The fastest way to change your username on mobile

You cannot change your Minecraft username directly from the mobile app. Instead, you need to visit the official Minecraft website from your phone's web browser, sign in to your Microsoft account, and make the change there. The mobile app will then sync to show your new username the next time you launch it.

This process takes about five minutes and works the same whether you use an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone. You will need to know your Microsoft account password, and you should have a stable internet connection before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Open a web browser on your phone and go to account.microsoft.com to change your username, not the Minecraft app itself.
  • Sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Minecraft profile, then navigate to your profile settings.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready on the website but may take a few minutes to show in the mobile app.
  • If you play on Realms or multiplayer servers, other players will see your new name the next time you join.

Step-by-step instructions for iPhone and iPad

Open Safari or your default web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Tap the sign-in button and enter the email address and password for the Microsoft account you use to play Minecraft. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will need to complete that step as well.

Once you are signed in, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner and tap it. Select "View profile" or "Manage your Microsoft account." Scroll down until you see "Minecraft profile" or "Gaming" and tap it. Look for the option that says "Change name" or "Edit profile," then enter your new username in the text field. Tap "Save" or "Confirm" when you are done.

Close the browser and open the Minecraft app. It may take a minute or two for the app to sync with your account. Your new username should appear next to your character when you launch the game.

Step-by-step instructions for Android phones

Open Chrome, Firefox, or your default browser and navigate to account.microsoft.com. Tap the sign-in button and enter your Microsoft account email and password. Complete any two-factor authentication if your account requires it.

Tap your profile picture or name at the top right of the screen. Select "View profile" or "Manage your Microsoft account." Scroll to find "Minecraft profile" or "Gaming," then tap "Change name" or "Edit profile." Type your new username into the field and tap "Save" or "Confirm."

Return to the Minecraft app and wait a moment for it to refresh. Your new username will appear in your profile and in-game within a few minutes.

What happens if you forget your Microsoft password

If you cannot remember your Microsoft account password, tap "Can't access your account?" on the sign-in page. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number linked to your account. Follow the prompts to reset your password, then return to the username change process.

This recovery process usually takes less than 10 minutes. Keep your recovery email and phone number up to date in your Microsoft account settings so you can regain access if you forget your password in the future.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Minecraft allows you to change your username once every 30 days. If you have changed your username recently, the website will show you when you can change it again. This limit exists to prevent account takeovers and reduce confusion in multiplayer games.

If you need to change your username before 30 days have passed, you cannot do so through the official system. Some players contact Microsoft Support to request an exception, but this is rarely granted unless there is a security concern with your account.

Troubleshooting: your new name is not showing in the app

If you changed your username on the website but the mobile app still shows your old name, try closing the app completely and reopening it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the app switcher, find Minecraft, and swipe it away. On Android, go to Settings, find Apps, select Minecraft, and tap "Force stop," then reopen the app.

If the old name persists after a restart, sign out of your Microsoft account within the app and sign back in. Go to the app's settings menu, find "Sign out" or "Accounts," complete the sign-out, then sign back in with your Microsoft credentials. The new username should appear after you log back in.

What your new username means for multiplayer and Realms

When you change your username, it updates everywhere you play Minecraft — on servers, in Realms, and in single-player worlds. Other players will see your new name the next time you join a multiplayer game or Realm. Your old username will no longer appear in chat or above your character.

If you have a skin or cape linked to your account, those will stay with your profile and will appear with your new username. Your game progress, achievements, and inventory do not change when you update your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but you must wait 30 days after your last change. Once the waiting period is over, you can change your username to anything available, including a previous name you used. The website will tell you exactly when you are may be able to access to change again.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Minecraft usernames are first-come, first-served. If the name you want is already taken, you will see an error message when you try to save it. You will need to choose a different username. You can check if a name is available before you commit to the change.

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 suspect someone else has access to your account.

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

Yes. Your Microsoft account stays the same, so your friends can still add you or find you through their friends list. They will see your new username, but the underlying account connection remains unchanged.

How long does it take for the change to show everywhere?

The change appears on the website when ready after you save it. The mobile app usually syncs within a few minutes, but it can take up to an hour in rare cases. Multiplayer servers and Realms will show your new name the next time you join.