Where to look for your username right now
Your Minecraft username is the name that appears above your character's head in the game and on your player profile. The fastest way to find it depends on which device you use and whether you have the game installed.
If you own the game, the simplest method is to launch Minecraft and look at the main menu — your username displays in the top-right corner of the screen. If you do not have the game open, you can find your username through your Microsoft account, which controls all Minecraft access.
The steps differ slightly between Java Edition (the original version for PC) and Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10/11, consoles, and mobile). Both routes take less than two minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Your username appears in the top-right corner of the Minecraft main menu if you have the game installed and can launch it.
- If you cannot launch the game, sign into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com to see your Minecraft profile and username.
- Java Edition and Bedrock Edition store usernames in the same Microsoft account, so checking one place covers both versions.
- Your username is different from your Microsoft account email address — the email is what you use to log in, but the username is what other players see.
Finding your username in the game itself
Open Minecraft and wait for the main menu to load. Look at the top-right corner of the screen — you will see your username printed there in white text, usually above a small profile picture or icon. This is the name that appears to other players when you join multiplayer servers or Realms.
If you use Java Edition, the username also shows in the launcher window before you start the game. Open the Minecraft Launcher, and your username appears in the top-left area of the window, next to your profile picture.
This method works only if you have already installed the game and can log in. If you have forgotten your password or cannot launch the game, move to the next section.
Checking your Microsoft account online
Go to account.microsoft.com in any web browser and sign in with the email address and password you use for Minecraft. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Your Info" or "Profile" — the exact name varies depending on your account type.
Click on "Manage your Microsoft account" or "View your profile." Scroll down until you see a section labeled "Gaming" or "Xbox." Your Minecraft username will be listed there. If you have multiple profiles on your Microsoft account, each one will show its own username.
If you do not see a Gaming section, your account may not be linked to Minecraft yet. In that case, go to minecraft.net, click "Sign In" in the top-right corner, and sign in with your Microsoft account. The site will then show your username on your profile page.
What to do if you cannot remember your email or password
If you cannot log into your Microsoft account because you have forgotten the email or password, you will need to recover your account first. Go to account.live.com/password/reset and follow the recovery steps. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a backup email address, phone number, or security questions you set up previously.
Once you have regained access to your account, follow the steps in the previous section to find your username. Keep in mind that account recovery can take several hours or longer if Microsoft needs additional verification.
The difference between your username and your email
Your Minecraft username and your Microsoft account email are two separate things. The email is what you type into the login screen to access your account. The username is what other players see in the game world.
When you first set up a Minecraft account, you choose a username that becomes permanent. You cannot change it through normal account settings, though Microsoft does allow one free username change per account under certain circumstances. Your email address, by contrast, can be changed in your account settings at any time.
Finding your username on console or mobile
On Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox, launch Minecraft and go to the main menu. Your username appears in the top-right corner, just as it does on PC. The location is the same across all Bedrock Edition devices.
On mobile (iOS or Android), open Minecraft and tap the profile icon in the top-left corner of the main menu. Your username displays on the profile screen that opens. If you have not yet signed into a Microsoft account on mobile, you will be prompted to do so before you can see your username.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Minecraft username?
Yes, but only once per account for free. Go to minecraft.net, sign in, and look for a "Change Name" option on your profile page. If you have already used your free change, subsequent changes cost money. Microsoft allows you to change your username back to a previous one without using your free change.
Why does my username look different in the game than what I see online?
If you recently changed your username, the game may not have updated yet. Sign out of Minecraft completely, close the launcher, wait a few minutes, and sign back in. The new username should display after the cache refreshes.
Is my username the same across Java and Bedrock?
Yes. Both versions use the same Microsoft account, so your username is identical in Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. If you play both versions, you will use the same name in each one.
What if I see a different name above my character in multiplayer?
Some servers and Realms allow custom names or nicknames that override your actual username. The name above your character in-game may not match your real Minecraft username. Your actual username is always what appears on your profile page and in the main menu corner.
Can someone else use my username?
No. Minecraft usernames are unique — once you claim a username, no other account can use it. If you see someone using a name similar to yours, it is a different username (for example, "Steve123" versus "Steve1234").