Where to change your username

You change your Minecraft username through the official Minecraft website, not through the game launcher or in-game settings. The process takes about five minutes and works the same whether you play on Java Edition or Bedrock Edition on Windows.

Your username is different from your Microsoft account email. Changing your username does not change your email, password, or any of your saved worlds — those stay exactly as they are. You can change your username once every 30 days.

If you have not played Minecraft in several years, your account may still use the old Mojang login system instead of a Microsoft account. You will need to migrate to a Microsoft account first before you can change your username. That process is separate and happens on the same website.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select your Minecraft profile to change the username.
  • Your new username takes effect when ready in multiplayer servers and on the Minecraft Launcher, but may take a few minutes to show in-game.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change does not affect your worlds, friends list, or game progress.
  • If your account still uses a Mojang login, you must migrate to Microsoft first, which is a one-time process that takes a few minutes.

Step 1: Sign in to your Microsoft account

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Click the "Sign in" button in the top right corner. Enter the email address or phone number you use for your Microsoft account, then enter your password.

If you see a screen asking you to verify your identity, follow the prompts — Microsoft may send a code to your email or phone. This is normal security. Once you are signed in, you will see your account dashboard.

Step 2: Find and open your Minecraft profile

On your account dashboard, look for a section labeled "Your info" or "Manage your account" on the left side. Scroll down until you see Minecraft Profile or Gaming. Click on it.

You will see a list of any Minecraft profiles linked to your Microsoft account. Most people have one. Click on the profile you want to change. This opens your Minecraft profile page, where you will see your current username displayed near the top.

Step 3: Enter your new username and confirm

Look for a button or link that says Change name or Edit profile. Click it. A text box will appear with your current username highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new username.

Minecraft usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. The system will tell you when ready if your chosen name is already taken or breaks the rules. Once you enter a name that works, click the button to confirm the change — usually labeled "Change" or "Save".

Your new username is active right away on servers and in the launcher. In-game, it may take a few minutes to update, especially if you are already logged in. Restart the game if you want to see the change when ready.

What happens if your account still uses Mojang login

If you created your Minecraft account before 2020, it may still be linked to a Mojang account rather than a Microsoft account. You will know this is the case if you cannot find the Minecraft Profile section on account.microsoft.com, or if you see a message saying you need to migrate.

To migrate, go to minecraft.net/migrate and follow the on-screen steps. You will link your old Mojang account to a new or existing Microsoft account. This is a one-time process and takes about five minutes. After migration, you can change your username using the steps above.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see a message that says "You can change your name again in X days," you have already changed your username within the last 30 days. You must wait until that period ends before changing it again. The timer resets from the date of your last change, not from the calendar month.

If your new username does not appear in-game after 10 minutes, sign out of the launcher completely and sign back in. Close the game if it is running. This forces the launcher to fetch your updated profile information from Microsoft's servers.

If you cannot find the Minecraft Profile section on your Microsoft account page, your account may not be fully set up for Minecraft yet. Try signing out and signing back in. If that does not work, your account may need to migrate from Mojang first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, as long as 30 days have passed since your last change. You can change your username to any available name, including a previous one. The 30-day rule applies to how often you can change, not to which names you can choose.

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

Yes. Your friends list and all your multiplayer connections stay the same. Your friends will see your new username the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. Your UUID (a hidden identifier) never changes, so the game always knows it is you.

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username does not affect your password or your ability to sign in. You only need to change your password if you think someone else knows it.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Try a different spelling, add numbers or underscores, or choose a different name entirely. The website will tell you when ready whether a name is available. Minecraft does not have a waiting list for taken usernames.

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

Your new username appears on servers and in the launcher within seconds. In-game, it may take a few minutes to update. Restarting the game speeds this up. Skins and capes stay with your account and will display under your new username.