Where to find your username in the Minecraft launcher
Open the Minecraft Java Edition launcher on your computer. In the top right corner, you will see your username displayed next to a small profile icon. That text is your username — the name other players see when you join servers or multiplayer worlds. If you are logged in, this is the fastest way to confirm what your username actually is.
If you do not see a username in the launcher, you are not logged in. Click the "Log in" button and enter your Microsoft account email and password. Once you log in, your username will appear in that same top right corner. Your username is separate from your email address — many people confuse the two.
Key Takeaways
- Your Minecraft Java username appears in the top right corner of the launcher once you are logged in.
- Your username is not the same as your Microsoft account email address.
- If you changed your username in the past, the launcher shows your current username, not the old one.
- The Minecraft website account page also displays your username under your profile settings.
Check your username on the Minecraft website
Go to account.minecraft.net in your web browser and log in with your Microsoft account. Once you are logged in, look at the left side of the page where it says "Profile Name" — that is your current username. This method works even if you do not have the launcher installed on your computer.
The website also shows when you last changed your username and whether you are able to change it again. Minecraft allows you to change your username once every 30 days, so if you changed it recently, the website will tell you when you can change it next.
What to do if you forgot your Microsoft account password
If you cannot log in to the launcher or the website because you forgot your password, go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" on the sign-in page. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number attached to your account. Once you verify, you can reset your password.
After you reset your password, log back into the Minecraft launcher or website to see your username. This process usually takes a few minutes, though Microsoft may ask you to wait a short time before trying to log in again.
Understanding the difference between username and email
Your username is the name that appears in-game and on your profile. Your email address is what you use to log into your Microsoft account. They are not the same thing. Many people use their email to log in but then see a different username in the game, which causes confusion.
When you first created your Minecraft account, you chose a username. If you later migrated that account to a Microsoft account, your username stayed the same — only your login method changed. You now log in with your email, but your in-game name is still your original username.
What to do if you cannot remember your username
If you have access to your Microsoft account but cannot remember your username, the Minecraft website is the most direct place to check. Log in at account.minecraft.net, and your username will be listed on your profile page under "Profile Name." You do not need to guess or search — it is displayed right there.
If you do not have access to your Microsoft account at all, you will need to recover that account first. Use the Microsoft account recovery process described above, then log into the Minecraft website to see your username.
Why servers and friends see your username
When you join a multiplayer server or a friend's world, other players see your username in the chat and above your character's head. This is the name you chose when you set up your account, or the name you changed it to later. Your username is public — anyone on a server can see it.
If you want to change your username, you can do so once every 30 days through the Minecraft website. Go to account.minecraft.net, click on "Profile Name," and follow the prompts to choose a new one. The change takes effect when ready, and all servers and friends will see your new name the next time you join.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my username the same as my Microsoft account email?
No. Your email is what you use to log in to your Microsoft account. Your username is your in-game name. They are separate. You log in with your email, but other players see your username.
Can I see what username I used before I changed it?
The Minecraft website shows your current username and when you last changed it, but it does not display your previous usernames. If you need to know an old username for a specific reason, you may need to contact Minecraft support or check your own records.
What if the launcher shows no username at all?
You are not logged in. Click "Log in" and enter your Microsoft account email and password. Once you log in, your username will appear in the top right corner of the launcher.
Can I change my username right now?
You can change your username once every 30 days. Log into account.minecraft.net and check the "Profile Name" section — it will tell you whether you are able to change it now or when you will be able to change it next.