Where to change your name depends on which version you own
Minecraft has two separate versions — Java Edition and Bedrock Edition — and each one handles name changes differently. Java Edition lets you change your name through the Minecraft launcher on your computer. Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile) uses your Microsoft account name instead, so you change it through Microsoft's account settings, not through the game itself.
The version you own determines which set of steps you follow. If you bought Minecraft from the Microsoft Store or play on console, you have Bedrock. If you downloaded it from minecraft.net or launcher.mojang.com years ago, you likely have Java Edition. You can also check by opening the game — the launcher or title screen will tell you which version is running.
Name changes in Java Edition take effect when ready in the game. In Bedrock Edition, your Microsoft account name becomes your player name, so changing one changes the other across all your Microsoft services, not just Minecraft.
Key Takeaways
- Java Edition players change their name through the Minecraft launcher by clicking the profile settings next to their current name.
- Bedrock Edition players change their name by editing their Microsoft account profile, which updates their player name across all Microsoft games and services.
- Java Edition name changes happen when ready, but Bedrock Edition changes may take a few minutes to appear in-game.
- You can change your Java Edition name as often as you want, but Microsoft account names have restrictions on how frequently you can change them.
Changing your name in Java Edition
Open the Minecraft launcher on your computer. If you do not have it installed, read it from minecraft.net. Log in with your Microsoft account if you are not already signed in.
Look at the left side of the launcher window. You will see your current player name displayed. Click on the name or the pencil icon next to it. A text box will appear where you can type your new name. Type the name you want, then click the checkmark or press Enter to save it.
The new name takes effect the next time you start a world or server. If you are already in a game, you may need to restart it to see the change. Other players will see your new name when ready when you join their world or server.
Changing your name in Bedrock Edition
Your player name in Bedrock Edition is controlled by your Microsoft account, so you change it through Microsoft's website, not through the game. Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account you use for Minecraft.
Click on "Your info" at the top left. Find the section labeled "Microsoft account name" or "Email and password." Click "Edit name" or "Change name." You will see your current name and a field to enter a new one. Type your new name and click "Next," then follow the prompts to confirm the change.
The new name may take a few minutes to appear in Minecraft. If you are already in a game when you change it, restart the game to see the update. Your new name will show to other players the next time you join a world or server.
Rules for what you can name yourself
Both versions have restrictions on player names. Names must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or special characters like hyphens, periods, or symbols.
Minecraft will reject names that contain profanity or that impersonate Microsoft staff or well-known players. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, the launcher or Microsoft account page will show an error message and ask you to choose a different name.
Names that are already taken by other players cannot be used. If you see an error saying the name is unavailable, someone else has claimed it. Try a variation — adding a number, underscore, or different spelling usually works.
What happens to your old name and worlds
When you change your name in Java Edition, your old name becomes available for someone else to use. Your existing worlds and saved games stay on your computer and remain playable — they do not disappear or get deleted. When you load a world you created before the name change, it will show your new name as the owner.
In Bedrock Edition, your old Microsoft account name also becomes available for others. Your worlds and saved games are tied to your Microsoft account, not your name, so they stay with you. You will see your new name in all your saved worlds and on servers you have joined.
If you play on multiplayer servers or realms, the server owner may see your old name in logs for a short time, but your new name will appear to all other players when ready.
If your desired name is already taken
Minecraft does not have a queue or reservation system for names. If the name you want is taken, you cannot claim it unless the person who owns it stops playing and their account becomes inactive. Microsoft does not release inactive names back into the pool, so a taken name stays taken.
Your best option is to modify the name slightly. Add a number at the end (like "PlayerName42"), use an underscore in the middle (like "Player_Name"), or change one letter. Most players do this when their first choice is unavailable.
Do not buy accounts from third-party sites claiming to have the name you want. These are often stolen accounts, and using one can get your own account banned from Minecraft.
Troubleshooting name change problems
If your name change is not appearing in-game, try restarting the launcher or the game entirely. Close Minecraft completely, wait 10 seconds, and open it again. For Bedrock Edition, sign out of your Microsoft account in the game settings, wait a minute, and sign back in.
If the launcher says your name is invalid, check that it contains only letters, numbers, and underscores, with no spaces or special characters. Names must also be between 3 and 16 characters. If you are still getting an error, the name may contain a word Minecraft has flagged as inappropriate — try a different name.
If you changed your Microsoft account name but it is not showing in Bedrock Edition after 10 minutes, try signing out completely from the game, restarting your device, and signing back in. Microsoft account changes sometimes take longer to sync across services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name back to what it was before?
Yes, you can change your name to anything available, including a previous name. However, if someone else has claimed your old name in the meantime, you cannot use it. You can change your name as often as you want in Java Edition, but Microsoft limits how often you can change your account name in Bedrock Edition — usually once every 30 days.
Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?
Yes. In Java Edition, friends can still join your worlds and servers using your new name. In Bedrock Edition, your friends list and multiplayer connections stay the same because they are tied to your Microsoft account, not your name. Your friends will see your new name, but your relationship with them does not change.
Does changing my name affect my achievements or progress?
No. Your achievements, statistics, and progress in all your worlds stay with you. Changing your name does not reset anything or move your data. When you load a world after changing your name, all your progress is still there — only the name displayed changes.
What if I want to use a name with a space or special character?
Minecraft does not allow spaces or special characters in player names. You can only use letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). If you want a name that looks like two words, use an underscore between them instead of a space, like "Cool_Player."
Can I have different names on different servers?
No. Your player name is the same everywhere you play in that version of Minecraft. If you change your name, it changes on all servers, realms, and worlds you join. You cannot have one name on one server and a different name on another.