You can change your Minecraft username through your Microsoft account settings, and the process takes a few minutes
If you play Minecraft Java Edition or Bedrock Edition, your username is tied to your Microsoft account. To change it, you log into your Microsoft account online, find the profile settings, and update your gamertag. The change takes effect immediately in-game. You can change your username once every 30 days, and there is no cost.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you own Minecraft Java Edition or Bedrock Edition, but both routes start at the same Microsoft account page. If you have never linked your Minecraft account to a Microsoft account, you will need to do that first — Minecraft Java Edition began requiring Microsoft accounts in 2020.
Key Takeaways
- Minecraft usernames are managed through your Microsoft account, not through the game itself.
- You can change your username once every 30 days, and the new name takes effect right away in-game.
- If you own both Java and Bedrock editions, changing your Microsoft gamertag changes your name in both versions.
- Changing your username does not affect your game progress, worlds, or items — those stay with your account.
How to change your username in Minecraft Java Edition
Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with the Microsoft account you use to play Minecraft Java Edition. Once you are logged in, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner and click it. Select My Microsoft account from the dropdown menu.
On your account page, click Your info on the left side. Find the section labeled Gamertag — this is your Minecraft username. Click Manage next to it. Type your new username in the field that appears. Microsoft will tell you right away if the name is already taken or contains blocked words. Once you confirm the change, it takes effect immediately. The next time you launch Minecraft Java Edition, you will see your new name in-game.
How to change your username in Minecraft Bedrock Edition
The process is the same as Java Edition: go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, click your profile picture, select My Microsoft account, then click Your info. Find Gamertag and click Manage. Enter your new username and confirm the change.
If you play Bedrock Edition on Windows, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or mobile, your gamertag syncs across all those platforms. Changing it once updates your name everywhere you play Bedrock. Your worlds, items, and progress remain the same on each device.
What happens to your worlds and progress when you change your name
Changing your username does not affect anything you own in-game. Your worlds, items, achievements, and game progress stay with your Microsoft account. If you play on a multiplayer server or realm, other players will see your new name the next time you log in, but your inventory and builds are unchanged.
If you have given other players access to your worlds or realms, they will still have access after you change your name. The permission is tied to your account, not your username.
The 30-day waiting period between username changes
Microsoft enforces a 30-day cooldown between username changes. If you change your name today, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule applies to your entire Microsoft account, not just Minecraft — if you change your gamertag, you are using your one change for the month across all Microsoft games.
If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed, the Manage button will be grayed out and you will see a message telling you when you can change it next. There is no way to speed up this waiting period.
What to do if your desired username is taken or blocked
When you type a new username, Microsoft checks it against three things: whether someone else already has it, whether it contains words on Microsoft's blocked list, and whether it follows the naming rules (no special characters except underscores, between 3 and 20 characters). If your choice fails any of these checks, you will see an error message and cannot proceed.
If the name is taken, you will need to choose a different one. If the name is blocked, it usually means it contains profanity or a slur — try removing or replacing that part. If you are unsure why a name was blocked, you can try a variation, but Microsoft does not provide detailed explanations for blocked words.
If you have not linked your Minecraft account to Microsoft yet
Minecraft Java Edition has required a Microsoft account since June 2020. If you still have an old Mojang account, you need to migrate it to Microsoft before you can change your username. Go to minecraft.net/migrate, sign in with your Mojang account, and follow the steps to link it to a Microsoft account. Once the migration is complete, you can change your username using the steps above.
Minecraft Bedrock Edition has always used Microsoft accounts, so if you play Bedrock, your account is already linked. You can change your username right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username more than once a month?
No. Microsoft enforces a strict 30-day cooldown between changes. You can change your username once every 30 days, and there is no way to bypass this waiting period. The cooldown applies to your entire Microsoft account, not just Minecraft.
Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?
Yes. Your friends list and multiplayer connections are tied to your Microsoft account, not your username. They will see your new name the next time you play together, but you will still appear in their friends list and on any servers or realms you share.
What if I change my mind and want my old username back?
You can change your username back after 30 days have passed since your last change. However, if someone else claims your old username in the meantime, you will not be able to reclaim it. Choose your new name carefully.
Does changing my username cost anything?
No. Changing your Minecraft username through your Microsoft account is free. Microsoft does not charge for username changes.
Can I have different usernames in Java and Bedrock?
No. Both versions use the same Microsoft gamertag. If you own both Java and Bedrock editions, changing your username changes it in both games at the same time.