The login process depends on which version you own
Minecraft has two separate login systems depending on which edition you play. Minecraft Java Edition uses a Microsoft account, while Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Windows 11, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices) also uses a Microsoft account but handles it differently at startup. Both require you to have created a Microsoft account first — this is free and takes about five minutes.
If you bought Minecraft years ago and still have an old Mojang account, Microsoft merged those into the Microsoft account system between 2020 and 2022. If you have not logged in since then, you will need to migrate your account before you can play. The migration is free and happens through the Minecraft launcher.
Key Takeaways
- Both Java and Bedrock editions require a free Microsoft account to log in, which you can create at account.microsoft.com if you do not have one.
- Java Edition players launch the game through the Minecraft Launcher, enter their Microsoft email and password, and then select their profile before clicking Play.
- Bedrock Edition on Windows, console, or mobile signs you in through the device itself — you log into your Microsoft account on the device, and the game recognizes it automatically.
- If you own an older Mojang account, you must migrate it to a Microsoft account through the launcher before you can play either version.
- Two-factor authentication on your Microsoft account will require you to verify your login on another device or through an authenticator app the first time you play.
Logging into Java Edition through the launcher
read the Minecraft Launcher from minecraft.net if you do not have it. Open the launcher and look for the login button in the top right corner — it usually says "Log in" or shows your username if you are already signed in. Click it and enter your Microsoft email address and password in the window that appears.
After you log in, the launcher will show your profile name and a list of versions you can play. Select the version you want (usually "Latest Release" for the current version), then click the green Play button. The game will launch and load into the main menu. If this is your first time logging in on this device, the launcher may read game files before launching, which can take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
If you see an error message saying your account needs to migrate, follow the on-screen instructions to link your old Mojang account to your Microsoft account. This happens once and is required before you can play.
Logging into Bedrock Edition on Windows or console
On Windows 10 or Windows 11, Bedrock Edition is called Minecraft for Windows and is available through the Microsoft Store. Open the game and you will see a sign-in screen. Click "Sign in with Microsoft" and enter your Microsoft email and password. The game will verify your account and take you to the main menu.
On Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, you do not enter your Minecraft login separately. Instead, you log into the console itself with your Microsoft account (on Xbox), your PlayStation Network account (on PlayStation), or your Nintendo account (on Switch). Once you are signed into the device, open Minecraft and it will recognize your account automatically. You may see a prompt asking you to link your console account to a Microsoft account — this is optional for playing, but required if you want to play online with others or access the Marketplace.
On mobile devices (iOS and Android), read Minecraft from the App Store or Google Play, open it, and tap "Sign in with Microsoft." Enter your Microsoft email and password. The app will log you in and take you to the main menu.
What to do if two-factor authentication blocks your login
If your Microsoft account has two-factor authentication turned on, the first time you log in from a new device, Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity. You will see a message saying "We need to verify your identity" and options to receive a code by email, text message, or through the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Choose the verification method you have set up. If you choose email, check your inbox (and spam folder) for a message from Microsoft with a six-digit code. Enter that code into the launcher or game window. If you use the Authenticator app, open it and approve the login request. After you verify once, that device will be trusted and you will not need to verify again on future logins.
Recovering access if you forgot your password
Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" on the login page. Microsoft will ask you to enter your email address and then guide you through recovery steps. You can verify your identity using a recovery email, a phone number, or security questions you set up when you created the account.
Once you have reset your password, return to the Minecraft Launcher or your device and log in with your new password. If you do not have access to any recovery method, you may need to contact Microsoft Support directly through their website.
Switching between multiple accounts on the same device
In the Minecraft Launcher, click your username in the top right corner and select "Sign out." Then click "Log in" and enter a different Microsoft email and password. The launcher will remember both accounts, and you can switch between them by clicking your username and selecting which account to use before you play.
On console or mobile, the process depends on the device. On Xbox, switch to a different user profile on the console itself, then open Minecraft — it will log in as that user. On PlayStation, do the same with your PlayStation Network profile. On mobile, you can usually sign out in the game's settings menu and then sign in with a different Microsoft account.
Troubleshooting common login problems
If the launcher says "Invalid credentials," double-check that you are typing your Microsoft email address correctly — it is case-sensitive for the password but not the email. If you are sure your password is correct, try resetting it at account.microsoft.com.
If the launcher hangs or says "Failed to authenticate," your internet connection may be unstable. Close the launcher completely, wait a few seconds, and open it again. If the problem continues, restart your device and try again. Minecraft needs to connect to Microsoft's servers to verify your account, so a poor connection will block login.
If you see "You do not own this game," you may be logged into the wrong Microsoft account. Check that the email address in the launcher matches the one you used to buy Minecraft. If you bought the game on a different account, you will need to log in with that account instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an internet connection to log in?
Yes. Minecraft requires you to connect to Microsoft's servers to verify your account the first time you log in on a device. After that, Java Edition can play offline, but Bedrock Edition requires an internet connection to stay logged in.
Can I play Minecraft without a Microsoft account?
No. As of 2020, all versions of Minecraft require a Microsoft account to play. If you have an old Mojang account, you must migrate it to Microsoft first, which is free.
What if I bought Minecraft on a different account years ago?
You will need to log in with that original account and migrate it to a Microsoft account through the launcher. If you no longer have access to that email address, contact Minecraft Support through their website to recover the account.
Is it safe to enter my Microsoft password into the Minecraft Launcher?
Yes. The launcher is made by Microsoft and connects directly to their official servers. Never enter your password into a third-party website or mod installer claiming to be Minecraft.
Can I share my Minecraft account with family members?
On console, yes — you can create separate user profiles on the device and link them to different Microsoft accounts. On PC, each person should log in with their own Microsoft account through the launcher. Sharing one account across multiple people violates Minecraft's terms of service.