The Steps to Change Your Username

To change your Minecraft username on Nintendo Switch, you need to change your Microsoft account name, not a setting inside the game itself. Minecraft on Switch is tied to your Microsoft account, so your in-game name follows whatever name you set there. The process takes about five minutes and happens entirely outside the game.

Start by going to account.microsoft.com on any device with a web browser — your phone, computer, or tablet. Sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Nintendo Switch. Once you are logged in, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner and click it. Select View profile or My Microsoft account from the menu that appears.

On your profile page, find the section labeled Your info or Edit profile. Look for a field that says Name or Display name. Click Edit next to it. Type your new username in the text box, then click Next and confirm the change. Microsoft may ask you to verify your identity by sending a code to your email or phone — follow those steps if prompted.

Once the change is saved on Microsoft's website, launch Minecraft on your Switch. Your new username will appear the next time you load the game or join a world. If the name does not update right away, sign out of your Microsoft account in the game settings, then sign back in.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Minecraft username on Switch is controlled by your Microsoft account name, not by a setting inside the game.
  • You change your username by visiting account.microsoft.com, signing in, and editing the Name field in your profile.
  • The change takes effect the next time you launch Minecraft or restart the game after signing back into your account.
  • If your new name does not appear, sign out of your Microsoft account in Minecraft's settings and sign back in.
  • You can change your username as often as you want, though Microsoft may limit how frequently you can do so.

What Happens to Your Old Worlds and Friends List

Changing your username does not affect your worlds, your inventory, or your friends list. All your saved games stay exactly where they are, and anyone who had you added as a friend will still see you on their list — they will just see your new name instead of your old one.

If you are playing on a realm or a multiplayer world with other people, they will see your new name the next time you join. There is no delay or waiting period — the change is when ready once you sign back into the game.

Changing Your Name Back or Choosing a Different One

You can change your username again at any time by going back to account.microsoft.com and editing your name field. There is no limit to how many times you can change it, though Microsoft occasionally enforces a waiting period between changes if you switch names very frequently.

If you want to use a name that is already taken by another player, you cannot — Microsoft will tell you the name is unavailable and ask you to choose a different one. Usernames are not reserved permanently, so a taken name may become available later if the person using it stops playing or deletes their account, but you cannot claim it in advance.

If Your Microsoft Account Is Not Linked to Your Switch

If you have never signed into a Microsoft account on your Switch, you need to do that first before you can change your username. On your Switch, go to System Settings, then Users, then select your user profile. Choose Link a Nintendo Account and follow the prompts to sign in with your Microsoft account or create a new one.

Once your account is linked, you can then change your username using the steps described above. If you already have a Minecraft world or progress on your Switch, linking your account will connect that progress to your Microsoft account so you can access it on other devices.

Why Your Username Might Not Change

The most common reason a username does not update is that you are still signed into the old account in Minecraft. After you change your name on Microsoft's website, you need to either restart the game or sign out and back in within the game itself. Go to Settings in Minecraft, find Account, and select Sign out. Then sign back in with the same Microsoft account.

If you changed your name but the game still shows your old username after signing out and back in, wait a few minutes and try again. Microsoft's servers sometimes take a short time to sync the change across all their services. If the name still has not updated after an hour, restart your Switch entirely by holding the power button for ten seconds, then try launching Minecraft again.

Usernames Versus Gamertags

On Nintendo Switch, your username (the name other players see in Minecraft) is different from your Nintendo Network ID (the name you use to sign into your Switch console itself). Changing your Minecraft username does not change your Switch username, and changing your Switch username does not change your Minecraft name. They are separate systems.

Your Minecraft username comes from your Microsoft account, so that is the only place you need to make changes if you want a different name in the game. Your Switch username is managed through Nintendo's system and does not affect Minecraft at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Minecraft username on Switch without a Microsoft account?

No. Minecraft on Switch requires a Microsoft account, and your username is tied to that account. If you do not have a Microsoft account linked to your Switch profile, you need to create one and link it first.

Will my friends still see me after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and anyone who had you added will still see you — they will just see your new username instead of your old one. You will still appear in their friends list and can still play together.

How long does it take for my new username to show up in the game?

Usually when ready after you restart Minecraft or sign out and back in. If it does not appear within a few minutes, restart your Switch. Changes rarely take longer than an hour to sync across Microsoft's servers.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my Minecraft username?

Microsoft has rules about what characters are allowed in usernames. Spaces, most punctuation, and special symbols are not permitted. Stick to letters, numbers, and underscores. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, Microsoft will tell you when you try to save the change.

What if someone else is using the username I want?

You cannot use a name that is already taken. Microsoft will show you an error message and ask you to choose a different one. There is no way to reserve a name or put yourself on a waiting list for one.