Can you change your minecraft username
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Facts
- Minecraft usernames can be changed every 30 days, not more frequently
- Changes are made on Minecraft.net account settings, not in-game
- Your UUID (unique identifier) remains unchanged after a username change
- The old username becomes available for other players to use after 37 days
- Name changes apply across both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition simultaneously
How to Change Your Username
To change your Minecraft username, visit Minecraft.net and log into your account. Navigate to your account settings and look for the 'Profile' section. Click on your current username to edit it. Type your desired new username (containing only letters, numbers, and underscores) and confirm the change.
Frequency Limitations
Minecraft restricts username changes to once every 30 days. This cooldown prevents abuse and allows the community to adapt to name changes. If you've recently changed your username, you'll see a countdown timer showing when your next change is available.
What Happens to Your Old Name
When you change your username, your old name doesn't immediately become available. It enters a 37-day holding period during which no one else can claim it. After 37 days, other players can register that username. Your UUID (unique player ID) never changes—the system always identifies you by UUID regardless of username changes.
Game Data and Progress
All your game progress, inventory, achievements, and skins remain intact after a username change. Your buildings, creations, and server progress are tied to your UUID, not your username. On multiplayer servers, you'll appear with your new username to other players.
Username Requirements
Valid usernames must be between 3-16 characters and contain only letters, numbers, and underscores. Usernames are case-insensitive, meaning 'Player' and 'player' are treated as the same account. Names with spaces or special characters are not permitted.
Related Questions
How long before another player can use your old Minecraft username?
Old usernames become available for others to claim after 37 days. There's a 37-day holding period before the name is fully released back into the pool of available usernames.
Does your Minecraft skin change when you change username?
Your skin doesn't automatically change with your username. However, if you had a skin that matched your old username, you might want to update it for consistency.
Can you change username on Minecraft console versions?
Console versions like Bedrock Edition on Nintendo Switch and Xbox use your system account name, which cannot be changed through Minecraft settings. You'd need to change your Microsoft account profile name instead.
Sources
- Minecraft.net Account Settings proprietary
- Minecraft Wiki - Minecraft Account CC-BY-SA-3.0