The fastest way to change your username

You change your Minecraft username through your Microsoft account settings, not through the game itself. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with the email and password you use for Minecraft, select Your Info from the left menu, then click Manage your Microsoft account. Find the Gamertag section and select Edit. Type your new username (up to 16 characters, letters and numbers only), then click Save. The change takes effect when ready in the game.

If you do not see a Gamertag section, your account may be linked to a Mojang account instead of a full Microsoft account. In that case, visit launcher.mojang.com, sign in, and look for Change next to your current name. The process is the same: type the new name and confirm.

You can change your username once every 30 days. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, the website will tell you the exact date you can change it next.

Key Takeaways

  • Username changes happen at account.microsoft.com or launcher.mojang.com, depending on which account type you have.
  • Your new username takes effect when ready in the game and on the Minecraft launcher.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the system will show you when you are may be able to access to change it again.
  • Usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game progress, worlds, or items — those stay with your account.

What happens to your worlds and items when you change your name

Your game progress, saved worlds, and inventory items all stay with your account. Changing your username is purely cosmetic — it changes only the name that appears above your character in multiplayer servers and in the launcher. Your Microsoft account ID (a long string of numbers and letters behind the scenes) stays the same, so the game knows it is still you.

If you play on multiplayer servers, some servers may have recorded your old username in their logs or ban lists. If you were banned under your old name, changing your username will not lift that ban — the server owner can still block you by your account ID. If you were a trusted player on a server, the owner may not recognize you by your new name, so it is worth sending them a message to let them know who you are.

Usernames you cannot use

Minecraft blocks certain usernames for safety and legal reasons. You cannot use a name that is already taken by another player, a name that contains profanity or slurs, a name that impersonates a public figure or company, or a name that is only numbers (your username must contain at least one letter).

If you try to save a username and the website says it is unavailable, either someone else has already claimed it or it violates Minecraft's username policy. The website will not tell you which one — you will just see "That gamertag is unavailable." Try a different name.

If you cannot access your Microsoft account

If you have forgotten your password, go to account.microsoft.com and click Can't access your account? at the bottom of the sign-in screen. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number you set up when you created the account. If you no longer have access to those, you can answer security questions instead.

If you cannot recover your account and you own the Minecraft license, contact Minecraft Support through the official Minecraft website. They can help you regain access, but the process can take several days. Have your original purchase receipt or the email address you used to buy the game ready.

Changing your username on different platforms

If you play Minecraft Java Edition on a computer, the steps above explore — you use your Microsoft account. If you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile), you also use your Microsoft account and follow the same steps. The username you set applies across all platforms where you are signed into that Microsoft account.

If you play on a console like PlayStation or Nintendo Switch and you want to change the name that appears in the game, you change your console's user profile name instead. On Nintendo Switch, go to System Settings > Users > Edit Profile and change the nickname. On PlayStation, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > User Profile and edit your online ID. These changes do not affect your Minecraft account username on other platforms.

Why you might want to wait before changing your name

If you play on servers or in multiplayer worlds with friends, changing your username can cause confusion. Your friends will see a new name above your character, and they may not when ready know it is you. If you are known by your current username on YouTube, Twitch, or social media, changing it can confuse your audience and hurt your discoverability.

If you have a skin (the character appearance) that matches your old username, you may want to update it to match your new name. Skins are separate from usernames — you can change your skin anytime through the launcher, but it is a good idea to do both changes at once so your appearance and name match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only after 30 days have passed since your last change. You can change your username to anything available, including a name you used before. If someone else has claimed your old username in the meantime, you cannot use it again unless they change theirs.

What if someone else took my old username?

Usernames are first-come, first-served. If you change your username and someone else claims your old one within 30 days, you cannot reclaim it. Microsoft does not reserve old usernames. If this happens, you will need to choose a different name.

Does changing my username affect my Realms subscription?

No. Your Realms subscription is tied to your Microsoft account, not your username. If you own a Realm, it stays yours after you change your name. Players invited to your Realm will still be able to join — they do not need to know your username to access it.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

Your new username appears in the launcher and in-game when ready. On multiplayer servers and in the Minecraft website, it may take a few minutes to update as the servers sync with your account. If you see your old name somewhere after an hour, try logging out and back in.

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, periods, and other special characters are not allowed. Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters long.