You can change your Minecraft username through your Microsoft account settings

Your Minecraft username is tied to your Microsoft account, not to Minecraft itself. This means you change it by logging into your Microsoft account online, not through the game launcher. The process takes about five minutes and you can do it from any web browser on any device.

You get one free username change. After that, each additional change costs 600 Minecoins — roughly $3 USD, though the price varies by region and currency. Microsoft lets you change your username as often as you want once you pay, but there is a waiting period of 30 days between changes.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Minecraft username through your Microsoft account online, not through the game launcher or the Minecraft website.
  • Your first username change is free; every change after that costs 600 Minecoins, and you must wait 30 days between changes.
  • The change takes effect immediately across all Minecraft platforms — Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, and the launcher.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after 30 days, so choose a new one you plan to keep.

How to change your username step by step

Start by going to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Minecraft profile. If you are not sure which account that is, open the Minecraft launcher, click your profile picture in the top right, and look for the email address shown there.

Once you are signed in to Microsoft account, click Your info in the left sidebar. Then click Manage your Microsoft account (or just look for a button that says Edit or Manage next to your current name). Find the section labeled Username or Gamertag — the exact wording changes depending on your region, but it is always near the top of the page.

Click the button to edit your username. Type your new username into the field. Microsoft will tell you immediately if the name is already taken or if it breaks their naming rules — usernames cannot contain spaces, must be between 3 and 16 characters, and cannot include certain symbols. Once you enter a name that works, click Next and then Confirm. The change takes effect right away.

If this is your first username change, you are done — no payment needed. If you have changed your username before, you will be asked to pay 600 Minecoins before the change goes through. You can buy Minecoins through the same account page if you do not have enough already.

What happens to your old username

Your old username does not disappear immediately. For 30 days after you change it, nobody else can claim that name — it is reserved under your account. After 30 days, the name becomes available for any other player to take. This is why you should not change your username on a whim: if you change it back later, someone else may have already claimed your original name.

Your player UUID — a unique identifier that stays the same no matter how many times you change your name — does not change. This means your worlds, skins, and achievements stay with your account. Other players will see your new name in multiplayer servers and in their friends list, but your actual account and everything in it remains the same.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This timer starts the moment your change goes through, not when you pay for it. The 30 days is a hard limit — there is no way to speed it up or remove it, even if you contact Microsoft support.

If you try to change your username before the 30 days are up, the button to edit your username will be greyed out and you will see a message telling you when you can change it next. Write down the date or set a phone reminder if you know you will want to change it again soon.

Changing your username on different Minecraft versions

The username change works the same way across all versions of Minecraft. Whether you play Java Edition on Windows, Bedrock Edition on Xbox or Nintendo Switch, or Minecraft on mobile, you change your username through your Microsoft account online. You do not need to do anything in the game itself.

The new username shows up in the launcher, in-game, and on multiplayer servers within a few minutes. If you are already logged in to the game when you change your username, you may need to restart the launcher or the game for the new name to appear, but the change is already active on Microsoft's end.

What to do if your username change is not working

If you cannot find the username edit button on your Microsoft account page, you may be looking at the wrong section. Make sure you are on the Your info page, not the Security or Billing pages. Some regions have slightly different layouts, so scroll down if you do not see it immediately.

If the name you want is taken, try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique. Microsoft does not allow spaces in usernames, but underscores work fine. If you are getting an error message that says the name violates community standards, the name contains a word or phrase that Microsoft's filter flagged — try a different variation.

If you have already changed your username and the 30-day timer has not expired, you will have to wait. There is no way around the waiting period, and support cannot override it. If you are locked out of your Microsoft account entirely, you will need to recover your account through the Microsoft account recovery page before you can change your Minecraft username.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username for free more than once?

No. You get one free username change total. Every change after that costs 600 Minecoins. Once you use your free change, you cannot get another one, so choose your second username carefully.

What if someone takes my old username after 30 days?

Once the 30-day period ends, your old username is fair game for any player to claim. If someone takes it, you cannot get it back. You can contact Microsoft support, but they will not force another player to give up a username they claimed legitimately.

Do I lose my worlds or progress if I change my username?

No. Your worlds, skins, achievements, and everything else on your account stay with you. Your player UUID does not change, so the game knows it is still you. Only your display name changes.

How long does it take for the username change to show up in the game?

The change is instant on Microsoft's end, but it may take a few minutes to show up in the launcher or in-game. If you are already playing, restart the launcher or the game to see your new name right away.

Can I change my username if I play on console?

Yes. Console players use the same Microsoft account system as PC players. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and change your username the same way. The new name will show up on your console within a few minutes.