Your Minecraft username and your Nintendo Switch profile are separate

When you play Minecraft on Nintendo Switch, you have two different names: your Nintendo Switch profile name and your Minecraft username. Changing one does not change the other. If you want a different name to appear in Minecraft specifically, you need to change your Minecraft username through Microsoft, not through your Switch settings.

Your Minecraft username is what other players see when you join multiplayer worlds or Realms. Your Switch profile name is what appears on your console home screen. This guide covers changing the Minecraft username only.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Minecraft username lives in your Microsoft account, not on your Nintendo Switch, so you change it through Microsoft's website.
  • You can change your Minecraft username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready in Minecraft.
  • You must own the game on the account you want to change the username for, and that account must be linked to a Microsoft account.
  • After you change your username, you may need to restart Minecraft or sign out and back in on your Switch to see the new name.

Check that your Switch account is linked to a Microsoft account

Before you can change your Minecraft username, your Nintendo Switch profile must be connected to a Microsoft account. If you bought Minecraft on the Switch and have played it, this link usually happened automatically when you first launched the game.

To confirm the link exists, go to your Switch home screen, select your profile icon in the top left, then select "Profile." Look for a section showing your linked accounts. If you see a Microsoft account listed, you are ready to proceed. If you do not see one, you will need to link your Switch profile to a Microsoft account before changing your username.

Go to the Minecraft username change page on Microsoft's website

Open a web browser on any device — phone, tablet, or computer — and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with the Microsoft account that is linked to your Nintendo Switch profile. This must be the same account you use to play Minecraft on the Switch.

Once you are signed in, navigate to the Minecraft section of your account. Look for a link or option labeled "Change Name" or "Edit Profile." Microsoft's layout changes occasionally, so if you cannot find it when ready, search the page for "Minecraft" or look under account settings.

Enter your new username and confirm the change

When you reach the username change page, you will see a text field with your current Minecraft username. Delete it and type your new username. 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 the new name, click the button to check availability. If the name is taken, Microsoft will tell you when ready and you can try another. Once you find a name that is available, click "Change Name" or "Confirm" to save it. The change takes effect right away on Microsoft's servers.

Restart Minecraft on your Switch to see the new username

Close Minecraft completely on your Nintendo Switch. You can do this by pressing the X button on the game card in your home screen, or by pressing the home button during gameplay and selecting "Close." Wait a few seconds, then reopen Minecraft.

When the game loads, your new username should appear in the main menu and in any multiplayer sessions. If you still see your old name, try signing out of your Microsoft account within Minecraft (usually found in Settings) and signing back in. This forces the game to refresh your profile information from Microsoft's servers.

You can only change your username once every 30 days

Microsoft limits username changes to once per 30 days. If you change your username and then want to change it again, you will need to wait a full month from the date of your last change. The system counts from the exact time you made the change, not from the calendar date.

If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed, Microsoft will show you a message telling you when you can change it next. There is no way to bypass this waiting period, even if you contact Microsoft support.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your Minecraft username, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim after a grace period. The grace period is usually 30 days, though Microsoft does not always announce the exact timing. During this period, no one else can use your old name.

Any worlds, Realms, or multiplayer servers you created under your old username will still belong to you. Your game progress, achievements, and inventory do not change. Only the name that appears to other players changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Nintendo Switch profile name instead of my Minecraft username?

Yes, you can change your Switch profile name separately. Go to your profile settings on the Switch home screen and select "Profile Name." That change will not affect your Minecraft username. If you want both names to match, you will need to change them separately.

What if I forgot which Microsoft account is linked to my Switch?

Go to your Switch profile settings and look at the linked accounts section. It will show the email address of the Microsoft account connected to your profile. If you do not remember the password for that account, you can reset it at account.microsoft.com by clicking "Can't access your account."

Do I need to change my username if I just want a different name on my Switch profile?

No. Your Switch profile name and Minecraft username are separate. You can change your Switch profile name in your profile settings without touching your Minecraft username. Other players in Minecraft will still see your Minecraft username, not your Switch profile name.

Will my friends still be able to find me in Minecraft after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends can find you by your new username. If they have you added as a friend on your Microsoft account, they will see the friend request under your new name. Old messages or invitations sent to your old username will not work, but you can send new invitations with your new name.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Try a variation: add a number at the end, use an underscore, or choose a different name entirely. The availability checker on Microsoft's website will tell you when ready whether a name is available. You cannot reserve a name or get on a waiting list for a taken name.