Online representation is a vital part of any gaming experience. Your username means everything — it’s the first impression you give to other players, no matter the video game.
It’s only natural, then, that you may want to change your Minecraft username. After all, Minecraft is a pretty old game. If you’ve been playing the game since you were a kid, it’s possible you have a username you’re less than proud of.
If you’re looking to change your Minecraft username, we’ve got you covered. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Minecraft usernames, including how to adjust them based on which version you play, as well as how many times you’re allowed to change it.
Updated 9/26/2025
Prefer To Watch Instead Of Read? Check Out Our New Video!
How To Change Minecraft Usernames
What’s important to understand here is that changing a Minecraft username is a bit more confusing than it may sound.
According to the official Minecraft website, there are multiple Minecraft usernames, depending on the platform you play on. Let’s break down each one.
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Gamertag
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is a multi-platform option that supports PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Mobile, and Nintendo Switch, amongst a few other platforms.
This is the Minecraft that allows you to play multiplayer with friends across platforms and one that requires you to have an Xbox account/Xbox Gamertag.
Minecraft: Java Edition Profile Name
Minecraft: Java Edition doesn’t require an Xbox account, instead allowing you to play with what’s called a Profile Name. Your Profile Name is what shows up when you play single-player in Java Edition, or when you join servers online while playing on Windows, Mac, or Linux computers.
While you can have your Java Profile Name be the same as your Xbox Gamertag, this isn’t required.
Minecraft for Nintendo Switch
Interestingly enough, Minecraft for Nintendo Switch is ostensibly Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, but the game doesn’t necessarily use your Xbox Gamertag.
Instead, the Nintendo Switch version utilizes your Switch nickname.
With all of this in mind, let’s break down how to change each type of Minecraft username, detailing the steps for the two major versions of the game.
How To Change Your Minecraft Username On Bedrock
This section will detail how to change your Minecraft username on Bedrock.
1. Navigate to the Official Xbox Website
Instead of the official Minecraft website, you must actually head to the Xbox website to change your Bedrock Edition username. This is because Bedrock requires a Microsoft account, which in turn provides you with a Gamertag.
2. Sign-in With Your Microsoft Account
Sign into your Microsoft account by clicking one of the two Sign-in buttons on the Xbox homepage.
3. Go to Xbox Settings
Once you’re signed in, click on your player icon on the top right-hand side of the window, click on the …button, and click on the Xbox Settings button.
4. Click Change Gamertag
Click on the Change Gamertag button on the page’s left-hand side.
5. Input a New Gamertag
Type your desired new Gamertag (new username) in the box.Then, click Check availability.
6. Change Your Gamertag
If the name you chose is available, this page will appear, telling you what your new Gamertag will look like.
It will also let you know that your old username will be available for someone else to take.
If this is your first time changing your Gamertag, you are able to do it for free. However, you must pay for name changes after that.
If you’re happy with the outcome, click on Change Gamertag. Your new Gamertag should appear shortly afterward.
How To Change Your Minecraft Username On Java Edition
Those who play Minecraft Java Edition must go through a different process to change their Minecraft username.
1. Head To The Official Minecraft Website
To start, head to the official Minecraft website, Minecraft.net.
2. Log Into Your Account
Head to the Account drop-down menu on the page’s top-right-hand side. Then, click Sign In.
3. Select Change Profile Name
You’ll sign in with your Microsoft account and will be taken to the All Games section of your profile page.
Navigate to Minecraft: Java Edition and click Change Profile Name.
4. Input A New Username
You’ll be taken to the Change Profile Name page. Simply type in your desired username and click Change Your Profile Name. That’s it!
Java Edition allows you to change your Profile Name every 30 days.
Note: You may remember Mojang Accounts from back in the day. These are no longer necessary when playing Minecraft.
How To Change Your Minecraft Username On Nintendo Switch
Arguably the easiest process of the three, changing your username on Switch is a very simple process.
1. Log Into Your Switch
Log into your Switch, and select the Profile Settings on the menu’s top-left corner.
2. Navigate To Your Profile Page
Navigate to the Profile section on the left-hand navbar.
3. Select The Pencil Icon
Click on the Pencil icon to open the username change menu.
4. Change Your Username
Type in your new username, then click OK.
Switch username changes are free.
With these username changes in mind, now you can appear however you’d like to your friends while online.
If you’re looking to play Minecraft with your friends, check out NameHero for a comprehensive server solution.
Our servers offer support for up to 32 players, with built-in DDOS protection alongside comprehensive backups. For more information on getting a NameHero server, click here.
NameHero specializes in delivering some of the very best in gaming server tech without breaking the bank. Every Minecraft server comes with DDR4-3200 RAM, NVMe storage, AMD EPYC CPUs, and more!
Already have a server? That’s okay, come hang out with us on Discord!
Max is a freelance writer with a love for gaming and technology. He’s always looking for the next big game to play and tinkers with tech in his remaining free time.
I do every step but once i click on change gamertag, it doesn’t find the website. Has it happened to anyone else? How did they fix it?
Hi