You can change your Minecraft username once every 30 days

Minecraft enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. This means if you changed your name today, you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed. The timer resets each time you make a change, so the next change becomes available exactly 30 days after your previous one went through.

This limit applies whether you play Java Edition or Bedrock Edition, though the process for changing your name differs between the two versions. The 30-day rule has been in place since Mojang introduced the username change feature in 2015, and it has not changed since then.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Minecraft username once every 30 days, measured from the date your last change took effect.
  • Java Edition players change their name through the Minecraft launcher on the official website, while Bedrock players use the Xbox app or console settings.
  • The 30-day timer starts when your change is confirmed, not when you request it, so the change is when ready but the next one is locked for a full month.
  • If you change your mind within seconds of making a change, you cannot undo it — you have to wait the full 30 days and change it again.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game progress, worlds, or inventory on either edition.

Why Minecraft enforces the 30-day limit

The 30-day waiting period exists to prevent account takeovers and impersonation. If someone gains temporary access to your account, the delay makes it harder for them to change your name and then lock you out by changing the password. It also reduces the risk of someone impersonating a popular player by rapidly cycling through similar usernames.

The limit also reduces server and community confusion. On multiplayer servers, players build reputations and relationships tied to their username. If the same person could change their name every day, server moderators and other players would have no way to track who is who, making it easier for someone to evade bans or cause trouble under a new identity.

How to change your username in Java Edition

Go to minecraft.net and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Profile." Under the "Name" section, you will see your current username and a button labeled "Change." Click it, type your new name, and confirm. The change takes effect when ready, and your 30-day timer begins.

Your new username must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces and special characters are not allowed. If the name you want is already taken, Minecraft will tell you and you will need to choose something else. Once you confirm the change, it cannot be undone — you have to wait 30 days and change it again if you made a mistake.

How to change your username in Bedrock Edition

On Windows 10 or 11, open the Xbox app, sign in, and go to your profile. Select "Customize profile" and then "Gamertag." Enter your new name and confirm. On Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox, go to your system settings, find the account or profile section, and change your gamertag there. Bedrock Edition uses your Xbox gamertag as your in-game name, so changing one changes the other.

The same 30-day rule applies to Bedrock. Your new gamertag takes effect when ready across all Bedrock platforms where you play, including Realms and multiplayer servers. Like Java Edition, you cannot undo the change — you have to wait 30 days if you want to switch back or try something different.

What happens to your worlds and progress when you change your name

Your game worlds, inventory, achievements, and all saved progress stay exactly the same. Changing your username is purely cosmetic — it only changes what other players see when you join a server or what appears above your character in the game world. Your local worlds, your Realms subscription, and your Microsoft account remain linked to you, not to the old username.

On multiplayer servers, some servers track players by their UUID (a unique identifier assigned to your account), not by username. This means your playtime, rank, and permissions on those servers do not reset when you change your name. Other servers may track by username, in which case you might lose your rank or playtime — this depends entirely on how the server is set up, and you should ask the server owner if you are unsure.

What to do if you change your mind right after changing your name

If you realize your new username is a mistake seconds after confirming it, you cannot undo the change. You have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it again. There is no "undo" button or customer service option to reverse a recent change — once it is confirmed, it is locked in.

To avoid this, take a moment to think through your new name before you click confirm. Make sure it is spelled the way you want it, that you are happy with it, and that it is not something you will regret in a week. If you are unsure, wait a day or two before making the change.

Can you change your username more than once if you wait longer than 30 days

Yes. The 30-day limit is a minimum waiting period, not a maximum. You can change your username again 30 days after your last change, and then again 30 days after that, as many times as you want. There is no cap on the total number of changes you can make over your account's lifetime — only the 30-day spacing between each one.

Some players change their username every few months to match seasonal themes or inside jokes with their friends. Others keep the same name for years. The choice is entirely yours, as long as you respect the 30-day timer between changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have not played in a while?

Yes. The 30-day timer only applies to your previous username change, not to how long it has been since you last played. If you have not logged in for a year but your last username change was 40 days ago, you can change your name right now.

What if someone else takes the username I want after I change mine?

Usernames become available for anyone to claim once you change away from them. If you change to a new name and then want to switch back 30 days later, someone else might have claimed your old name in the meantime. You cannot reserve a username or put it on hold.

Does changing my username affect my Minecraft Realms subscription?

No. Your Realms subscription is tied to your Microsoft account, not your username. Changing your name does not cancel your subscription or affect which Realms you own or have access to. Other players will see your new name when they join your Realm, but nothing else changes.

Can I change my username on a server I play on?

You change your username through Minecraft itself, not through the server. Once you change it in the launcher or Xbox app, your new name appears on that server the next time you log in. Some servers may need to restart to update their player list, but the change is automatic.

What if my username contains a banned word after a policy update?

Minecraft does not retroactively force you to change a username that was allowed when you created it. However, if you change your username voluntarily and then try to change it again, Minecraft will not let you choose a name that violates current content policies. If your current name becomes restricted, you can contact Minecraft support to discuss your options.