Minecraft username changes cost $8 USD through the official launcher, and you can change it once every 30 days

Minecraft charges a flat fee of $8 to change your username through the official Minecraft launcher. This is a one-time cost per change, not a subscription. You can change your username as often as you want, but there is a 30-day waiting period between changes — so if you change your name today, you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed.

This fee applies only to Java Edition, the version you read and run on Windows, Mac, or Linux. If you play Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile), you cannot change your username through Minecraft itself. Bedrock usernames are tied to your Microsoft account, so you would change your display name in your Microsoft account settings instead, which is free.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition charges $8 per username change through the official launcher, with a 30-day waiting period between changes.
  • Bedrock Edition does not charge a fee because usernames are part of your free Microsoft account and can be changed in account settings.
  • The $8 fee is non-refundable once the name change is processed, even if you change your mind within minutes.
  • You must own the account and be logged into the official Minecraft launcher to initiate a paid name change.
  • Third-party sites that claim to change your username for free or cheaper are not legitimate and may compromise your account security.

How to change your Java Edition username and pay the fee

Open the official Minecraft launcher and log into your account. Click on your username or profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Change Name" or "Preferences" (the exact wording varies by launcher version). You will be taken to the Minecraft website, where you can enter your new username and review the $8 charge.

Before you confirm, check that your new name is not already taken. Minecraft usernames are unique — only one person can have any given name at a time. The launcher will tell you if your chosen name is unavailable before you pay. Once you confirm and complete the payment, the change is when ready and cannot be undone. You will need to log back into the launcher with your new username.

Why Minecraft charges for name changes

The $8 fee exists partly to prevent spam and account takeovers. If name changes were free and when ready, someone who gained temporary access to your account could change your username and make it harder for you to prove ownership. The fee and the 30-day cooldown slow down attackers and give you time to notice and report unauthorized changes.

The fee also covers the cost of updating Minecraft's servers and databases every time a name changes. Millions of players have accounts, and each name change requires the company to update records, authentication systems, and player data across multiple servers. Mojang Studios (owned by Microsoft) uses the fee to offset that infrastructure cost.

What happens if you share your account or sell it

If you sell your Minecraft account to someone else, the new owner can change the username for $8 once they log in. However, selling Minecraft accounts violates the game's terms of service. Microsoft can and does ban accounts that are bought and sold, especially if the original owner reports the account as stolen or compromised.

If you want to give your account to someone else — such as a family member — the safer route is to change the email address and password associated with the account, then transfer ownership through your Microsoft account settings. This keeps the transaction within the terms of service and prevents disputes later.

Free alternatives if you do not want to pay

If you do not want to pay $8, you can create a new Java Edition account for free. You will start with a fresh username and no progress, but there is no charge. Many players do this when they want a completely different identity or when they want to keep their old account name for sentimental reasons.

You can also change your display name in the Minecraft launcher without paying. This is different from your username — it is what other players see in chat and on servers. The display name change is free and when ready. However, your actual username (the one tied to your account and used for login) remains the same, and some servers and mods still show your username instead of your display name.

Beware of free username-change websites

Several websites claim to change your Minecraft username for free or for less than $8. These are not legitimate. They either ask you to log in with your account credentials (which gives them access to your account), ask you to pay through an unofficial payment method, or straightforward do not work at all.

If you enter your username and password on one of these sites, assume your account has been compromised. Change your password when ready through the official Microsoft account website, enable two-factor authentication, and check your account activity for unauthorized logins. Do not trust any tool that is not hosted on minecraft.net or launcher.minecraft.net.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username for free if I have never changed it before?

No. The $8 fee applies to every username change, whether it is your first or your tenth. There is no free first change or promotional period. The only exception is if you are changing your display name in the launcher, which is free, but that does not change your actual username.

What if I change my mind right after paying?

The $8 charge is non-refundable once processed. If you change your username and when ready regret it, you can change it back to your old name after 30 days, but you will have to pay another $8. Plan your new username carefully before you confirm the payment.

Do I have to use the official launcher to change my username?

Yes. You must use the official Minecraft launcher or the Minecraft website to change your Java Edition username and pay the fee. Third-party launchers cannot process official name changes. If a third-party tool claims to change your name, it is not legitimate.

If I play on multiple platforms, do I need to pay for each one?

If you play Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, you only pay for Java. Bedrock usernames are tied to your Microsoft account and can be changed for free in your account settings. Java Edition is the only version that charges the $8 fee.

Can someone else change my username if they know my password?

Yes, which is why two-factor authentication matters. If someone gains access to your account, they can change your username and lock you out. Enable two-factor authentication on your Microsoft account to require a phone or authenticator app code when someone tries to log in from a new device.