Your Minecraft username is separate from your Nintendo Switch username

When you change your Nintendo Switch username, your Minecraft username does not change automatically. Minecraft uses a Microsoft account to store your username, skin, and game progress — not your Switch profile. This means you need to change your Minecraft username through Microsoft's website, not through your Switch settings.

The process takes about five minutes and requires a web browser on any device — your phone, computer, or tablet. You will need to sign into your Microsoft account, which is the account linked to your Switch when you play Minecraft.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Minecraft username lives on your Microsoft account, not on your Nintendo Switch, so you must change it through Microsoft's website.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready in Minecraft.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to use after you change it.
  • You need to know the email address and password for the Microsoft account linked to your Switch.

Sign into your Microsoft account on a web browser

Go to account.microsoft.com on any device with internet access. Click "Sign in" in the top right corner and enter the email address for the Microsoft account you use on your Nintendo Switch. Then enter your password.

If you are not sure which email address is linked to your Switch, go to your Switch home screen, press the X button, select "Users," highlight your profile, and press A. Look for "Linked Nintendo Account" — the email shown there is the one you need.

Navigate to your profile and find the username section

After you sign in, you will see your account dashboard. Look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner and click it. A menu will drop down — select "View profile" or "My account."

On your profile page, look for a section labeled "Minecraft profile," "Username," or "Account info." The exact wording changes depending on whether you are on a phone or computer, but it will be near the top of the page. Click on it to open your Minecraft settings.

Change your username and confirm the change

You will see your current Minecraft username displayed. Click the "Edit" button or pencil icon next to it. Type your new username into the text box — it can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores.

Microsoft will tell you whether the username is already taken. If it is, try a different one. Once you find one that is available, click "Change name" or "Save." The system will ask you to confirm — click yes. Your new username takes effect when ready, even if you are currently playing Minecraft on your Switch.

What happens to your old username

Your old username becomes available for any other player to use after you change it. You cannot get it back, so choose carefully. If you change your mind within a few minutes, you can change your username again, but you must wait 30 days between changes after that.

Your game progress, skins, and worlds do not change when you update your username. Everything stays on your Microsoft account and will appear the same the next time you launch Minecraft on your Switch.

If you cannot find the username section

Some accounts, particularly older ones or those created through a different service, may not show a Minecraft username section on the main profile page. If this happens, go to minecraft.net and click "Sign in" in the top right. Sign in with the same Microsoft account. Once you are signed in, click your profile icon and select "Profile." Your Minecraft username settings will appear there.

If you still do not see a username option, your account may not be set up for Java Edition or Bedrock Edition yet. Launch Minecraft on your Switch and play for a few minutes — this usually triggers the account setup. Then return to the Microsoft website and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my Nintendo Switch username too?

No. Your Switch username and Minecraft username are completely separate. You can change one without changing the other. Other players see your Minecraft username in the game, not your Switch username.

How long does it take for the new username to show up in Minecraft?

The change is when ready. If you are already playing Minecraft when you change your username, you may need to restart the game to see the new name in the game world, but it is active when ready on Microsoft's servers.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Only if nobody else has claimed it. Since your old username becomes available to other players as soon as you change it, someone may have already taken it. You can try, but you will need to wait 30 days between username changes.

What if I forgot the password to my Microsoft account?

Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Sign in." Click "Can't access your account?" and follow the steps to reset your password. Microsoft will send a code to your email or phone number to verify your identity.

Will my friends still see me in their world after I change my username?

Yes. Your Microsoft account stays the same — only the display name changes. Friends will see your new username the next time they load the world or restart the game.