You can only claim a username that is not already taken, and the method depends on whether the account holding it is active
Minecraft usernames are permanent once claimed. If the name you want belongs to an inactive account, you may be able to reclaim it through Mojang's username reclamation program. If it belongs to an active account, your only option is to choose a different name. There is no way to buy, trade, or force a username away from someone else.
The username reclamation program exists because Mojang (now owned by Microsoft) wants to free up names from accounts that have not logged in for years. The exact timeline for when a name becomes available varies, and Mojang does not publish the specific number of days required. What matters is that the account must show no activity — no logins, no purchases, no changes to the account itself.
Key Takeaways
- You can only claim a username if the account holding it has been inactive for a long time and Mojang has released it through their reclamation program.
- Check whether a username is taken by searching for the account on the Minecraft Launcher or by visiting the player profile page directly.
- If a name is taken but the account is old and inactive, you can request it through the Mojang Support page, though approval is not may provide.
- If the account is active or recently used, the name is not available and you will need to choose a different username.
- Changing your username costs nothing if you have a Microsoft account, and you can change it as often as you want.
How to check if a username is already taken
Open the Minecraft Launcher and type the username into the login field. If the launcher says the account does not exist, the name is available. If it recognizes the account, the name is taken.
You can also visit the Minecraft player profile page directly by going to minecraft.net, signing in with your Microsoft account, and searching for the player name in the search bar. If a profile appears, someone owns that name. If no profile shows up, the name may be available or may have been reclaimed by Mojang.
Requesting a username through Mojang's reclamation program
Go to the Mojang Support page at support.mojang.com. Click "Submit a request" and select "Minecraft: Java Edition" as the product. Choose "Username" from the category menu, then select "Username reclamation" as the issue type.
In the description field, enter the username you want and explain why you believe it should be available. Mention that the account appears to be inactive. Include any details you have — for example, if you know the account has not logged in for several years, say so. Mojang reviews these requests manually, and they will tell you whether the name qualifies for reclamation.
Response times vary. Mojang may take weeks to review your request, and they do not may provide approval. If the account shows any recent activity at all, your request will be denied. If the name is still in use by an active player, it will not be released.
What to do if the username is actively owned
If the account is active — meaning it has logged in recently or made purchases — Mojang will not release the username. You cannot buy it, trade for it, or request it through any official channel. The only way to get that exact name is if the current owner changes their username to something else, which you cannot control.
Your best option is to choose a variation of the name you want. Add a number, a short word, or an underscore. For example, if "Alex" is taken, you could use "Alex_2024", "AlexMC", or "RealAlex". These alternatives are usually available and let you keep a name close to your first choice.
Changing your username once you have claimed one
If you have a Microsoft account linked to Minecraft, you can change your username for free at any time. Go to minecraft.net, sign in, and click on your profile. Select "Change name" and enter your new username. The change takes effect when ready in most cases, though it may take a few minutes to update across all Minecraft servers.
You can change your username as often as you want, so do not feel locked into your first choice. If you pick a name and later want something different, you can switch without penalty or cost.
Why some old usernames never become available
Mojang's reclamation program has specific rules about what counts as inactive. An account that has never been logged into since creation, or that has not logged in for an extremely long time, is a candidate. However, accounts that have made any purchase — even a single skin or cape — may be protected longer because they represent a customer investment.
Additionally, some accounts belong to players who own the email address but have straightforward not logged into Minecraft in years. These accounts are still technically owned and active in Mojang's system, even if the player never plays. Mojang errs on the side of protecting the original account holder's claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a username from someone else?
No. Minecraft usernames cannot be sold, traded, or transferred between accounts. If someone offers to sell you a username, they are either scamming you or planning to change the account password after taking your money, leaving you with nothing.
How long does an account have to be inactive before the name is available?
Mojang does not publish an exact number of days. The program looks at total inactivity across the entire account — no logins, no purchases, no changes. Very old accounts with no activity are more likely to be reclaimed than accounts that are only a few years old.
What if I request a username and Mojang says no?
You can submit another request after some time has passed, especially if the account becomes even more inactive. However, if Mojang denies your request, it usually means the account still shows signs of ownership or activity. Asking again when ready will likely result in the same answer.
Do I lose my old username if I change it?
Yes. Once you change your username, your old name is released back into the pool and becomes available for someone else to claim. If you change your mind later, you cannot get your original name back unless no one else has claimed it in the meantime.
Can I reserve a username before I create my account?
No. You must create a Microsoft account and link it to Minecraft before you can claim a username. You cannot hold a name in advance or reserve it for later use.