How often can I change my Minecraft username?

Java Edition: once every 30 days. Bedrock Edition uses your Xbox gamertag: the first change is free and you can change it again at once, but every change after the first costs a fee.

Can I get my old name back?

On Java, yes: Mojang holds your old name for you, and you can switch back after the 30-day wait. Other players can claim it after about 37 days, so switch back inside that window if you want it.

Does changing my name lose my worlds, servers or bans?

No. Servers store everything under your UUID, which never changes. Your inventory, your ranks and your bans follow you to the new name. Whitelists that were typed as names may need the owner to update them.

Is a name change free?

Java: free, always. Bedrock: the first gamertag change is free; later ones cost a fee that Xbox shows before you confirm.

What are the rules for a Java name?

3 to 16 characters. Letters, digits and the underscore. Not case sensitive. Names that break the community guidelines are refused.

Why does the game still show my old name?

Restart the game and the launcher. A server you are on keeps the name it read when you joined until you rejoin. Some servers cache names for longer.

Can I have different names on Java and Bedrock?

Yes. The Java profile name and the Xbox gamertag are two separate things on the same Microsoft account. Changing one does not change the other.

How to change your Minecraft username

Java Edition changes it on your profile page, once every 30 days. Bedrock Edition uses your Xbox gamertag. Both keep everything tied to your account.

Before you start

Check the name first. Try to sign in to minecraft.net and open the profile page. It shows whether the name is free.
Java rule: 3 to 16 characters, letters, digits and the underscore. Not case sensitive.
Java cooldown: once every 30 days. Your old name is held for you, and you can switch back after the wait.
A change keeps your UUID, so worlds, servers, ranks, bans and friends stay yours.

Java Edition

The change is made on the website, not in the launcher.

1Go to minecraft.net and sign in with the Microsoft account that owns the game.
2Open your profile and go to All Games.
3Under Minecraft: Java Edition, select Change Profile Name.
4Type the new name. The page says at once if it is taken, refused, or inside its cooldown.
5Select Change Your Profile Name to confirm.
6Restart the launcher and the game. Rejoin any server you were on.

If the button is grayed out, you changed your name less than 30 days ago. The page shows the date it opens again.

Bedrock Edition

Bedrock has no separate Minecraft name. Other players see your Xbox gamertag, on every platform: Windows, mobile, Switch, PlayStation and Xbox. So you change the gamertag.

1Go to xbox.com and sign in with the same Microsoft account you use in Minecraft. On an Xbox console or in the Xbox app, open your profile, then Customize, then the gamertag.
2Type the new gamertag, up to 12 characters. Xbox checks it and may add a # and a number if the name is already used.
3Read the price line. The first change is free. Every change after that costs a fee, shown before you confirm.
4Confirm. Restart Minecraft; the new name shows in-game and to your friends.

After the change

Servers that whitelist by name need the owner to add the new one. Whitelists by UUID need nothing.
Your old Java name is held for you. Others can claim it after about 37 days, so switch back inside that window if you regret it.
Your skin does not change. To change that too, use the skin editor.

Questions

How often can I change my Minecraft username?: Java Edition: once every 30 days. Bedrock Edition uses your Xbox gamertag: the first change is free and you can change it again at once, but every change after the first costs a fee.
Can I get my old name back?: On Java, yes: Mojang holds your old name for you, and you can switch back after the 30-day wait. Other players can claim it after about 37 days, so switch back inside that window if you want it.
Does changing my name lose my worlds, servers or bans?: No. Servers store everything under your UUID, which never changes. Your inventory, your ranks and your bans follow you to the new name. Whitelists that were typed as names may need the owner to update them.
Is a name change free?: Java: free, always. Bedrock: the first gamertag change is free; later ones cost a fee that Xbox shows before you confirm.
What are the rules for a Java name?: 3 to 16 characters. Letters, digits and the underscore. Not case sensitive. Names that break the community guidelines are refused.
Why does the game still show my old name?: Restart the game and the launcher. A server you are on keeps the name it read when you joined until you rejoin. Some servers cache names for longer.
Can I have different names on Java and Bedrock?: Yes. The Java profile name and the Xbox gamertag are two separate things on the same Microsoft account. Changing one does not change the other.