Your Minecraft username and your Nintendo Switch profile are separate

When you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Nintendo Switch, you have two different names: your Nintendo Switch profile name (which you already changed) and your Minecraft username (which appears in-game and on Realms). Changing one does not change the other. Your Minecraft username is tied to your Microsoft account, not your Switch profile, so you need to change it through Microsoft's website.

This matters because other players see your Minecraft username when you join multiplayer worlds or Realms, not your Switch profile name. If you want a different name in-game, you have to go through the Microsoft account step separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Minecraft username lives on your Microsoft account, not on your Switch, so you must change it on Microsoft's website, not in the Switch settings.
  • You can change your Minecraft username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect the next time you launch the game.
  • You need to know the email address and password for the Microsoft account linked to your Switch profile to make the change.
  • If you have never set up a Microsoft account on your Switch, you will need to do that first before you can change your Minecraft username.

Check which Microsoft account is linked to your Switch profile

Before you change your Minecraft username, you need to know which Microsoft account is connected to your Switch. On your Switch, go to System Settings, then Users, then select your profile. Look for the linked accounts section and check whether a Microsoft account is already connected.

If no Microsoft account is linked, you will need to add one. Select Link Account, then choose Microsoft. You will be taken to a sign-in screen where you can enter an existing Microsoft account email and password, or create a new one. Once linked, that Microsoft account becomes the one tied to your Minecraft game.

Sign in to your Microsoft account on the web

Go to account.microsoft.com in a web browser on any device — your phone, computer, or tablet. Sign in with the email address and password for the Microsoft account that is linked to your Switch profile. If you are not sure which account that is, check your Switch settings again before proceeding.

Once you are signed in, you will see your account dashboard. Look for a section called Your Info or Account Settings. The exact layout varies depending on whether you are on a phone or computer, but the option to change your Minecraft username will be under your profile settings.

Find and change your Minecraft profile name

In your Microsoft account settings, look for a section labeled Minecraft Profile or Gaming. Click or tap on it. You should see your current Minecraft username displayed. Next to it, there will be an option to change it — usually a button that says Change Name or Edit.

Click that button. You will be shown a text field with your current username. Delete it and type in the new username you want. Minecraft usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces and special characters are not allowed.

After you type your new username, the system will check whether it is available. If another player has already taken that name, you will see a message saying the name is taken, and you will need to choose a different one. Once you find an available name you like, click Confirm or Save to lock in the change.

Wait for the change to take effect in-game

The name change on Microsoft's website happens right away, but it may take a few minutes to show up in your game. The safest approach is to close Minecraft completely on your Switch, wait a few minutes, and then relaunch it. When you start the game again, your new username should appear.

If you are playing on a Realm or in a multiplayer world with other players, they will see your new username the next time you join. If you are playing solo, the change is visible when ready in your world settings.

Remember the 30-day waiting period

Microsoft allows you to change your Minecraft username once every 30 days. If you change it today, you cannot change it again for 30 days from that date. This is a system-wide rule and applies to all Bedrock players, not just Switch users. Plan your username choice carefully, because you will be stuck with it for at least a month.

If you made a typo or chose a name you regret, you can still change it after 30 days have passed. The timer starts from the moment you confirmed the change on Microsoft's website, not from when it appeared in your game.

Troubleshooting: Your new username is not showing up

If you changed your username on Microsoft's website but it is still not appearing in your game after 10 minutes, try signing out of your Switch profile and signing back in. Go to System Settings, Users, select your profile, and choose Sign Out. Then sign back in with your password. This forces the Switch to sync with your Microsoft account again.

If that does not work, restart your Switch entirely. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the console shuts down completely, then turn it back on and launch Minecraft. A full restart usually clears any sync delays between your Microsoft account and the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Minecraft username without a Microsoft account?

No. Minecraft Bedrock Edition requires a Microsoft account to play online or use Realms, and your username is stored on that account. If you do not have one linked to your Switch, you must create or link one before you can change your username.

What happens to my worlds and Realms when I change my username?

Your worlds and Realms stay exactly the same. Changing your username does not affect your saved games, progress, or access to any worlds you own or have been invited to. Only the name that appears to other players changes.

Can someone else take my old username after I change it?

Yes. Once you change your username, your old name becomes available for any other player to claim. If you think you might want to use that name again someday, you should wait until you are certain you want a permanent change.

Why does my new username not match my Switch profile name?

Because they are two separate systems. Your Switch profile name is managed by Nintendo, and your Minecraft username is managed by Microsoft. They do not have to match, and changing one does not affect the other. Other players in Minecraft see only your Minecraft username.

Do I need to change my password after changing my username?

No. Changing your Minecraft username does not affect your Microsoft account password or security. Your password stays the same unless you choose to change it separately in your account settings.