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How to Change Minecraft Username in 2026

If you want to change your Minecraft username, the steps depend on which version of Minecraft you play. Minecraft Java Edition uses a Java profile name, while Minecraft Bedrock Edition generally uses the Xbox/Microsoft gamertag associated with your account.

For Java Edition, you can change your profile name through Minecraft.net. Java profile names can be up to 16 characters, and Minecraft currently allows you to change the name once every 30 days.

For Bedrock Edition, you need to change your Xbox/Microsoft gamertag instead. The exact process can vary depending on your platform.

How to Change Your Minecraft Java Username

Changing a Minecraft Java username only takes a few steps.

Step 1: Go to Minecraft.net

Open the official Minecraft website and sign in with the Microsoft account connected to your Minecraft Java Edition account.

Make sure you use the correct Microsoft account. If you sign in to another account, you may not see the Java profile associated with the username you want to change.

Step 2: Open All Games

After signing in, go to the All Games section of Minecraft.net.

Find Minecraft: Java Edition in your account.

Step 3: Select Change Profile Name

Under Minecraft: Java Edition, select Change Profile Name.

This is the official option Minecraft provides for changing your Java Edition in-game name.

Step 4: Enter Your New Username

Type the new Minecraft username you want to use.

Java profile names can be up to 16 characters long. For more details, see this guide to Minecraft username length.

Before confirming, check your spelling carefully. If you make a mistake, you won’t be able to immediately change it again because of the 30-day restriction.

Step 5: Confirm the Change

Select Change Your Profile Name to finalize the change.

Your new Java profile name is now associated with your Minecraft account.

How Often Can You Change a Minecraft Java Username?

You can change your Minecraft Java profile name once every 30 days.

This means you should choose your new username carefully.

For example, if you change your name on October 4, you cannot make another Java profile-name change until the 30-day period has passed.

Minecraft also states that if you change your mind, you can return to your old name after waiting 30 days.

How to Change Your Minecraft Bedrock Username

Minecraft Bedrock Edition works differently from Java Edition.

When you play Bedrock using a Microsoft account, your in-game character name is the gamertag associated with your Xbox/Microsoft account.

Therefore, you don’t change a separate Minecraft Java-style username.

Instead, you change your Xbox gamertag.

Step 1: Go to Xbox.com

Visit the official Xbox website and sign in using the Microsoft account you use with Minecraft.

Step 2: Open Your Xbox Profile

Open your account and view your Xbox profile.

Step 3: Edit Your Gamertag

Select the pencil/edit icon next to your gamertag.

Step 4: Choose a New Gamertag

Enter the new gamertag you want to use and follow Microsoft’s instructions to complete the change.

Minecraft’s official support documentation confirms that the Bedrock in-game name is tied to the Xbox/Microsoft gamertag.

How to Change Your Minecraft Name on Xbox

If you play Minecraft Bedrock on Xbox, you can change your gamertag directly from your console.

Press the Xbox button on your controller.
Open Profile & system.
Select your Xbox profile.
Select My profile.
Choose Customize profile.
Select your current gamertag.
Follow the instructions to choose a new gamertag.

These are the steps provided by Minecraft’s official support documentation.

How to Change Your Minecraft Name on PlayStation

Minecraft’s naming system can be different on PlayStation.

If you are playing Minecraft without linking a Microsoft account, your in-game profile name is associated with your PSN online ID.

However, if you sign in to Minecraft with a Microsoft account, Minecraft says your in-game profile name changes to your Xbox gamertag.

This is an important distinction for PlayStation players who are trying to figure out why changing their PSN name or Microsoft gamertag affects the name they see in Minecraft.

How to Change Your Minecraft Name on Nintendo Switch

On Nintendo Switch, Minecraft’s in-game name can be displayed as your Nintendo account nickname.

To change it directly on the Switch:

Start your Nintendo Switch.
Open your profile page in the top-left corner.
Go to the Profile tab.
Select the pencil icon beside your profile name.
Enter your new nickname.

Minecraft’s official support page recommends Nintendo’s support instructions for changing the Nintendo account nickname.

Java vs. Bedrock: What’s the Difference?

The easiest way to avoid confusion is to understand that Minecraft Java and Bedrock don’t use exactly the same naming system.

Feature	Java Edition	Bedrock Edition
Name used in-game	Java profile name	Xbox/Microsoft gamertag
Where you change it	Minecraft.net	Xbox/Microsoft account
Java name limit	Up to 16 characters	Gamertag rules apply
Change frequency	Once every 30 days	Depends on gamertag/platform rules
Separate Minecraft profile name	Yes	No separate Java-style name

Minecraft officially confirms that Java uses a Java profile name, while Bedrock uses the gamertag associated with the Xbox/Microsoft account.

Can You Change Your Minecraft Username for Free?

For Java Edition, changing your Java profile name is handled through your Minecraft account.

For Bedrock, you’re changing your Xbox/Microsoft gamertag rather than a separate Minecraft username. Gamertag pricing can depend on Microsoft’s current account rules and whether you’ve changed the gamertag previously, so check the confirmation screen before completing a paid change.

What Happens After You Change Your Minecraft Username?

Changing your username doesn’t create a new Minecraft account.

For Java Edition, you’re changing the profile name associated with your existing account.

Your Minecraft account remains the same.

The important thing to remember is that the name change and your account are two different things. You don’t need to create a new Minecraft account simply because you want a different username.

What If Your New Minecraft Username Is Taken?

If your preferred Java username isn’t available, you’ll need to choose another name. If you’re unsure why a name is unavailable, see this guide on why your Minecraft username is taken.

You can also learn how to check if a Minecraft username is taken before trying different names.

Try adding a meaningful variation rather than randomly adding numbers.

For example:

ShadowCraft
ShadowCraftMC
ItsShadowCraft
ShadowCraftX
RealShadowCraft

You can also use a Minecraft username generator to create new combinations based on words, themes, or styles you like.

This can be particularly useful if you’re trying to find a short, memorable name for Minecraft.

What Should You Consider Before Changing Your Minecraft Username?

Before confirming your new name, check:

Is the spelling correct?
Is it easy to remember?
Is it appropriate for multiplayer?
Does it match your gaming identity?
Are you happy using it for at least 30 days?
Is it available?

The 30-day Java restriction makes the last few seconds before confirmation especially important.

If you need help choosing a name, check this guide on how to choose a good Minecraft username.

Can You Change Your Minecraft Username Before 30 Days?

No, not normally for Minecraft Java Edition.

Minecraft officially states that Java profile names can be changed once every 30 days.

If you’ve just changed your Java username and immediately regret the decision, there isn’t a normal profile setting that lets you make another change immediately.

You’ll need to wait until the 30-day period has passed.

Be careful with websites or services claiming they can bypass the official cooldown.

Can You Change Back to Your Old Minecraft Username?

Yes, Minecraft says you can return to your previous Java profile name after waiting 30 days.

If you know you might want your old username back, don’t assume you can switch back immediately after trying a new name.

Why Can’t I Change My Minecraft Username?

There are several possible reasons.

You’re using the wrong account

Make sure you’re signed into the Microsoft account connected to your Minecraft Java Edition purchase/profile.

You changed your name recently

Java profile names have a 30-day change restriction.

You’re playing Bedrock

If you’re playing Bedrock, you shouldn’t look for the Java Change Profile Name option.

Your in-game name is connected to your Xbox/Microsoft gamertag instead.

You’re playing on a console

Console versions can use different account naming systems. For example, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch have platform-specific considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my Minecraft username?

If you’re playing Java Edition, sign in to Minecraft.net, open All Games, select Minecraft: Java Edition, choose Change Profile Name, enter your new name, and confirm. Java profile names can be up to 16 characters and can be changed once every 30 days.

How do I change my Minecraft username on Bedrock?

Bedrock uses the Xbox/Microsoft gamertag associated with your account. To change your Bedrock name, change your Xbox gamertag through your Xbox/Microsoft account.

How long can a Minecraft Java username be?

A Minecraft Java profile name can be up to 16 characters long.

How often can you change your Minecraft username?

A Minecraft Java profile name can be changed once every 30 days.

Can I change my Minecraft username back?

Yes. Minecraft states that you can change back to your old Java profile name after waiting 30 days.

Is a Minecraft username the same as a gamertag?

Not always. Java Edition uses a Java profile name, while Bedrock Edition uses the Xbox/Microsoft gamertag associated with the account.

Can I change my Minecraft username on my phone?

If you’re playing Minecraft Bedrock on a mobile device, your in-game name is associated with your Microsoft/Xbox gamertag. You therefore need to manage the gamertag rather than looking for the Java profile-name option.

Does changing my Minecraft username delete my worlds?

Changing your Java profile name does not mean you’re creating a new Minecraft account. A profile-name change is different from creating or deleting an account.

Can I change my Minecraft username if it’s taken?

No. If the name you want isn’t available, you’ll need to choose another available name or create a variation. For more ideas, you can browse good Minecraft usernames.

Conclusion

Changing your Minecraft username depends on your Minecraft edition.

For Java Edition, go to Minecraft.net, sign in with your Microsoft account, open All Games, select Minecraft: Java Edition, and choose Change Profile Name. Your Java profile name can be up to 16 characters, and Minecraft currently allows a change once every 30 days.

For Bedrock Edition, your in-game name is generally your Xbox/Microsoft gamertag, so you need to change the gamertag instead. PlayStation and Nintendo Switch also have platform-specific naming considerations.

Before changing your name, double-check the spelling and make sure you’re happy with your choice—especially if you’re playing Java and don’t want to wait another 30 days for your next change.