Where to change your username

You change your Minecraft username through your Microsoft account settings, not through the Minecraft launcher or game itself. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Minecraft profile, and look for the "Your info" section. From there, you can edit your display name, which is what appears in-game and to other players.

The display name is separate from your Microsoft account email address — changing one does not change the other. Your email stays the same for logging in; only the name visible in Minecraft updates.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Minecraft username by editing your Microsoft account display name at account.microsoft.com, not in the game itself.
  • The change takes effect when ready in Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, though it may take a few minutes to show up in multiplayer servers.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days — attempting to change it more often will show an error message.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to use after you change it, so choose carefully if you plan to switch back later.

Step-by-step process on a computer

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Click "Sign in" and enter the email address and password for the Microsoft account connected to your Minecraft profile. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need to complete that step as well.

Once you are signed in, look for "Your info" in the left menu or at the top of the page. Click it, then find the "Manage your Microsoft account" option. Look for a section labeled "Name" or "Display name" — this is what shows in Minecraft. Click "Edit name" or the pencil icon next to your current name. Type your new username in the field that appears, then click "Save" or "Next" to confirm.

The system may ask you to re-enter your password for security. Do that, and your new username is set. It shows up when ready in Minecraft Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition and on multiplayer servers, it may take a few minutes to display correctly for other players.

Changing your username on mobile or console

You cannot change your username directly from the Minecraft app on phone, tablet, or console. You must use a computer and the Microsoft account website. However, once you change it on the website, it updates automatically in Minecraft on all your devices the next time you launch the game.

If you play on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox, sign in to your Microsoft account on a computer first, make the change, then launch Minecraft on your console. The new name will appear after you restart the game.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Microsoft enforces a 30-day cooldown between username changes. If you try to change your name again before 30 days have passed, you will see an error message saying you must wait until a specific date. That date is exactly 30 days from your last change.

This limit exists to prevent spam and account abuse. There is no way to bypass it or change your username more frequently. If you made a mistake, you will need to wait the full 30 days before you can change it again.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for any other player to use. If you had a well-known name or a name tied to your reputation, another player could claim it. This is permanent — you cannot reserve or reclaim an old username after you change it.

Think carefully before changing your name if you have played for a long time or have a name other players recognize. If you change your mind within 30 days, you cannot switch back to your old name because someone else may have taken it.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your new username does not appear in Minecraft after you change it on the Microsoft website, try closing the game completely and launching it again. Sometimes the client needs to refresh to pull the updated name from your account.

If you see an error saying "You cannot change your name at this time," you either hit the 30-day limit or there is a temporary issue with Microsoft's servers. Wait a few hours and try again. If the error persists, sign out of your Microsoft account in the Minecraft launcher, close the launcher, and sign back in.

If you cannot find the name-change option on your Microsoft account page, make sure you are signed in to the correct account — the one actually linked to your Minecraft profile. You can check which account is linked by opening the Minecraft launcher, going to Settings, and looking at the account email listed there.

Usernames versus skins and profiles

Your username is different from your skin (the character appearance) and your profile name. You can change your skin anytime in the Minecraft launcher without waiting 30 days. Your profile name on some servers or communities may be separate from your in-game username and may not update automatically.

If you play on a server with a custom profile system, that server may still show your old name in its own database. Contact the server owner or administrator if your old name persists there after you change your Microsoft username.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I play on a cracked or pirated copy of Minecraft?

No. Only accounts linked to a legitimate Microsoft account can change usernames through the official system. Cracked copies do not connect to Microsoft's servers and have no username-change feature.

Will changing my username affect my worlds, skins, or achievements?

No. Your worlds, skins, and achievements stay with your Microsoft account regardless of what name you choose. The username is just the display name — everything else tied to your account remains unchanged.

What if someone else is using the username I want?

You cannot use a username that is currently active on another account. If the name is taken, you will see an error when you try to save it. Choose a different name or wait to see if that player changes their username in the future.

How long does it take for my new username to show up on servers?

Most servers update within a few minutes. Some older or custom servers may take longer or may require you to rejoin the server for the name to refresh. If your old name persists on a specific server after an hour, try leaving and rejoining.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Since your old username becomes available when ready after you change it, another player may have taken it. If they have, you cannot use it again unless they change their name first.