Yes, you can change your Minecraft username, but the process and rules depend on which account type you own

If you play Minecraft through a Microsoft account (created after November 2020, or migrated from Mojang), you can change your username for free once every 30 days. If you own a Mojang account (the older standalone account type), you can change your username once, ever — after that, the name is locked to your account permanently.

The change takes effect when ready in-game and on your profile, though it may take a few minutes to update across all Minecraft servers and the launcher. Other players will see your new name right away, but their friends lists may show the old name for a short time.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft account holders can change their username once every 30 days at no cost through the Microsoft account website.
  • Mojang account holders get one free username change ever; after that, the name cannot be changed.
  • The username change is when ready in-game but may take a few minutes to sync across servers and the launcher.
  • Your UUID (the permanent identifier behind your account) never changes, so your world saves, achievements, and friends list stay with you.

How to change your username on a Microsoft account

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your email and password. Click your profile picture or name in the top right corner, then select "View profile" or "Manage your Microsoft account." Look for a section called "Your info" or "Profile" — the exact wording varies depending on your region.

Find the field that says "Minecraft username" or "Gamertag" and click "Edit" or "Change." Type your new username (it must be between 3 and 16 characters, contain only letters, numbers, and underscores, and not be already taken). Click "Save" or "Confirm." The change is live when ready.

If you see a message saying you must wait before changing again, you have already changed your name within the last 30 days. The system will tell you the exact date you can change again.

How to change your username on a Mojang account

Go to account.mojang.com and sign in. Click "Change" next to your username. Enter your new name (same rules: 3 to 16 characters, letters, numbers, and underscores only, not already taken). Click "Change name" to confirm.

This change is permanent and cannot be undone. Once you use your one free change, your username is locked. If you want a different name after that, you must create a new account and start over — your worlds, skins, and progress do not transfer.

What happens to your account when you change your username

Your UUID — the unique identifier that Minecraft uses to track your account — stays exactly the same. This means your worlds, achievements, skins, and all your game progress remain attached to your account. Friends who have you on their list will still see you as a friend, though their client may take a few minutes to update your new name in their friends list.

On multiplayer servers, your new name appears when ready to other players. However, some servers keep old player data tied to your old username; if you played on a server before changing your name, the server owner may need to manually update their records if you want your old progress restored on that server.

Why you might not be able to change your username

If you own a Mojang account and have already changed your username once, you cannot change it again. The system does not allow a second change under any circumstances. Your only option is to create a new Microsoft account and purchase Minecraft again on that account.

If you own a Microsoft account and see an error when trying to change your name, the username you chose may already be taken. Try a different combination of letters, numbers, and underscores. If the change button does not appear at all, you may be signed into a child account; parental controls may prevent username changes. Ask the account owner (usually a parent or guardian) to adjust the privacy settings.

The difference between Mojang and Microsoft accounts

Mojang accounts are the original Minecraft account type. They are no longer sold; if you bought Minecraft before November 2020, you likely own a Mojang account. Microsoft accounts are the current standard. If you bought Minecraft after November 2020, or if you migrated an old Mojang account to Microsoft (which was required by 2022), you own a Microsoft account.

To check which type you own, go to minecraft.net and sign in. If you sign in with an email address and password, you have a Microsoft account. If you sign in with a username and password, you have a Mojang account. The account type determines how many times you can change your username and whether you can change it at all after the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, if you have not used your free change yet (on a Mojang account) or if you are on a Microsoft account with the 30-day window available. straightforward follow the change process and enter your old username. If someone else has claimed that name in the meantime, you cannot use it.

What if the username I want is already taken?

You cannot use a name that another player has claimed. Try adding a number or underscore to make it unique — for example, "PlayerName_1" or "PlayerName2". The system will tell you when ready if a name is unavailable.

Does changing my username affect my Minecraft Java and Bedrock versions?

If you own both versions under the same Microsoft account, changing your username changes it for both. If you own them under separate accounts, each account has its own username. Check which account you used to purchase each version.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

The change is when ready in-game and on your profile. Servers and other players' clients may take a few minutes to sync the new name, but this is usually under five minutes. If a server still shows your old name after an hour, contact the server owner.

Can I change my username if I have a banned account?

If your account is banned from multiplayer, you can still change your username through your account settings. The ban follows your UUID, not your username, so changing your name does not lift the ban. The ban applies to your account permanently.