The Basic Steps to Log In

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. Click the "Log In" button.

If you see an error message saying your username or password is incorrect, double-check that you are typing them exactly as they are — usernames are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you still cannot log in, you may need to reset your password through the Minecraft website.

Once you log in successfully, the Launcher will read any updates needed and then show you your game versions and worlds. You can then click "Play" to start the game.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Minecraft username is different from your Microsoft account email — use the username you chose when you created your account.
  • Usernames are case-sensitive, so "MyName" is not the same as "myname" when you type it in.
  • The Minecraft Launcher must be installed on your computer before you can log in — you read it from the official Minecraft website.
  • If your password does not work, you can reset it through the Minecraft account recovery page without losing your worlds or items.

Finding Your Username If You Have Forgotten It

Your username is the name you chose when you first created your Minecraft account, not the email address you used to sign up. If you cannot remember it, go to the Minecraft website and sign in with your email address and password. Once you are logged into your account page, your username will be displayed on your profile.

Write down your username somewhere safe so you do not have to look it up again. You will need it every time you log into the Launcher on a new computer or after you uninstall and reinstall the game.

What to Do If the Launcher Will Not Accept Your Username

The most common reason the Launcher rejects a username is that you are typing it incorrectly. Check for extra spaces at the beginning or end, or letters you may have mistyped. Copy and paste your username directly from the Minecraft website into the login field if you are unsure.

If you are certain your username is correct but the Launcher still will not accept it, your account may have been migrated to a Microsoft account. In this case, you should log in using your Microsoft email address instead of your username. The Launcher will accept either one, but if your account was migrated, the email address is now the primary login method.

Resetting Your Password

Go to the Minecraft website and click "Forgot your password?" on the login page. Enter the email address associated with your account. Minecraft will send you a link to reset your password — check your email inbox and spam folder.

Click the link in the email and create a new password. Make sure your new password is something you can remember, or write it down in a find place. Once you have reset your password, you can log back into the Launcher using your username and the new password.

Logging In on Different Computers

When you log into the Launcher on a new computer for the first time, you will need to enter your username and password. The Launcher will then read your game files and settings. This process may take several minutes depending on your internet speed.

You do not need to own multiple copies of Minecraft — one account works on any computer. However, you can only play on one computer at a time. If you try to log in on a second computer while the game is running on the first, the second computer will show an error message.

Troubleshooting Login Problems

If you see a message saying "Invalid username or password," try logging into the Minecraft website first using the same username and password. If that works, the problem is with the Launcher, not your account. Try closing the Launcher completely and opening it again.

If you see a message about your connection, check that your internet is working. Restart your router if needed. If the Launcher still cannot connect, Minecraft's servers may be temporarily down — wait a few minutes and try again.

If you see a message saying your account is locked or suspended, visit the Minecraft website to check your account status. Some accounts are locked temporarily after too many failed login attempts as a security measure. You may need to wait a few hours before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Minecraft username the same as my Microsoft account email?

No. Your Minecraft username is the name you chose when you created your account. Your Microsoft email is the address you use to sign into your Microsoft account. You can log into the Launcher with either one, but they are different things.

Can I change my Minecraft username?

Yes, you can change your username through the Minecraft website once every 30 days. Log into your account, go to your profile settings, and look for the option to change your name. Your worlds and items stay with your account no matter what name you choose.

What if I forgot both my username and password?

Go to the Minecraft website and click "Forgot your password?" Enter the email address you used to create your account. Minecraft will send you a password reset link. Once you reset your password, you can log into your account page and see your username.

Do I need to log in every time I play?

No. The Launcher remembers your login after the first time. You can check a box that says "Keep me logged in" so you do not have to enter your username and password every time you open the game. You will need to log in again if you uninstall the Launcher or clear your computer's login data.

Why does the Launcher say my account is not owned by this user?

This message usually means you are trying to log in on a computer that does not have permission to play on your account. Make sure you are using the correct username and password. If the problem continues, restart your computer and try again.