Where to change your username

You change your Minecraft Java Edition username through your Microsoft account, not through the game itself. If you own Java Edition, you already have a Microsoft account linked to it — that's the account you log in with when you start the launcher.

The actual username change happens on the Microsoft account website, at account.microsoft.com. You cannot change it inside the Minecraft launcher or inside the game. Once you change it there, the new name appears in Java Edition the next time you log in.

You get one free username change every 30 days. If you change your username and then want to change it again, you must wait 30 days from the date of your last change. After 30 days have passed, the option to change it becomes available again.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and look for the "Your info" or profile section to find the username change option.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days at no cost, and the change takes effect the next time you launch Java Edition.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after 30 days of inactivity, so if you change your mind, switch back within that window.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game progress, worlds, or any items in your inventory — only the name other players see.
  • If you cannot find the username change option, make sure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account and that Java Edition is actually linked to it.

Step-by-step process on Microsoft's website

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with the Microsoft account you use for Minecraft Java Edition. If you are already signed in to Microsoft services, you may be logged in automatically.

Once you are on your account page, look for a section labeled "Your info," "Profile," or "Account settings" — the exact label varies depending on which version of the Microsoft account page you see. Click on it. You should see your current username displayed somewhere on this page.

Find the option to change or edit your username. This is often a link or button next to your current name that says "Change username," "Edit," or "Manage." Click it. Microsoft will show you a text field where you can type your new username.

Type the new username you want. Microsoft will check whether it is available. If the name is already taken, you will see a message saying so, and you will need to try a different one. If it is available, you will see a confirmation message. Click the button to confirm the change — usually labeled "Save" or "Change username."

What happens after you change your username

The change takes effect when ready on Microsoft's servers, but you will not see it in Minecraft until you close and reopen the launcher. When you launch Java Edition next, it will show your new username in the launcher and in-game.

Other players will see your new name in multiplayer servers and in the player list. If you play on servers with friends, they will see the new name the next time you join. Your UUID — a unique identifier behind the scenes — stays the same, so servers still recognize you as the same player.

Your game progress, worlds, and inventory do not change. Everything you built and collected stays with your account. The username change only affects the name displayed to other players.

If your username is unavailable

Minecraft usernames are first-come, first-served. If the name you want is already taken, you cannot use it. Microsoft does not have a waitlist or reservation system for usernames.

Your options are to choose a different name or wait to see if the person using it stops playing. Usernames that have not been used for a long time may become available, but Microsoft does not publish a timeline for when this happens. Some inactive accounts keep their names indefinitely.

If you want a very specific name, you could try variations — adding numbers, underscores, or slightly different spellings. Many players do this when their first choice is taken.

Troubleshooting if the change does not appear

If you changed your username on Microsoft's website but still see your old name in Minecraft, try closing the launcher completely and opening it again. Sometimes the launcher needs to refresh to show the new name.

If it still shows the old name after restarting, make sure you are signed into the launcher with the correct Microsoft account. Check the account name shown in the launcher settings. If you have multiple Microsoft accounts, it is straightforward to sign into the wrong one by mistake.

If you are certain you are signed into the right account and the old name still appears, sign out of the launcher, close it completely, and sign back in. This forces the launcher to sync with your Microsoft account again.

Reverting to your old username

If you change your username and then regret it, you can change it back — but only within 30 days. After you change your username, your old name enters a grace period. During this time, only you can claim it again.

To switch back, go to account.microsoft.com, find the username change option again, and enter your old username. As long as you are within the 30-day window, it will be available. Once 30 days have passed, your old username becomes available for any other player to claim, and you cannot get it back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username cost money?

No. You get one free username change every 30 days. There is no fee for changing your username in Java Edition.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?

Yes. Your UUID stays the same, so servers and friend lists recognize you as the same player. Your friends will see your new username, but they will still be able to play with you without any issues.

What if I change my username and someone else takes my old name?

Your old username is protected for 30 days after you change it. Only you can claim it during that time. After 30 days, it becomes available to anyone. If you want to keep your old name, change back to it before the 30 days are up.

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

No. You must wait 30 days from your last username change before you can change it again. The timer starts from the date you made the change, not from when you reverted it.

Does changing my username affect my Minecraft account or game worlds?

No. Your account, worlds, inventory, and all game progress stay exactly the same. Only the name displayed to other players changes.