Where to change your username

You change your Minecraft username through your Microsoft account, not through the game itself. This is because Minecraft is now owned by Microsoft, and your username is tied to your Microsoft account login. You cannot change it in-game or through the Minecraft launcher — the only place to do it is on Microsoft's account website.

The change takes effect when ready across all Minecraft editions you own, including Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. If you play on servers or in multiplayer worlds, other players will see your new name the next time you join.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username by signing into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, not through the Minecraft game or launcher.
  • Microsoft allows one free username change every 30 days, and additional changes cost money.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after you change it, so choose carefully if you want to keep it reserved.
  • The change shows up when ready in-game and on servers, but may take a few minutes to update on the Minecraft website's player search.
  • If you cannot access your Microsoft account, you will need to recover it before you can change your username.

Steps to change your username

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email address and password you use for Minecraft. Once you are logged in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu, then select "Manage your Microsoft account" or a similar option depending on the current page layout.

Find the section labeled "Minecraft profile" or "Gaming" — this is where your username appears. Click the option to edit or change your username. Type your new username into the field. Microsoft will tell you when ready whether the name is available or already taken by another player. If it is taken, try a different one. Once you find one that is available, confirm the change. The new username is active right away.

If you have not changed your username in the past 30 days, this change is free. If you changed it within the last 30 days, Microsoft will ask you to pay a small fee (the amount varies by region) to change it again. You can check when your last change was made on the same page where you edit your username.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, the old one does not stay reserved for you. After a short time, another player can claim it. If you want to keep your old username available in case you change your mind, do not change it — you cannot get it back once someone else takes it.

Any progress, worlds, or items you own stay with your account. Your username is just the name other players see; it does not affect your game data, achievements, or inventory. Servers and multiplayer worlds will show your new name to other players, but they will still recognize you as the same account.

If your username is not changing

If you changed your username but it is still showing the old name in-game, restart the Minecraft launcher and sign out, then sign back in. Sometimes the launcher needs to refresh your account information. Close the launcher completely and open it again if restarting does not work.

If the change shows on the Microsoft website but not in-game after restarting, wait a few minutes — the Minecraft servers sometimes take a moment to sync the new name. If it still has not updated after 10 minutes, try restarting your computer. If you are playing on a server, the server may cache your old name for a short time; leaving and rejoining usually fixes this.

Changing your username on Java Edition versus Bedrock

The process is the same for both versions because both are tied to your Microsoft account. You make the change once on Microsoft's website, and it applies to Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, and any other Minecraft game you own on that account. You do not need to change it separately for each version.

If you own Minecraft Java Edition on an older launcher that does not use a Microsoft account, you may have a different username system. Check whether you have migrated your account to Microsoft; if you have not, you will need to do that first before you can change your username through Microsoft's website.

Recovering your Microsoft account if you cannot sign in

If you forgot your password or cannot access the email address linked to your account, go to account.microsoft.com and click "Sign in" at the top. Then click "Can't access your account?" and follow Microsoft's recovery steps. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions, providing a recovery email, or confirming a phone number you set up earlier.

If you cannot recover your account on your own, Microsoft's support team can help, but the process takes longer. Go to support.microsoft.com and search for "account recovery" to find the right support option for your situation. Have any information ready that proves you own the account, such as the email address you signed up with or the phone number on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

Yes, but you will pay a fee for each change after the first one in a 30-day period. The fee amount depends on your region. Microsoft shows you the cost before you confirm the change, so you will know the price before you pay it.

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

Yes. Your friends list stays the same, and they will see your new username when you play together. If they search for you by your old name, they will not find you, but if they have you added as a friend, they can still join your worlds or servers.

What if someone else takes my old username?

Once another player claims your old username, you cannot get it back. Microsoft does not reserve old usernames for the person who used them before. If you think you might want to use it again, do not change your username.

Does changing my username affect my Minecraft worlds or progress?

No. Your worlds, items, achievements, and all game progress stay exactly the same. Only the name that appears to other players changes. Single-player worlds are not affected at all.

Why does my username still show as old in the Minecraft launcher?

The launcher sometimes caches your old information. Sign out of the launcher completely, close it, wait a few seconds, and sign back in. If that does not work, restart your computer. The launcher should then show your new username.