The Basic Login Steps

Open the Minecraft Launcher on your computer. On the login screen, you will see two fields: one for your username or email, and one for your password. Type your Minecraft username (not your Microsoft account email) into the first field, then enter your password in the second field and click "Log In".

If you created your account before Microsoft bought Minecraft in 2014, you may still have a username-only account. These accounts use just your chosen username and password. If you created your account after 2020, your account is a Microsoft account, and you will need to use your Microsoft email address instead of a username — even if you set a username in your profile.

The launcher will show a loading bar while it checks your credentials. Once you are logged in, you can select which version of Minecraft you want to play (Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, or Launcher) and click "Play".

Key Takeaways

  • Username-only accounts (created before 2020) log in with a username and password directly in the Minecraft Launcher.
  • Microsoft accounts (created after 2020) require you to log in with your Microsoft email address, not a username, even if you have a username set in your profile.
  • If you forget your password, click "Forgot your password?" on the login screen to reset it through email.
  • The launcher stores your login information by default, so you only need to enter it once per device unless you choose to log out.

Telling the Difference Between Account Types

The easiest way to know which type of account you have is to check when you created it. If you made your Minecraft account before November 2020, it is a username-only account. If you made it after that date, it is a Microsoft account.

You can also visit the Minecraft website and look at your account settings. If your login name is a string of numbers and letters that looks like an email address (such as abc123@outlook.com), you have a Microsoft account. If it is a short word or phrase you chose yourself, you have a username-only account.

What to Do If You Forgot Your Password

On the Minecraft Launcher login screen, click the "Forgot your password?" link below the password field. You will be taken to a page where you enter the username or email associated with your account. Minecraft will send a password reset link to the email address on file.

Check your email inbox and spam folder for a message from Minecraft or Microsoft. Click the reset link in that email, create a new password, and return to the launcher to log in with your new password. If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, double-check that you entered the correct username or email address.

Why the Launcher Asks for Your Password Each Time

By default, the Minecraft Launcher remembers your login and keeps you signed in across sessions. If you are being asked to enter your password every time you open the launcher, it usually means you unchecked the "Remember me" box during login, or your browser or operating system cleared the launcher's stored data.

To stay logged in, make sure the "Remember me" checkbox is selected when you enter your credentials. If you are on a shared computer or device, you may want to leave this unchecked for security reasons — that way, only you can access your account from that device without entering your password again.

Logging In on Different Devices

Your Minecraft username and password work on any device where you install the Minecraft Launcher. Log in the same way on a second computer, tablet, or laptop: enter your username (or Microsoft email) and password, and the launcher will authenticate your account.

You can be logged into the launcher on multiple devices at the same time, but you can only play the game on one device at a time with the same account. If you try to start a game on a second device while already playing on a first, the game on the first device will close.

Troubleshooting Login Problems

If the launcher says "Invalid username or password," double-check that you are typing your credentials correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure Caps Lock is off unless you intentionally set your password with capital letters. If you are certain your password is correct, use the "Forgot your password?" link to reset it.

If the launcher says "Cannot connect to the authentication server," your internet connection may be down, or Minecraft's servers may be temporarily unavailable. Wait a few minutes and try again. You can check the status of Minecraft servers on the official Minecraft status page.

If you are using a Microsoft account and the launcher opens a web browser to log in instead of showing a username field, this is normal. Enter your Microsoft email and password in the browser window, and the launcher will complete the login process automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Minecraft username after I create my account?

Yes. Visit the Minecraft website, log in with your account, and go to your profile settings. You can change your username once every 30 days. The change takes effect when ready, but you still log in with your old username in the launcher until the next time you restart it.

What if I have both a username and a Microsoft account?

If you migrated an old username-only account to a Microsoft account, you now log in with your Microsoft email address, not your old username. The old username is still visible in your profile, but it is no longer used for login.

Is it safe to save my password in the launcher?

It is reasonably safe if you are the only person who uses your computer. If others have access to your device, uncheck "Remember me" so they cannot launch the game under your account without entering your password.

Why does the launcher ask me to log in to Microsoft instead of Minecraft?

All Minecraft accounts are now tied to Microsoft accounts. When you log in, you are authenticating through Microsoft's servers, even if you have an older username-only account. This is normal and does not change how you play the game.