You can change your Minecraft username once every 30 days through your Microsoft account

Your Minecraft username is tied to your Microsoft account, not to Minecraft itself. To change it, you log into your Microsoft account online, find the profile settings, and update the name there. The change takes effect when ready in the game. You can do this once every 30 days — if you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, the system will tell you when you can change it next.

This process works the same whether you play on Windows, Mac, Linux, or console. The only thing that matters is that you own a Microsoft account and have Minecraft Java Edition or Minecraft Bedrock Edition linked to it.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username through your Microsoft account settings online, not through the Minecraft game itself.
  • The change happens when ready in the game and is visible to other players right away.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the system will show you when you are may be able to access to change it again.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after you change it, usually within a few minutes.
  • If you forget your Microsoft account password, you will need to reset it before you can access the username settings.

Step 1: Go to the Microsoft account website and sign in

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Click "Sign in" in the top right corner. Enter the email address or phone number connected to your Microsoft account, then enter your password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will need to verify your identity through that method as well.

Make sure you are signing into the account that owns your Minecraft game. If you have multiple Microsoft accounts, sign into the one you use to play Minecraft.

Step 2: Navigate to your profile settings

Once you are signed in, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner of the page. Click on it to open a dropdown menu. Select "View profile" or "Manage your Microsoft account" — the exact wording varies depending on your browser and account setup.

You should now see your account overview page. Look for a section labeled "Your info" or "Profile" on the left side of the page. Click on it.

Step 3: Find the username or gamertag section

On your profile page, scroll down until you see a section for your username, gamertag, or "Minecraft username." The label depends on which version of Minecraft you own. For Minecraft Java Edition, it may say "Minecraft username." For Bedrock Edition, it may say "Xbox gamertag."

Next to your current username, you should see an "Edit" button or a pencil icon. Click on it.

Step 4: Enter your new username and confirm the change

A text box will appear with your current username highlighted. Delete it and type your new username. Minecraft usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces and special characters are not allowed.

As you type, the system will tell you whether the name is available. If it shows a green checkmark, the name is yours to claim. If it shows a red X, someone else has already taken it. Once you have chosen an available name, click "Change" or "Save."

Step 5: Wait for the change to take effect and verify in-game

The username change usually takes effect within a few minutes. You do not need to restart the game or log out. Open Minecraft and check your profile — your new username should appear there and to other players in the game.

If you still see your old username after 10 minutes, try closing and reopening the game. If it still has not changed after an hour, sign out of your Microsoft account in the game settings and sign back in.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Your old username becomes available for other players to claim as soon as you change it, usually within a few minutes. This means someone else can take your old name. If you want to keep that name reserved, do not change your username.

Your game progress, skins, and worlds stay with your Microsoft account no matter what username you have. Changing your name does not delete anything or move your account. Other players will see your new name, but your game data remains exactly the same.

What to do if you cannot change your username

If you see a message saying you cannot change your username yet, you have already changed it within the last 30 days. The system will tell you the exact date you can change it again. You will have to wait until that date arrives.

If you see an error message or the "Change" button is grayed out, make sure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account. If you are still stuck, try signing out completely, closing your browser, and signing back in. Sometimes the page needs to refresh to show the option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. If someone has taken your old username, you cannot use it again unless they change theirs first. You can change your username once every 30 days, so you could change back and forth if the old name is still available.

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

Yes. Your friends list stays the same, and they will see your new username automatically. If they have you added as a friend, they can still join your worlds and send you messages. The change is only cosmetic — your account and all your data stay the same.

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

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username does not affect your password or your account security. You only need to change your password if you think someone has access to your account.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try a variation of it — add a number, an underscore, or a short word. You can also check back later in case the person who has it changes their username. Minecraft usernames that have not been used in a long time may become available again, but there is no set schedule for when that happens.

Can I change my username on mobile or console?

You have to change it through the Microsoft website on a computer or phone browser. You cannot change it directly in the game on any platform. Once you change it on the website, the new name shows up everywhere — mobile, console, and PC — within a few minutes.