You can change your Minecraft Java Edition username once every 30 days through your Microsoft account

If you play Minecraft Java 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 the name there. The change takes effect immediately in the game. You can do this once every 30 days — if you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, the system will tell you when you can change it next.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile) uses your Microsoft account gamertag instead. Changing your gamertag changes how you appear in all Microsoft games and services, not just Minecraft. This also has a 30-day waiting period between changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition usernames are changed through your Microsoft account settings at account.microsoft.com, and the change appears in-game within minutes.
  • Bedrock Edition uses your Microsoft gamertag, which affects your name across all Microsoft services, not only Minecraft.
  • Both versions enforce a 30-day waiting period between name changes to prevent abuse.
  • If you forget which version you own, check your game launcher — Java Edition uses the Minecraft Launcher, while Bedrock is in the Microsoft Store or Xbox app.

Changing your name in Minecraft Java Edition

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with the Microsoft account you use for Minecraft. Click on your profile picture or name in the top right corner, then select View profile or Account settings (the exact wording varies depending on your region).

Look for a section called Minecraft profile or Gaming profile. You should see your current username displayed there. Click the button to edit or change your username — it may say Change name, Edit profile, or Manage profile. Type your new username in the text field. Minecraft usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Click Save or Confirm.

The new name appears in your game within a few minutes. If you see an error message saying you cannot change your name yet, you have changed it within the last 30 days. The system will show you the exact date you can change it again.

Changing your gamertag in Minecraft Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition does not have a separate username setting. Instead, it uses your Microsoft gamertag — the name that appears across your entire Microsoft account, including Xbox, Game Pass, and other Microsoft games. When you change your gamertag, it changes everywhere.

Go to account.xbox.com and sign in. Click on your profile picture, then select Customize profile. Find the Gamertag section and click Change gamertag. Type your new name and click Check availability to make sure no one else is using it. If it is available, click Save. The change takes effect immediately in Minecraft Bedrock and all other Microsoft services.

Changing your gamertag costs nothing the first time, but Microsoft charges a small fee (usually a few dollars) for each change after that. You also have a 30-day waiting period between changes.

What happens to your old username

When you change your Java Edition username, your old name becomes available for someone else to use after a short delay. Any items, skins, or capes you had linked to your old name stay with your account — they follow your new username automatically.

If you had a single-player world or server saved under your old username, the world itself does not disappear. However, some servers or mods that track players by username may not recognize you until you rejoin and the server updates its records. This is rare in modern servers, but it can happen on older or custom setups.

If you cannot find the username change option

The most common reason the option is hidden is that your account is a child account or has parental controls enabled. Child accounts on Microsoft have restricted settings, and username changes may be blocked. If this is your account, ask the parent or guardian who set up the account to change the username for you, or to adjust the parental controls to allow it.

Another reason is that you may be looking in the wrong place. Double-check that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account — the one you actually use to launch Minecraft. Some people have multiple Microsoft accounts and accidentally sign into the wrong one. You can verify which account owns your game by opening the Minecraft Launcher, clicking on your profile picture, and checking which email address is listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. Both Java and Bedrock editions enforce a strict 30-day waiting period between changes. If you try to change your name before 30 days have passed, the system will show you the exact date you can change it next. There is no way to bypass this limit.

Will my friends still see me after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list and multiplayer history stay the same. Your friends will see your new username the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. On servers, your account history and any builds you made remain tied to your account.

What if my new username is already taken?

Java Edition will tell you the name is unavailable and ask you to choose a different one. Bedrock Edition has a Check availability button that shows whether the gamertag is free before you commit to the change. If it is taken, pick a different name and try again.

Do I need to buy Minecraft again if I change my username?

No. Your game license stays with your Microsoft account regardless of what username you choose. Changing your name does not affect your ownership of the game or any content you have purchased.

Can I change my username on console versions like Nintendo Switch or PlayStation?

On Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, you cannot change your Minecraft username directly. Your in-game name is tied to your console account username. To change how you appear in Minecraft on these platforms, you would need to change your console account name through your Nintendo or PlayStation settings, which affects your entire console, not just Minecraft.