Minecraft Name Change: How to Change Your Minecraft Name Easily
4 min read
Changing your Minecraft name can be exciting—especially if you’ve outgrown your old username or want to refresh your identity in the game. Whether you’re playing Java Edition or using a Microsoft account, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Minecraft name change process.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to change your Minecraft name, the rules that apply, and what happens after the change. We’ll also cover common issues, real user experiences, and expert tips to avoid mistakes.
Why People Change Their Minecraft Name
There are many reasons to update your Minecraft name:
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You picked your original name years ago and it no longer fits.
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You want a fresh identity for content creation or online play.
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Your current name contains typos or personal details.
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You’re moving to a brand or gaming tag that matches across platforms.
Whatever the reason, the good news is that a Minecraft name change is possible—and fairly simple.
Key Requirements for a Minecraft Name Change
Before changing your name, it’s important to know the basic rules:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum length | 3 characters |
| Maximum length | 16 characters |
| Allowed characters | Letters, numbers, underscores (_) |
| No special characters | Symbols like @, !, or $ are not allowed |
| Must be unique | Name must not be in use |
| Wait time between changes | 30 days between each name change |
Minecraft names are public, so choose wisely. Offensive or inappropriate names may be reported and removed.
How to Change Your Minecraft Name (Step-by-Step)
For Java Edition Users
To change your Minecraft name in Java Edition, follow these steps:
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Go to the Minecraft.net Website
Visit minecraft.net and log in with your Microsoft account. -
Access Your Profile
After logging in, click on your username in the top right corner and go to “Profile.” -
Edit Your Minecraft Username
In the profile section, you’ll see your current username. Click “Change” or “Edit.” -
Choose a New Username
Enter your desired username. The system will check if it’s available. -
Confirm the Change
Once confirmed, your new name will appear in-game and on Minecraft.net.
For Bedrock Edition Users
Unfortunately, Bedrock Edition usernames (on Xbox, Windows 10, mobile, etc.) are linked to your Microsoft Gamertag. To change it:
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Go to account.xbox.com
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Log into your Microsoft account.
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Click your Gamertag and select “Customize.”
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Choose a new Gamertag (your Minecraft name will update accordingly).
Note: The first name change is free. After that, it may cost around $10 depending on your region.
Real-World Case: What Happens After a Name Change?
Player Example: “BlockMaster123” → “CraftPro2025”
A Minecraft YouTuber shared how they updated their old name to match their new brand. After the change:
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Their new name showed up across multiplayer servers within 24 hours.
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All owned items and builds stayed intact.
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Their friends had no problem identifying them—though chat history showed the old name temporarily.
Lesson: As long as you follow the rules, you’ll retain your game data and settings.
Important Notes After a Minecraft Name Change
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Skin and Inventory: Your Minecraft skin, inventory, and achievements remain unchanged.
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Friend List: Friends may need to search for your new name to find you.
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Multiplayer Servers: Some servers may temporarily show your old name or require you to relog.
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Banned Accounts: If you’re banned from a server, changing your name won’t remove the ban.
Pros and Cons of Changing Your Minecraft Name
✅ Pros:
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Personalize your gaming identity.
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Better branding for content creators.
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Fix typos or remove old, embarrassing names.
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Synchronize names across platforms.
❌ Cons:
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30-day wait period between changes.
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Friends may not recognize your new name immediately.
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Some servers may take time to sync name changes.
Benefits and Features of the Minecraft Name Change
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Name Customization | Total control over your in-game identity |
| No data loss | All progress remains intact |
| Improved privacy | Remove personal names from your username |
| Easy rebranding | Great for content creators or streamers |
| Free on Java Edition | No extra costs unless on Xbox or Bedrock |
FAQs About Changing Minecraft Name
Can I change my Minecraft name for free?
Yes, Java Edition users can change their name for free. Xbox users may be charged after the first change.
How often can I change my Minecraft name?
Once every 30 days. You cannot change your name again until that period ends.
Will I lose my progress or skins?
No. Your progress, builds, and skins will stay exactly the same.
What happens if the name I want is taken?
You’ll need to pick a different name. Minecraft does not allow duplicate usernames.
Can I revert to my old Minecraft name?
Yes, but only if no one has claimed it after you changed it. Once it’s taken, it’s gone.
Table: Java vs Bedrock Name Change
| Feature | Java Edition | Bedrock Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Linked Account | Minecraft.net/Microsoft | Xbox Live/Microsoft |
| Change Platform | Minecraft.net | Xbox.com or Console Settings |
| Free to Change | Yes | First time free; fees afterward |
| Wait Period Between Changes | 30 Days | Xbox rules apply |
Best Practices Before Changing Your Minecraft Name
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Check name availability using websites like NameMC or the official Minecraft name checker.
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Inform friends or teammates so they don’t lose contact with you.
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Backup your worlds just in case (especially for Bedrock players).
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Use meaningful names that are easy to remember and brand-safe.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Minecraft Name Change
Changing your Minecraft name is a simple but important step toward customizing your in-game identity. Whether you’re fixing a mistake, rebranding, or starting fresh, the Minecraft name change process is easy and safe when you follow the right steps.
Now that you know how to change your Minecraft name, you’re ready to take control of your online identity. Just pick your new name wisely—because you’ll be seeing it a lot.
