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 email and password you use for Minecraft, and look for the "Your info" section. From there, you can edit your Minecraft profile name — the name other players see in-game.

The change takes effect when ready in most cases, though it can take up to 24 hours to show up everywhere across Minecraft servers and the launcher. If you play on servers that store player data locally, some servers may not update your name right away, but the official Microsoft systems will reflect the change within a day.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Minecraft username by signing into account.microsoft.com, not through the game launcher.
  • The change shows up when ready on your account but may take up to 24 hours to appear on all servers and in the launcher.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the name must be between 3 and 16 characters.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after you change it, so pick your new name before you make the switch.

Step-by-step process on Microsoft account

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 linked to your Minecraft Java Edition or Bedrock Edition copy.

Once you are signed in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu. Click on it, then find the section labeled "Minecraft profile" or "Gaming profile." You should see your current username displayed. Click the edit button (usually a pencil icon) next to your name.

Type your new username into the text field. The name must be between 3 and 16 characters and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Click "Save" or "Confirm." Microsoft will show you a confirmation message. Your new username is now active on your account.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Microsoft enforces a 30-day cooldown between username changes. If you just changed your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days from the date of that change. The system will tell you the exact date you can change it again if you try to make another change too soon.

This rule exists to prevent rapid name-switching that can confuse other players and make it harder to track accounts. If you change your mind about your new username, you have to wait the full 30 days before you can pick something different.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for any other player to claim. This happens when ready. If you have a username you want to keep reserved, do not change away from it unless you are certain you will not want it back.

Your old username does not stay tied to your account in any way. Other players can take it, and you cannot reclaim it later unless that player changes their name and it becomes available again. Friends and servers may still see your old name in chat history or logs, but your active account will show only your new name.

Differences between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition

Both Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition use the same Microsoft account system for usernames, so changing your name affects both versions if you own both. You do not need to change the username separately for each edition — one change on your Microsoft account updates your profile everywhere.

If you play on a server that runs on older software or uses a third-party authentication system, that server may not recognize the name change when ready. Realms and official Minecraft servers update right away, but private servers may need their own updates to reflect your new name.

Troubleshooting if the change does not appear

If you changed your username but it still shows your old name in the launcher or in-game, try signing out of the launcher completely and signing back in. Close the launcher entirely (not just minimize it), wait a few seconds, and reopen it. This forces the launcher to refresh your account information.

If the old name still appears after signing out and back in, wait a few hours. The change may still be syncing across Microsoft's servers. If more than 24 hours have passed and your new name still does not appear, check that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account in the launcher — you may have multiple accounts linked to your computer.

Changing your display name versus your username

Microsoft account settings include both a display name (used for email and Microsoft services) and a Minecraft username (used only in-game). Make sure you are editing the Minecraft username, not your general Microsoft display name. The Minecraft profile section is separate and clearly labeled.

If you edit your Microsoft display name instead, it will not change your in-game name. You need to go specifically to the Minecraft profile section to change what other players see when you play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old name after 30 days?

Only if no one else has claimed it. Once you change your username, your old name becomes available when ready. If another player has taken it, you cannot use it again unless that player changes their name and it becomes available. You can try to reclaim it after 30 days if it is still unclaimed.

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

No. Your worlds, skins, and achievements stay with your account regardless of what username you choose. Other players will see your new name when they play with you, but all your progress and items remain the same.

What if I do not have a Microsoft account yet?

You need a Microsoft account to own and play Minecraft Java Edition or Bedrock Edition. If you bought Minecraft before the Microsoft transition, you may have a Mojang account that you can migrate to Microsoft. Go to account.microsoft.com and follow the migration steps, then you can change your username.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. Minecraft usernames can only contain letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). Spaces, hyphens, and other special characters are not allowed. Your username must also be between 3 and 16 characters long.

How long does it take for servers to see my new username?

Official servers and Realms update within minutes. Private servers may take longer depending on how often they sync with Microsoft's systems. Some older private servers may not update automatically and may require a manual restart or update from the server owner.