Where to change your name depends on which version you play

If you play Java Edition on a computer, you change your name through the Minecraft launcher before you start the game. If you play Bedrock Edition — the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or mobile — you change your name through your Microsoft account settings, and the change takes effect across all Bedrock devices you own. The steps are different because Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are separate products with separate account systems.

Your name change takes effect immediately in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, it can take a few minutes to sync across your devices. If you play on a server or realm, other players will see your new name the next time you log in.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players change their name in the Minecraft launcher under the Skins section, and the change is instant.
  • Bedrock Edition players change their name in their Microsoft account settings at account.microsoft.com, not in the game itself.
  • You can change your name as often as you want in Java Edition, but Bedrock Edition may have a cooldown period between changes depending on your account type.
  • Other players on servers and realms will see your new name after you log out and log back in.
  • Changing your name does not affect your game progress, inventory, or achievements.

Changing your name in Java Edition

Open the Minecraft launcher on your computer. Click the account icon in the top right corner (it looks like a person's head). Select "Skins" from the menu that appears. You will see a text box with your current name. Click in the box, delete the old name, and type your new name. Click the checkmark or press Enter to save.

The name change is instant. The next time you start a world or join a server, other players will see your new name. There is no cooldown — you can change your name again whenever you want. Your old name becomes available for other players to use immediately.

Changing your name in Bedrock Edition

Go to account.microsoft.com in a web browser and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Bedrock game. Click "Your info" or "Profile" in the left menu. Look for "Gamertag" or "Display name" — this is what other players see in Bedrock games. Click "Edit" next to it, type your new name, and click "Save" or "Done".

The change syncs to your game within a few minutes. If you are already in a game, you may need to restart the game or log out and log back in to see the change take effect. Your new name will appear on all Bedrock devices linked to that Microsoft account — Windows, Xbox, Switch, PlayStation, and mobile.

Microsoft accounts sometimes have a cooldown between name changes, usually 30 days. If you see a message saying you cannot change your name yet, you will need to wait until the cooldown expires. This restriction does not apply to Java Edition.

What happens to your progress when you change your name

Your worlds, inventory, achievements, and all game progress stay exactly the same. Changing your name is only a cosmetic change — it does not reset anything or affect how the game plays. If you have built structures, collected items, or earned achievements, they remain yours under your new name.

On servers and realms, your account history stays linked to you. Server owners and other players may still recognize you by your previous name if they knew you before the change, but the game itself shows only your new name in chat and above your character.

Changing your name on servers and realms

You do not need to do anything special on the server or realm side. Your name change takes effect the next time you log in. If you are currently playing on a server or realm when you change your name, log out completely and log back in. The server will then show your new name in the player list and in chat.

If you own a realm or server, you do not need to update any settings or whitelists. The system recognizes you by your account, not by your name, so your access and permissions do not change. Other players on the realm or server will simply see your new name the next time you appear.

If your desired name is already taken

In Java Edition, if someone else is using the name you want, you cannot use it. The launcher will show an error message. You will need to choose a different name. Names in Java Edition are first-come, first-served — once someone claims a name, it is theirs until they change it.

In Bedrock Edition, the name you choose must be unique across the entire Bedrock network. If the name is taken, Microsoft will tell you and suggest alternatives. You can try a slightly different spelling, add numbers, or use underscores to create a unique version of the name you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

Yes. In Java Edition, you can change your name as many times as you want with no cooldown. In Bedrock Edition, you may have to wait 30 days between changes depending on your account type. If the old name is still available, you can reclaim it.

Will my friends still see me on their friends list after I change my name?

Yes. Your account stays the same — only your display name changes. Friends will still see you in their friends list, and you will still see them in yours. Your friendship is tied to your account, not your name.

What if I change my name and then want to change it again right away?

In Java Edition, you can change it immediately. In Bedrock Edition, Microsoft enforces a 30-day cooldown between changes on most accounts. If you try to change before the cooldown expires, you will see a message telling you when you can change again.

Does changing my name affect my Minecraft skin?

No. Your skin is separate from your name. Changing your name does not change your skin, and changing your skin does not change your name. You can update either one independently.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my name?

In Java Edition, names can contain letters, numbers, and underscores only — no spaces or special characters. In Bedrock Edition, the rules are similar: letters, numbers, and underscores are allowed, but spaces and most special characters are not. Both versions will reject a name if it contains characters they do not support.