Where to Change Your Username

You change your Minecraft username through the official Minecraft launcher, not in the game itself. The launcher is the program you open before you start playing — it's where you log in with your Microsoft account. Your username is tied to that Microsoft account, so changing it there changes it everywhere you play Minecraft Java Edition.

If you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile), the process is slightly different because Bedrock uses your Microsoft account's display name rather than a separate Minecraft username. Both paths are covered below.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition usernames are changed through the Minecraft launcher on your computer by visiting the account settings page.
  • Bedrock Edition uses your Microsoft account's display name, which you change in your Microsoft account settings, not in Minecraft itself.
  • You can change your Java Edition username once every 30 days.
  • The change takes effect when ready, but other players may see your old name briefly if they have not refreshed their game.

Changing Your Username in Java Edition

Open the Minecraft launcher on your computer and log in with your Microsoft account if you are not already logged in. Look for a button or menu option labeled "Account" or your username — this is usually in the top right corner or in a settings menu. Click it to open your account settings.

Find the option that says "Change Name" or "Minecraft Profile Name" and click it. You will see your current username and a text box where you can type a new one. Type the new username you want — it must be between 3 and 16 characters and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so "MyName" and "myname" are treated as the same name.

Click the button to confirm the change. The launcher will tell you whether the name is available. If someone else has already taken it, you will need to choose a different one. Once the change goes through, your new username is active when ready in the launcher and in-game.

Changing Your Display Name in Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition does not have a separate username system. Instead, it uses the display name from your Microsoft account. To change how your name appears in Bedrock, you need to change your Microsoft account's display name, not anything inside Minecraft.

Go to account.microsoft.com in a web browser and log in with the Microsoft account you use for Minecraft. Click "Your info" or "Profile" in the left menu. Find the option to change your display name — it may be labeled "Edit name" or "Change name." Type your new name and save the change. The next time you open Minecraft Bedrock, your new name will appear.

What Happens After You Change Your Name

Your new username takes effect right away in the launcher and in-game. If you are already playing when you change it, you may need to restart the game to see the change reflected. Other players on multiplayer servers will see your new name, though there may be a short delay if they have not refreshed their game or if the server has not synced the change yet.

Your old username does not stay reserved for you. Once you change it, someone else can take that name if they want it. If you change your mind, you can change your username again, but you must wait 30 days between changes in Java Edition.

If Your Desired Username Is Taken

If the username you want is already in use, you will see a message saying the name is not available. You have two choices: pick a different name, or wait to see if the person using it stops playing. Minecraft does not free up inactive usernames, so a name stays taken even if the account has not logged in for years.

Many players add numbers or underscores to make a name unique — for example, "Alex_2024" or "AlexGamer42". You can also try variations of your preferred name to find one that is available.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the launcher is not showing an account settings button, make sure you are logged in. If you are logged in but still do not see the option, try closing the launcher completely and opening it again. On some computers, the account menu is hidden in a dropdown — look for a small arrow or menu icon next to your username.

If you changed your name but it is not showing up in-game, restart Minecraft completely. Close the launcher, wait a few seconds, and open it again. If you are on a multiplayer server, the server may take a few minutes to sync the change, so your old name might appear to other players briefly.

If you get an error message saying you cannot change your username, check whether you have changed it in the last 30 days. Java Edition enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes. If you have not changed it recently, the error may mean your Microsoft account needs to be verified — check your email for a verification link from Microsoft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once?

Yes, but in Java Edition you must wait 30 days between changes. Bedrock Edition has no waiting period because you are changing your Microsoft account's display name, which you can update as often as you want.

Will my old username stay mine if I change it?

No. Once you change your username, it becomes available for anyone else to take. If you want to use it again later, you would have to claim it before someone else does.

Do I lose my world or inventory if I change my username?

No. Your worlds, inventory, and progress stay with your account. Changing your username only changes what other players see your name as — it does not affect any of your saved data.

Why does the launcher not show my new username right away?

Close and reopen the launcher. Sometimes it takes a moment to refresh. If you are already in a game, restart Minecraft completely for the new name to appear in-game.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. Minecraft usernames can only contain letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). Spaces and special characters like hyphens or periods are not allowed.