Where to change your username

You change your Minecraft Java Edition username through your Microsoft account, not through the game itself. If you own Minecraft Java Edition, you already have a Microsoft account linked to it — that's where your username lives now.

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email and password you use for Minecraft. Once you're logged in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu. The username you see there is the one that appears in-game to other players.

You can change it once every 30 days. If you changed it recently, you'll see a countdown telling you when you can change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Minecraft Java username is managed through your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, not through the game launcher.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready in-game.
  • The username you set in your Microsoft account is what other players see when you join their servers or worlds.
  • If you're using an older Mojang account that hasn't been migrated to Microsoft, you'll need to migrate it first before you can change the username.

Step-by-step: changing your username

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Click "Sign in" and enter the email address and password for your Microsoft account. This is the same account you use to launch Minecraft Java Edition.

Once you're signed in, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner and click it. Select "Your info" from the dropdown menu. On the left side of the page, you'll see "Manage your Microsoft account" — click that.

Find the section labeled "Username" or "Gamertag". Click "Change username" or the edit button next to your current name. Type in the new username you want. Minecraft usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. Click "Next" and confirm the change.

The new username takes effect when ready. The next time you launch Minecraft Java Edition, you'll see the new name in the launcher and in-game. Other players will see your new username right away too.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, the old one becomes available for someone else to claim after a waiting period. Your player UUID — a unique identifier that Minecraft uses behind the scenes — stays the same. This means your skins, achievements, and server data tied to your account don't disappear.

However, if you play on servers that track players by username rather than UUID, the server owner might not recognize you as the same person until they update their system. Single-player worlds and realms stay linked to your account regardless of username changes.

If you're using an old Mojang account

If you bought Minecraft Java Edition before Microsoft acquired Mojang, you might still have an old Mojang account. These accounts need to be migrated to Microsoft accounts before you can change the username through the method above.

To migrate, go to minecraft.net and sign in with your Mojang email and password. Look for a "Migrate to Microsoft Account" button or link. Follow the prompts to link your Mojang account to a Microsoft account. Once migration is complete, you can change your username through your Microsoft account as described above.

If you've already migrated but forgot which email address you used for your Microsoft account, check your email inbox for a message from Microsoft sent around the time of migration. It will contain the email address associated with your account.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see a message that you can't change your username yet, you've already changed it within the last 30 days. The system will tell you exactly when you can change it again. There's no way to speed this up.

If the username you want is already taken, try adding numbers or underscores. Minecraft allows up to 16 characters, so "PlayerName" might be available as "PlayerName123" or "Player_Name". The system will tell you when ready if a name is unavailable.

If you change your username but it doesn't show up in-game, close Minecraft completely and reopen it. The launcher sometimes needs to refresh. If it still doesn't show after relaunching, sign out of the launcher, sign back in, and try again.

Username vs. skin: what's the difference

Your username is the text name that appears above your character and in chat. Your skin is the visual appearance of your character — the texture and colors you see when you look at yourself or when others look at you. These are separate things.

You change your username through your Microsoft account. You change your skin through the Minecraft launcher: open the launcher, click "Skins" on the left, and upload or select a skin. Changing one doesn't affect the other.

Playing on servers after a username change

Most modern servers recognize you by your UUID, so changing your username won't affect your rank, inventory, or progress. You'll log in with your new username and everything will be there.

Older servers that use username-based tracking might treat you as a new player. If this happens, contact the server owner or administrator and explain that you changed your username. They can usually link your old username to your new one if they have access to their player database.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not when ready. Once you change your username, you have to wait 30 days before changing it again. After 30 days, you can change it to anything available, including your old username — but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

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

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username doesn't affect your password or account security. You only need to change your password if you think your account has been compromised.

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

Yes, as long as they know your new username. Your UUID stays the same, so servers and friends lists recognize you as the same person. Just tell your friends your new name so they know who you are.

What if I can't sign into my Microsoft account?

Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" Follow the recovery steps. You'll need access to the email address or phone number linked to your account. If you've lost access to both, contact Microsoft support through their website.

Does changing my username cost money?

No. Changing your username is free and you can do it once every 30 days. There are no hidden fees or premium features involved.