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 which version you own — Java Edition and Bedrock Edition have slightly different account systems, but both use the same Microsoft login.

If you play Minecraft Java Edition, your username appears in the launcher when you start the game. To change it, sign into your Microsoft account on the Minecraft website, find your profile settings, and look for the username field. Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile) uses your Microsoft account name directly, so changing your username there changes how you appear across all Bedrock platforms.

You do not need to buy anything or pay a fee to change your username. Microsoft allows one free change every 30 days for Java Edition. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, the website will tell you when you can change it next.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players change their username on minecraft.net by signing into their Microsoft account and editing their profile.
  • Bedrock Edition uses your Microsoft account name, so you change it through your Microsoft account settings instead.
  • You can change your Java Edition username once every 30 days at no cost.
  • The change takes effect when ready in Java Edition, but Bedrock players may need to restart the game to see the new name.
  • Old usernames become available for other players to claim after a period of inactivity, usually around 30 days.

Step-by-step for Java Edition

Open a web browser and go to minecraft.net. Click the sign-in button in the top right corner and enter your Microsoft account email and password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, complete that step when prompted.

Once you are signed in, look for a menu or settings option — this is usually in the top right corner or under your account name. Click on it and find the option that says something like "Profile" or "Account Settings." In that section, you should see a field labeled "Username" or "Minecraft Name." Click on it, delete your current username, type your new one, and click save or confirm.

The new username takes effect when ready. The next time you open the Minecraft launcher and start a world, you will see the new name. Other players will see it too if you join a multiplayer server or realm.

Step-by-step for Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition does not have a separate Minecraft username field. Instead, your display name comes from your Microsoft account. To change how you appear in Bedrock, you change your Microsoft account profile name, not your Minecraft profile.

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Look for "Your Info" or "Profile" in the left menu. Find the field that says "Name" or "Display Name" and edit it. Save your changes. The next time you start Bedrock Edition, restart the game completely — do not just load a world. Your new name will appear in the game and to other players.

Keep in mind that changing your Microsoft account name affects how you appear in other Microsoft services too, like Outlook or OneDrive. If you want a different name just for Minecraft Bedrock, you may want to use a nickname or gamertag feature if Microsoft offers one in your region.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username in Java Edition, your old name does not disappear when ready. For about 30 days, the old username is reserved under your account and other players cannot claim it. After that period, the name becomes available for anyone else to use.

This matters if you have played on servers or in multiplayer worlds for a long time. Friends and other players may still see your old name in chat logs, on signs, or in old screenshots. Your character skin and inventory do not change — only the name that appears above your head and in the player list changes.

If you change your mind within the 30-day window, you can change your username back to the old one without waiting for the cooldown timer to reset. After 30 days, if someone else has claimed your old name, you cannot get it back.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see a message that says you cannot change your username yet, you have already changed it within the last 30 days. The website will show you the exact date you can change it again. You must wait until that date passes.

If your new username does not appear in the game after you change it, try closing the launcher completely and opening it again. For Bedrock Edition, fully close and restart the game, not just the world. If you are playing on a server, the server may cache your old name for a few minutes — wait a moment and rejoin.

If the username field on minecraft.net is grayed out or locked, make sure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account. Some accounts have restrictions if they are linked to a child account or if parental controls are turned on. Check your account settings to see if any restrictions explore.

Usernames you cannot use

Minecraft blocks certain usernames for safety and policy reasons. You cannot use a name that is already taken by another active player. You also cannot use names that contain offensive language, hate speech, or impersonation of famous people or brands.

Usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters long. They can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but not spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, the website will reject it and tell you why.

If you want a name that is currently taken, you have to wait for that player to either change their username or stop playing long enough for the name to become available. There is no way to request a name from another player or to reserve a name you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No, Java Edition limits you to one free change every 30 days. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, the website will show you the date you can change it next. You cannot pay to change it more often.

Will my worlds and items disappear if I change my username?

No. Your single-player worlds, inventory, and skins stay exactly the same. Only the name that appears above your character changes. On multiplayer servers, your player data is tied to your account, not your username, so you keep your progress.

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

No, changing your username does not affect your password. Your Microsoft account password stays the same. You only need to change your password if you think your account has been compromised or if you want to update it for security reasons.

What if someone else took the username I want?

If the name is currently in use by an active player, you cannot have it. You can try a variation, like adding numbers or underscores. If the name belongs to an inactive account, it may become available after that account goes unused for about 30 days, but there is no way to know when or if that will happen.

Does changing my username affect my Microsoft account or email?

Your Minecraft username is separate from your Microsoft account email. Changing your Minecraft name does not change your email or any other Microsoft services. Your email stays the same and is what you use to sign in.