You can change your Minecraft username once every 30 days using the official launcher, with no fee

Minecraft allows you to change your username through the official launcher on your computer. The process is free and takes a few minutes. You will need to own a Minecraft Java Edition account — if you play through the Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass, the steps are different and covered below.

The 30-day waiting period starts from your last username change, not from when you created your account. If you changed your username last week, you cannot change it again for another 23 days. You can check when you are may be able to access to change again by visiting the Minecraft website and looking at your profile settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players can change their username once every 30 days through the official launcher at no cost.
  • You must own the account and be signed in to the launcher to make the change — you cannot change someone else's username.
  • Minecraft Bedrock Edition (Windows 10/11, Xbox, mobile) uses your Microsoft account name instead, which has different rules and cannot be changed the same way.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to claim after 30 days of disuse, so pick a new one you plan to keep.
  • Changing your username does not affect your worlds, skins, or progress — those stay with your account.

Steps to change your username in Java Edition

Open the Minecraft launcher on your computer. If you do not have it, read it from minecraft.net. Sign in with your Microsoft account — this is the account linked to your Minecraft purchase, not your in-game username.

Once you are signed in, look for your account name or profile icon in the top right corner of the launcher. Click it. A menu will appear with options including "Skins" and "Settings." Look for a link or button that says "Change name" or "Profile" — the exact wording varies by launcher version, but it will be in this menu. Click it.

You will be taken to the Minecraft website. Enter your new username in the text field. Minecraft usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. The system will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or if it breaks the character rules. Once you see a green checkmark, click the button to confirm the change.

The change takes effect when ready in the launcher. You do not need to restart the game. The next time you log in to a server or world, other players will see your new username.

What happens to your old username

Your old username does not disappear right away. For 30 days after you change it, no one else can claim that name. After 30 days, it becomes available for anyone to take. If you think you might want to switch back, you have that window to do so.

Your worlds, skins, capes, and game progress are tied to your account, not your username. Changing your name does not affect any of these. Players who had you on their friends list will still see you as a friend, though your name will update to the new one.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Microsoft account names

If you play Minecraft on Windows 10 or 11 through the Microsoft Store, on Xbox, or on mobile (iOS or Android), you are using Bedrock Edition. Bedrock does not have a separate in-game username — it uses your Microsoft account name instead.

You cannot change your Microsoft account name through the Minecraft launcher. Instead, you change it through your Microsoft account settings at account.microsoft.com. The process is different and may have different rules depending on your account type. Visit the Microsoft account help page to see the current steps for your region.

Troubleshooting: the change button is not appearing

If you cannot find the option to change your username, check that you are signed in to the launcher with the account that owns the game. You cannot change the username of an account you do not own, even if you have access to the launcher.

If you are signed in but still do not see the option, your account may not be may be able to access yet. You must wait the full 30 days from your last username change before you can change it again. The website will show you the exact date you become may be able to access.

If the launcher is very old, update it to the latest version. Older versions sometimes do not display the profile menu correctly. Close the launcher completely, then read the latest version from minecraft.net and install it.

Why you might want to change your username

Players change their usernames for many reasons: they outgrow an old name, want to match a new brand or social media handle, or straightforward prefer something different. Because you can change it once every 30 days, you can experiment and switch back if you change your mind.

Keep in mind that other players will see the change, and some may take time to recognize you by your new name. If you play on servers with friends, you might want to let them know you are changing so they do not think you are a new player.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to change my username?

No. Minecraft allows one free username change every 30 days. There is no paid option to change it more often.

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

No. The launcher will not let you change it again until 30 days have passed since your last change. You can check the exact date you become may be able to access on the Minecraft website under your profile settings.

What if someone takes my old username after I change it?

Your old username is protected for 30 days after you change it. After that, anyone can claim it. If you want to keep it, you can change back to it within that 30-day window.

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

No. Your worlds, skins, capes, and all progress stay with your account. Only your display name changes. Friends will still see you on their friends list with your new name.

Why is my username change not showing up in the game?

The change usually shows up when ready, but if it does not, try closing the launcher completely and opening it again. If you are playing on a server, log out and log back in. The server may need to refresh to see your new name.