Changing your Mojang username through your Microsoft account

Your Mojang username is the name other players see in Minecraft multiplayer. To change it, you log into your Microsoft account (the account linked to your Minecraft game), go to your profile settings, and update the name there. Microsoft took over Mojang accounts in 2020, so the process now runs through Microsoft's system rather than a separate Mojang page.

The change takes effect when ready in Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition. Other players will see your new name the next time you join a server or realm. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Minecraft username by signing into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, not through the Minecraft launcher.
  • The name change is free and can be done once every 30 days if you want to change it again later.
  • Your new username appears to other players when ready, but your old name stays reserved for 30 days before anyone else can use it.
  • If you play on servers or realms, the name change syncs across all of them automatically.

Step-by-step: changing your username on Microsoft account

Start by going to account.microsoft.com in your web browser. Sign in with the email address and password you use for Minecraft. Once you are logged in, look for "Your info" or "Profile" in the left menu — the exact wording depends on whether you are on the new or older version of Microsoft's account page.

Click on "Manage your Microsoft account" or "Edit profile". You should see a field labeled "Minecraft profile name" or "Gamertag". Click the edit button next to it (usually a pencil icon). Type your new username — it can be 3 to 16 characters, letters and numbers only, no spaces or special characters. Click "Save" or "Confirm". The system will tell you if the name is already taken or breaks the naming rules.

Once you see a confirmation message, the change is complete. You do not need to restart Minecraft or log out and back in, though closing and reopening the launcher can speed up when the new name appears.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, Mojang holds your old name for 30 days. During that time, no one else can claim it. After 30 days, the old name becomes available in the pool for other players to use. This grace period exists so that if you change your mind or made a mistake, you can change back to your old name within the month without losing it to someone else.

Your old username does not appear anywhere in your account history or profile after the change. Other players who knew your old name will see your new name when you join their server or realm.

Changing your username on Java Edition versus Bedrock Edition

Both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition use the same Microsoft account system, so changing your username in your Microsoft account changes it in both versions at the same time. You do not need to change it separately for each edition.

If you play on a private server or realm that stores player data locally, the server owner might see your old username in old logs or saved data. The server itself will recognize your new username for new activity, but historical records may not update automatically.

If your username change is not showing up

Sometimes the Minecraft launcher caches your old username and does not refresh when ready. Close the launcher completely (not just minimize it) and open it again. Sign out and sign back in if the name still shows as old. Clear your browser cache if you are checking your profile on the Minecraft website.

If you changed your username but the change did not go through, go back to account.microsoft.com and check whether the edit actually saved. The system should show a green checkmark or confirmation message. If you see an error message instead, the name may have been taken by someone else in the seconds between when you typed it and when you clicked save — try a different name.

Changing your username more than once

You can change your username once every 30 days. If you want to change it again, you have to wait until 30 days have passed since your last change. Microsoft enforces this limit to prevent people from rapidly cycling through names and confusing other players about who they are playing with.

If you change your mind within the 30-day window, you can change back to your previous username without waiting, as long as no one else has claimed it. After 30 days, your old name enters the public pool and you can no longer reclaim it for free — you would have to wait for someone else to stop using it, which is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username does not affect your password or your account security. You log in with your email address and password, not your username.

Will my skins and worlds transfer to my new username?

Yes. Your skins, worlds, and all other game data stay with your Microsoft account. The username is just the display name — everything else follows you automatically.

Can I change my username if I have not played in a long time?

Yes, as long as your Microsoft account still exists and you can log in. Inactive accounts do not lose the ability to change their username. You can change it whenever you return to the game.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Usernames are first-come, first-served. If someone else is using the name you want, you cannot have it unless they change their username and the 30-day hold expires. Try a variation — adding a number, underscore, or different spelling.

Does changing my username affect my Minecraft account security?

No. Your username is public and visible to other players. Your password and email address are what protect your account. Changing your username does not weaken or strengthen your security.