How to Change Your Minecraft Username
May 18, 2025
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Changing your Minecraft username can be a refreshing way to express your evolving in-game identity. Whether you're switching to a new alias or correcting a typo, it's essential to understand the process, especially since it varies between Minecraft editions and platforms. This guide provides detailed, up-to-date instructions to help you navigate the username change process in 2025.
Understanding Minecraft Editions and Username Systems
Minecraft operates on two primary editions:
Java Edition: Available on PC, Mac, and Linux.
Bedrock Edition: Available on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Windows 10/11, and mobile devices.
Username Systems:
Java Edition: Your in-game name is tied to your Minecraft account.
Bedrock Edition: Your in-game name is linked to your Xbox Gamertag or PlayStation Network ID.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial, as the method to change your username differs based on the edition and platform you're using.
How to Change Your Minecraft Username in Java Edition
Changing your Minecraft username in the Java Edition is quick and easy, but it's important to follow each step carefully to ensure the update is successful. Below is a fully expanded and beginner-friendly walkthrough for 2025.
1. Log In to Your Microsoft Account
To begin, visit the official Minecraft website in your web browser. Minecraft Java Edition is now fully integrated with Microsoft accounts, so you’ll need to sign in using your Microsoft credentials.
If you originally used a Mojang account, ensure it has been migrated to Microsoft (this was a mandatory change implemented by Mojang/Microsoft starting in 2021).
If you're unsure which Microsoft account is linked to your Minecraft purchase, search your email for a confirmation message from Mojang or Microsoft to find the correct login.
Tip: Always log in using the email address associated with your Minecraft Java Edition purchase to avoid errors or missing profile options.
2. Access Your Minecraft Profile Settings
Once logged in:
Navigate to the top-right corner of the screen.
Click on your profile icon or username.
From the dropdown menu, select “Profile” or go directly to minecraft.net/profile.
This will take you to the Profile Settings page, where you can manage your account details, including your username, skin, and email preferences.
3. Locate the Minecraft Java Edition Section
Scroll down until you see a section titled "Minecraft: Java Edition". Here, you'll see the current profile name (your current in-game username) and possibly a history of past usernames if you’ve changed it before.
Click the “Change” or “Edit” button next to your profile name.
This opens the username change screen.
4. Enter Your Desired Minecraft Username
Now it's time to choose your new in-game identity. Keep the following Minecraft username rules in mind:
Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters.
Only letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), and underscores (_) are allowed.
Spaces, special symbols, and capital letters other than the first are not permitted.
Offensive or inappropriate usernames will be blocked automatically or may result in account moderation.
Think carefully before picking a new name—this is how other players will recognize you on multiplayer servers, in Minecraft Realms, and across the Java Edition ecosystem.
Pro Tip: Use a username checker tool or name availability search (like NameMC.com) to brainstorm and verify availability before logging in.
5. Check Username Availability
After entering your desired username:
Click the “Check Availability” button.
If the name is already taken, you’ll see a message indicating that the username is unavailable. Try a variation or a more unique name.
If the name is available, a confirmation button will appear.
6. Confirm the Username Change
Once you’ve selected an available name:
Click “Change Profile Name” to finalize the process.
You may be asked to re-enter your Microsoft account password for security verification.
You’ll receive a confirmation message on-screen, and your new username will take effect immediately.
Important Reminder: You can only change your Minecraft Java Edition username once every 30 days. After confirming, you’ll be locked into that username for at least a month, so make sure you’re happy with your choice.
What Happens After You Change Your Username?
Multiplayer servers: Your new name will appear the next time you log in.
Friends and whitelists: Some servers use your UUID (Universal Unique Identifier), so you won't lose access. However, if a server relies on usernames, you may need to request re-addition.
Your old username becomes available for other players after 37 days (30-day lockout + 7-day cooldown), so think twice before switching if you plan to revert later.
How to Change Your Minecraft Username in Bedrock Edition
Unlike the Java Edition, Minecraft Bedrock Edition usernames are directly tied to your platform’s account identity. That means your in-game Minecraft name is determined by your:
Xbox Gamertag (on Xbox, Windows 10/11, mobile, and some cross-platform devices)
PlayStation Online ID (on PS4 and PS5)
Nintendo Account Nickname (on Nintendo Switch)
Here’s how to change your Minecraft username on each of these platforms in 2025:
Xbox (Gamertag-Based Username)
For players on Xbox consoles, Windows 10/11, and mobile devices using a Microsoft account:
1. Sign In to Xbox.com
Open your browser and go to Xbox.com.
Click “Sign In” at the top-right corner.
Use the Microsoft account that you use to log into Minecraft.
2. Access Your Xbox Profile
After logging in, click your profile icon in the upper-right.
Select “My Microsoft Account” and navigate to your Xbox Profile, or go directly to account.xbox.com/profile.
3. Click “Customize”
In your profile page, you’ll see your current Gamertag.
Click the “Customize” or “Edit” button beneath your name.
4. Change Your Gamertag
Click the pencil icon next to your current username.
Enter your desired new Gamertag (this will be your Minecraft Bedrock username as well).
Click “Check Availability”. If the name is already taken, you’ll need to try a different variation.
5. Confirm and Save
If the name is available, confirm your choice.
Your new Gamertag will take effect across all Microsoft services, including Minecraft Bedrock.
Note: The first Gamertag change is free. Additional changes typically cost $9.99 USD, so choose carefully.
Pro Tip: This change also affects your Xbox Game Bar, Xbox app, and multiplayer appearance in games like Fortnite, Halo, and Sea of Thieves.
PlayStation (Online ID-Based Username)
For PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 players:
1. Sign In on Your Console
Power on your PS4 or PS5 and sign into your primary PlayStation Network (PSN) account.
2. Navigate to Account Settings
Go to Settings > Account Management > Account Information.
3. Select Profile and Edit Online ID
Within Account Information, choose “Profile”.
Then select “Online ID”.
4. Enter Your New Online ID
You’ll be prompted to enter a new Online ID (this will become your visible Minecraft name on Bedrock Edition).
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Note: Changing your PSN Online ID may cause issues with some older games that don't fully support the change, although Minecraft supports it fully.
Important: Your new Online ID is visible in all PSN-connected games, not just Minecraft.
Cost: The first change is free. Subsequent changes typically cost $9.99 USD (or local currency equivalent).
Nintendo Switch (Nickname-Based Username)
On Nintendo Switch, Minecraft uses your Nintendo Account nickname as your in-game name.
1. Go to System Settings
From the Switch home screen, select the gear icon for System Settings.
Scroll down the sidebar and choose “Users.”
2. Select Your Profile
Choose the user account linked to your Minecraft game.
Tap “Profile” to open your account info.
3. Edit Your Nickname
Click “Edit Nickname.”
Type in your new nickname (this will become your in-game name in Minecraft).
Save your changes and exit.
Note: Your nickname appears not just in Minecraft, but in other local multiplayer Switch games.
Limitation: Unlike Xbox or PlayStation, your Nintendo nickname does not guarantee uniqueness across the network, meaning others may have the same visible name.
Additional Notes for Mobile Users
For players on Android and iOS (using the Minecraft app):
Your Minecraft username is also linked to your Xbox Gamertag.
Use the Xbox app (iOS or Android) to sign in, access your profile, and follow the same steps above to change your Gamertag.
The change will reflect in the Minecraft mobile app as soon as you restart the game or log out/log back in.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Changing Your Minecraft Username
Changing your Minecraft username is usually a simple process, but occasionally players encounter issues. Below are some common problems and how to solve them:
1. “Change Profile Name” Option Not Showing (Java Edition)
Issue: You’re logged into Minecraft.net, but don’t see the option to change your profile name.
Fix:
Make sure you're signed into the correct Microsoft account that owns your Java Edition license.
If you originally used a Mojang account, ensure you've completed the account migration to Microsoft. This was required starting in 2021.
Visit account.microsoft.com and verify that Minecraft is listed under your services.
Tip: Try logging out and logging back in, or using a different browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended).
2. Username Already Taken (Java & Xbox)
Issue: You receive a message that the username you want is already in use.
Fix:
Minecraft usernames must be unique. Try adding a number, underscore, or slight variation (e.g.,
ShadowKnight→ShadowKnight_23).For Xbox Gamertags, note that Microsoft allows duplicate names but may add a numerical suffix (e.g.,
PlayerName#1234). However, this suffix won’t appear in Minecraft.
Tip: Use NameMC to search for Java usernames and check availability.
3. Gamertag Changed But Not Showing in Minecraft (Bedrock)
Issue: You updated your Xbox Gamertag, but Minecraft still displays your old name.
Fix:
Log out of Minecraft on your device and restart the game.
In some cases, changes may take a few hours to sync across Xbox Live.
Make sure you changed the Gamertag for the correct Microsoft account that’s logged into Minecraft.
Advanced Fix:
On mobile or Windows 10, clear Minecraft’s cache or reinstall the app.
On Xbox or console, remove and re-add your Xbox account.
4. "Gamertag Already in Use" But Not Showing on Xbox
Issue: You're trying to select a Gamertag that appears available, but Xbox Live says it's in use.
Explanation: Xbox Gamertags may be in use by accounts that are not publicly searchable or haven’t signed in recently.
Fix:
Choose an alternative spelling or accept the suffix that Microsoft provides.
If a suffix like
#1234is added, it won’t display in Minecraft, so your name still appears clean in-game.
5. PlayStation Online ID Changed But Minecraft Still Shows Old Name
Issue: You changed your PSN Online ID, but Minecraft is still displaying the previous one.
Fix:
Log out of your PlayStation Network account and reboot the console.
Ensure you’re connected to the internet and have the latest Minecraft updates installed.
Go to the Profile Settings within Minecraft and confirm it's syncing with your current PSN account.
6. Switch Nickname Changed But Minecraft Shows Old Name
Issue: You updated your Nintendo nickname but the Minecraft name hasn’t changed.
Fix:
Restart the Minecraft app completely.
Power cycle the Nintendo Switch console to force a cache refresh.
Double-check that the correct user profile was edited in System Settings > Users.
7. Can’t Change Username Due to “Cooldown” (Java Edition)
Issue: You see an error that says: “You can only change your name every 30 days.”
Explanation: Mojang enforces a 30-day cooldown after each Java Edition username change.
Fix:
Wait until the cooldown period ends.
You can check when you last changed your name using NameMC.
8. Minecraft Not Recognizing Username After Change (Multiplayer)
Issue: After changing your username, you're unable to connect to multiplayer servers, or you've lost access to whitelisted servers.
Fix:
Some servers whitelist usernames rather than UUIDs. Contact the server admin to be re-added under your new username.
On Realms, your inventory and permissions should stay the same because they're tied to your UUID, not username.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often can I change my Minecraft username (Java Edition)?
A: Once every 30 days.
Q: Will changing my username affect my Minecraft worlds or saved data?
A: No. Your world saves and personal data are stored locally or by UUID, which does not change.
Q: Can I revert to an old username?
A: Yes, but only after 37 days (30-day lockout + 7 days before the old name becomes publicly available again).
Q: Does my Xbox Gamertag change affect only Minecraft?
A: No, it changes your display name across all Xbox and Microsoft games and services.
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Tips for Choosing a Good Minecraft Username
Keep It Simple: Choose a name that's easy to remember and pronounce.
Avoid Numbers and Symbols: Unless they're part of your identity, they can make your username harder to recall.
Be Unique: Select a name that stands out and reflects your personality or playstyle.
Changing your Minecraft username is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow the correct steps based on your edition and platform. By adhering to the guidelines and considering the tips provided, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new in-game identity. Happy crafting!
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