You can change your Minecraft username once every 30 days through your Microsoft account

Your Minecraft username is tied to your Microsoft account, not to Minecraft itself. To change it, you log into your Microsoft account online, go to your profile settings, and update the name there. The change takes effect when ready in the game, though you can only make this change once per 30-day period. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, Microsoft will tell you when you can change it next.

The process takes about five minutes and requires no payment. You will need to know your Microsoft account password, and you should have access to the email address linked to that account in case you get locked out.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username by logging into your Microsoft account online at account.microsoft.com, not through the Minecraft game itself.
  • The username change limit is one change per 30 days, and Microsoft will show you the exact date you can change it again if you hit the limit.
  • Your new username appears to other players when ready, but the old name becomes available for someone else to claim after a grace period.
  • If you forget your Microsoft password, you can reset it using the email address on your account, but this process can take several hours.

Step-by-step: changing your username on a computer

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Click "Sign in" and enter the email address and password for the Microsoft account linked to your Minecraft game. If you use two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone or email), you will need to enter that code as well.

Once you are signed in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu. Click on it, then find the option that says "Manage your Microsoft account" or "Edit profile". Look for a field labeled "Username" or "Gamertag". Click "Edit" or "Change" next to it. Type your new username — it must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot include spaces or special characters like @ or #. Click "Check availability" to make sure no one else has claimed that name. If it is available, click "Save" or "Confirm".

The change takes effect in Minecraft within a few minutes. You do not need to restart the game, though closing and reopening it will show the new name right away.

Changing your username on mobile or console

You cannot change your username directly from the Minecraft app on phone, tablet, or console. You must use a computer or laptop and go through the Microsoft account website. The steps are the same as above — log in at account.microsoft.com, find your profile settings, and update the username field.

Once you have changed it on the website, the new name will show up the next time you open Minecraft on your phone or console. You may need to sign out and sign back in to see the change, depending on your device.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old name does not disappear when ready. Microsoft holds it for a grace period — usually 30 days — during which no one else can claim it. After that period ends, the name becomes available for another player to use. This means someone else could eventually have your old username.

Any skins, capes, or items you owned under your old username stay with your account. They do not transfer to whoever takes your old name. Your game progress, worlds, and friends list all stay the same — only the display name changes.

What to do if you hit the 30-day limit

Microsoft enforces a strict 30-day waiting period between username changes. If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed since your last change, the website will show you a message saying "You can change your name again on [date]". You cannot bypass this limit, and Microsoft support cannot override it for you.

If you made a typo or chose a name you dislike, you have to wait until the 30 days are up. Write down the date you can change it next so you do not forget. Some players set a phone reminder for that date.

Troubleshooting: username changes that do not work

If you see an error message saying your username is unavailable, someone else has already claimed it. Try a different name. If the website says "This username is reserved", that name is held by Microsoft or is blocked for another reason — choose something else.

If you cannot sign into your Microsoft account, click "Can't access your account" on the sign-in page. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using your recovery email or phone number. This process can take 24 to 48 hours. If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone, contact Microsoft support through their website — they may ask you security questions to confirm you own the account.

If your username changed on the website but is not showing up in Minecraft after 10 minutes, sign out of the game completely, close the app, wait 30 seconds, and sign back in. If it still does not appear, restart your device.

Names you cannot use

Microsoft blocks certain usernames for safety and policy reasons. You cannot use names that include slurs, hate speech, or explicit sexual content. You also cannot use names that impersonate Microsoft staff, Minecraft developers, or well-known public figures. If you try to use a blocked name, the website will tell you it is unavailable.

Names that are too similar to existing usernames may also be rejected. For example, if someone already has "Alex_Builder", you cannot use "Alex_builder" or "AlexBuilder" — Microsoft treats these as duplicates. The system is case-insensitive, so capitalization does not matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the same day I created my account?

Yes. The 30-day limit only applies between changes, not from account creation. You can change your username once when you first set up your Microsoft account, then wait 30 days before changing it again.

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

Yes. Your friends list stays the same, and they will see your new username the next time they log in. You do not need to re-add anyone or send new friend requests.

What if someone else takes my old username after the grace period?

They will have a different account and different game progress. Your worlds, skins, and items stay with your account under your new username. You cannot get your old name back once someone else claims it, so if you think you might want it later, do not change your username.

Does changing my username affect my Minecraft Realms or multiplayer worlds?

No. Your Realms subscription and any worlds you own stay with your account. Other players will see your new username when you join their worlds or servers, but your access and permissions do not change.

Can I change my username if my account is banned?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot make any changes to it, including username changes. You would need to contact Microsoft support to discuss the ban first.