraft Launcher, sign in with your Microsoft account, and go to Settings. Look for "Profile" or "Account" and find your gamertag or username setting. Click to edit it, enter your new name, and save.

On Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, you change your username through your console's system settings, not through Minecraft itself. Go to your console's account or profile settings, find the gamertag or username option, and change it there. This change applies to all games on that console, not just Minecraft.

On mobile (iOS or Android), sign into your Microsoft account in the Minecraft app settings, then look for profile or account options. The exact steps depend on your device, but the principle is the same: find your username in account settings and edit it directly.

What to do if the name you want is taken

If the username you want is already in use, you cannot claim it unless the other player changes their name and the grace period expires. There is no waiting list or reservation system. Your only options are to choose a different name or wait and check back periodically to see if it becomes available.

Some players add numbers or underscores to their preferred name as a workaround—for example, PlayerName_1 or PlayerName2. You can also use a name generator website to get ideas for similar names that might be available, though you'll need to check each one on minecraft.net to confirm.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see "You cannot change your username at this time," you've already changed it within the last 30 days. The website should tell you the exact date you're may be able to access to change it again. Mark that date on your calendar and try again after it passes.

If the change button doesn't appear or the website won't let you proceed, make sure you're signed in with the correct Microsoft account. Some accounts (particularly very old Minecraft accounts that haven't been migrated to Microsoft) may have restrictions. If you own the game but can't change your username, contact Minecraft Support through the official website.

If you changed your username but it's not showing up in-game, restart your launcher completely. Close it entirely, wait a few seconds, and open it again. If the old name still appears after a restart, log out and log back in to force a refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only after the grace period ends and someone else hasn't claimed it. If your old name is still in the grace period, you'll have to wait. If someone else has taken it, you cannot reclaim it unless they change their name first.

Do I lose my worlds and progress when I change my username?

No. Your UUID stays the same, so all your worlds, skins, achievements, and progress follow you to your new name. In multiplayer, other players will see your new name, but servers recognize you by your UUID, not your name.

Can I change my username on console without changing my gamertag?

On Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, your Minecraft username is tied to your console gamertag. Changing one changes the other. On PC (Java and Bedrock), your Minecraft username is separate from any Windows or Xbox gamertag you might have.

What characters are allowed in a Minecraft username?

Usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can only contain letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). Spaces, hyphens, and special characters are not allowed. The name is case-insensitive, so "PlayerName" and "playername" are treated as the same account.

Is there a fee to change my username?

No. Changing your Minecraft username is free. Any website or tool charging money to change your username is a scam and should be avoided.