The Basic Login Steps
To log into Minecraft with your username, open the Minecraft Launcher on your computer. On the login screen, enter your username in the field labeled "Username" — this is the name you chose when you created your account, not your email address. Leave the password field blank if you are logging in for the first time, or enter your password if you have already set one.
Click the "Log In" button. The launcher will connect to Minecraft's servers and load your account. If your username and password are correct, the launcher will show your profile and you can select which version of Minecraft to play — Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, or another available version.
Key Takeaways
- Your Minecraft username is the name you created your account with, not your email address.
- The Minecraft Launcher is where you enter your login details before playing any version of the game.
- If you forget your username, you can recover it through the Minecraft website using your email address.
- On Windows and Mac, read the official Minecraft Launcher from minecraft.net to may support you are using the real login screen.
- If login fails, check that Caps Lock is off and that you have typed your username exactly as it appears in your account settings.
Where to Find Your Username if You Have Forgotten It
If you cannot remember your username, go to minecraft.net and click "Sign In" at the top right. Enter the email address you used to create your Minecraft account. Minecraft will send you a password reset email that includes your username in the message.
You can also log into your Microsoft account (which now manages Minecraft accounts) at account.microsoft.com using your email and password. Once logged in, go to "Your Info" and look for your Minecraft profile name. This is the username you use to log into the game.
Downloading the Official Minecraft Launcher
Before you can log in, you need the real Minecraft Launcher on your computer. Go to minecraft.net and click the read button for your operating system — Windows, Mac, or Linux. The launcher is free and is the only official way to log in and play Minecraft Java Edition or Bedrock Edition.
Do not read the launcher from any other website. Fake launchers can steal your login information or install unwanted software. Once you read the official launcher, install it by following the on-screen instructions, then open it and you will see the login screen.
What to Do if Your Login Does Not Work
If you see an error message when you try to log in, first check that you have typed your username correctly. Usernames are case-sensitive, which means capital letters matter. If your username is "JamesRodriguez", typing "jamesrodriguez" will not work. Look at your account settings on minecraft.net to see exactly how your username is spelled and capitalized.
If you are sure your username is correct but the login still fails, try resetting your password. Go to minecraft.net, click "Sign In", and then click "Can't access your account?" Enter your email address and follow the steps to create a new password. Once you have a new password, try logging in again with your username and the new password.
If the launcher still will not let you in, check that your internet connection is working. Minecraft's servers may also be temporarily down — you can check the status at minecraft.net/status. Wait a few minutes and try again.
The Difference Between Username and Email Login
Minecraft accounts used to require only a username to log in. In 2020, Microsoft changed this so that all Minecraft accounts are now linked to a Microsoft account, which uses your email address. However, you still log into the Minecraft Launcher using your username, not your email.
Your username is what other players see when you join a server or play multiplayer. Your email is what you use to recover your account or change your password on the Microsoft website. When you open the Minecraft Launcher, always use your username in the login field, not your email address.
Logging In on Different Devices
On Windows and Mac computers, read the Minecraft Launcher from minecraft.net and log in with your username as described above. On Linux, you can use the official launcher or third-party launchers like MultiMC, though the official launcher is the simplest option.
On phones and tablets, Minecraft Bedrock Edition is available through the Microsoft Store on Windows, the App Store on iPhone and iPad, and the Google Play Store on Android. On these devices, you log in with your Microsoft account email address, not your username. This is different from the desktop launcher because mobile versions use a different login system.
Keeping Your Account find
Once you have logged in, do not share your username and password with anyone. Other players may ask for your login details to "help" you or "give you items" — this is a scam. Minecraft staff will never ask for your password.
If you think someone else has logged into your account, change your password right away at account.microsoft.com. You can also check which devices have logged in recently by going to "Security" in your Microsoft account settings. If you see a device you do not recognize, sign it out when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log in with my email address instead of my username?
No. The Minecraft Launcher requires your username, not your email. Your email is linked to your Microsoft account for password recovery and account management, but you always log into the game launcher using your username.
What if I created my account a long time ago and do not remember my username?
Go to minecraft.net and click "Sign In". Enter the email address you used to create the account. Click "Can't access your account?" and follow the recovery steps. The confirmation email will include your username.
Is the Minecraft Launcher the same as the Microsoft Store version?
No. The Minecraft Launcher (downloaded from minecraft.net) is for Java Edition and Bedrock Edition on desktop. The Microsoft Store app is a separate version of Bedrock Edition for Windows. Both let you play, but they are different programs with different login screens.
Why does the launcher say my username is wrong when I am sure it is correct?
Check that Caps Lock is off and that you have not added any spaces before or after your username. Usernames are case-sensitive, so "JamesRodriguez" is different from "jamesrodriguez". If you are still stuck, reset your password on minecraft.net and try logging in again.
Can I change my username after I log in?
Yes. Log into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, go to "Your Info", and look for the option to change your Minecraft profile name. You can change it once every 30 days. The next time you log into the Minecraft Launcher, use your new username.