Your Minecraft username is separate from your PlayStation Network name

When you change your PlayStation Network username through the PS5 settings, your Minecraft username does not change automatically. Minecraft uses a Microsoft account to store your username, not your PlayStation Network credentials. This means you need to change your Minecraft name through Microsoft's system, even though you play on PlayStation 5.

The process takes a few minutes and involves signing into your Microsoft account from a web browser or the Xbox app. Your new username will appear in Minecraft the next time you launch the game on your PS5.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Minecraft username is tied to your Microsoft account, not your PlayStation Network account, so changing your PS5 name does not change your Minecraft name.
  • You can change your Minecraft username once every 30 days through the Microsoft account website or the Xbox app.
  • You need to sign into your Microsoft account on a computer or phone to make the change, then restart Minecraft on your PS5 to see the new name.
  • If you do not have a Microsoft account linked to your PS5 Minecraft profile, you will need to create one before you can change your username.

Check that your Microsoft account is linked to your PS5

Before you can change your Minecraft username, you need a Microsoft account connected to your PlayStation 5 profile. When you first launched Minecraft on PS5, the game prompted you to sign in with a Microsoft account. If you did that, your account is already linked.

To confirm the link exists, launch Minecraft on your PS5 and look at the main menu. If you see your Microsoft account name or gamertag displayed, the connection is active. If you see a prompt to sign in, your account is not yet linked, and you will need to create a Microsoft account and connect it before changing your username.

Change your username through the Microsoft account website

Open a web browser on your computer or phone and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with the Microsoft account you use for Minecraft on PS5. Click on your profile picture or name in the top right corner, then select "View profile" or "Account settings."

Look for an option labeled "Change your gamertag" or "Manage your Microsoft account." Click it, then enter your new Minecraft username. Microsoft will tell you whether the name is available. If it is taken, try a different one. Once you confirm your choice, the change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to appear in Minecraft.

You can change your Minecraft username once every 30 days. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, Microsoft will show you a countdown timer telling you when you can make the next change.

Use the Xbox app if you prefer a mobile or desktop option

If you have the Xbox app installed on your computer or phone, you can change your username there instead. Open the app, sign in with your Microsoft account, and navigate to your profile. Select "Customize profile" or "Edit profile," then find the gamertag or username field. Enter your new name and confirm the change.

The Xbox app method works the same way as the website and takes effect at the same speed. Use whichever method feels easier for you — the result is identical.

Restart Minecraft on your PS5 to see the new username

After you change your username through Microsoft's website or app, close Minecraft completely on your PS5 if it is still running. Wait a minute, then launch Minecraft again. Your new username should appear on the main menu and in-game.

If the old name still shows after restarting, sign out of your Microsoft account within Minecraft and sign back in. On the PS5 Minecraft main menu, look for account or settings options, then select "Sign out" or "Switch account." Sign back in with the same Microsoft account. This forces Minecraft to refresh your profile information and display your new username.

What to do if your preferred username is already taken

Minecraft usernames must be unique across the entire game, so if someone else has already claimed the name you want, you cannot use it. Microsoft will tell you when ready when you try to reserve it. You have a few options: add numbers to the end of the name (like "BuilderJoe42"), use an underscore or hyphen (like "Builder_Joe"), or choose a completely different name.

There is no waitlist or way to claim a name that is currently taken. If you see a username that has not been used in years, it is still reserved by its owner and unavailable. Pick an alternative and move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Minecraft username affect my worlds or inventory?

No. Your worlds, items, and progress remain exactly the same. Only the name that appears above your character and in chat changes. All your saved data stays connected to your Microsoft account.

Can I change my username more than once?

Yes, but only once every 30 days. Microsoft enforces this limit to prevent username squatting and confusion. After you make a change, you will see a timer showing when you can change it again.

What if I forgot which Microsoft account is linked to my PS5?

Launch Minecraft on your PS5 and look at the main menu for your gamertag or account name. You can also go to your PS5 settings, select "Users and Accounts," then "Other," then "Linked Services" to see which Microsoft account is connected to your PlayStation profile.

Do I need to pay to change my Minecraft username?

No. Changing your username through Microsoft is free. You can do it as often as the 30-day limit allows without any cost.

Why does my new username not show up in Minecraft right away?

Minecraft sometimes takes a few minutes to sync with Microsoft's servers. If it has been more than five minutes, try closing and restarting the game. If the old name still appears, sign out of your Microsoft account in Minecraft and sign back in to force a refresh.