Change your Minecraft account name through the Microsoft account settings
To change your Minecraft account name, you log into your Microsoft account online, go to your profile settings, and update the name there. Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition both pull your display name from your Microsoft account, so changing it in one place changes it everywhere. The process takes about five minutes and takes effect immediately in-game.
You can change your name once every 30 days. If you changed it recently, you will see a countdown timer showing when you can change it again. There is no cost to change your name, and you keep all your worlds, skins, and progress.
Key Takeaways
- Your Minecraft display name comes from your Microsoft account, so you change it by logging into Microsoft's website, not through the game itself.
- You can change your name once every 30 days, and the change shows up in-game within minutes.
- If you own Minecraft Java Edition, you may also see an older launcher name that is separate from your Microsoft account name — that one cannot be changed.
- Changing your name does not affect your worlds, achievements, skins, or any other game progress.
Steps to change your name on Microsoft's website
Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email and password you use for Minecraft. Once you are logged in, look for "Your info" or "Profile" in the left menu — the exact wording varies depending on your region.
Click on your name or profile picture at the top of the page. You should see an option to edit your profile. Look for a field labeled "Name," "Display name," or "First name and last name" depending on which version of the Microsoft account page you see. Type your new name into that field. Microsoft allows letters, numbers, spaces, and some punctuation, but not special characters like @, #, or &.
Click "Save" or "Update" at the bottom of the form. The page will confirm the change went through. Close the browser tab or log out. The next time you launch Minecraft and connect to the internet, your new name will appear in-game.
What happens if you changed your name recently
Microsoft enforces a 30-day waiting period between name changes. If you try to change your name and see a message saying you cannot, look for a timer on the same page showing when you will be able to change it again. This timer counts down in real time, so you can check back when it reaches zero.
The 30-day period starts from the date of your last name change, not from when you first created your account. If you changed your name six months ago, you can change it again right now. If you changed it three weeks ago, you have about ten days left to wait.
The difference between your Microsoft name and your Java launcher name
If you own Minecraft Java Edition, you may see two different names associated with your account. Your Microsoft account name is what appears in-game and is what you just changed. Your launcher name is an older identifier that was used before Minecraft moved to Microsoft accounts, and it cannot be changed.
The launcher name only matters if you are troubleshooting technical problems or looking at very old account documentation. In the game itself, in multiplayer servers, and in the Minecraft Launcher window, you will see your Microsoft account name. You do not need to do anything about the launcher name.
Name changes in Bedrock Edition and Realms
Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile) uses the same Microsoft account name as Java Edition. Change your name once, and it changes everywhere. If you play on Realms, your new name will show up to other players the next time you log in.
If you play on a private Bedrock world or a server, other players will see your new name immediately if they are online when you change it. If they are offline, they will see the new name the next time they log in. Your old name will not appear anywhere in-game after the change takes effect.
What does not change when you update your name
Your worlds, survival progress, creative builds, and all your achievements stay exactly as they are. Changing your name does not reset anything or delete anything. Your skins, capes, and cosmetics remain attached to your account. If you have purchased Minecraft Realms, your subscription continues without interruption.
On multiplayer servers, your player data (inventory, location, permissions) stays tied to your account. Server owners see the name change, but your progress on that server does not reset. If you were banned from a server, changing your name does not lift the ban — bans are tied to your account ID, not your display name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Minecraft name more than once every 30 days?
No. Microsoft enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes. You can see exactly when you will be able to change it again by visiting your Microsoft account profile page — a countdown timer appears if you recently changed your name.
Will my friends still see my old name after I change it?
No. Your new name shows up to everyone immediately once the change takes effect. Friends who were playing with you will see the name change the next time they log in or rejoin a world.
What if I cannot find the name field on my Microsoft account page?
Microsoft's account page layout varies by region and browser. Try clicking your profile picture or avatar at the top of the page, then look for "Edit profile" or "Manage account." If you still cannot find it, try a different browser or clear your browser cache and log in again.
Can I change my name back to what it was before?
Yes, but you have to wait 30 days between changes. If you changed your name and want to revert it, you can change it back once the 30-day period is over. You will need to wait another 30 days after that if you want to change it again.
Does changing my name affect my Minecraft account security?
No. Your account security is tied to your email address and password, not your display name. Changing your name does not log you out, require a new password, or affect two-factor authentication if you have it set up.