How to Change Your Minecraft Username (Step-by-Step Guide)
By Fred, Editor
Complete guide to changing your Minecraft name through your Microsoft account, including the rules, the free-change allowance, and how to monitor your dream name for availability.
Why Change Your Minecraft Username?
Your Minecraft name is how other players see you across servers, and how your brand is recognised on YouTube, Twitch, and Discord. Changing it can help you:
- Rebrand with a name that matches your streaming or server identity
- Move away from an old username you've outgrown
- Claim a shorter, more memorable name
- Align your handle across Minecraft, Twitch, and Discord
- Start fresh with a name that's easier to say and search
📋 Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Minecraft Username
- 1
Go to your Microsoft account
Visit account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Minecraft profile.
- 2
Open Your Info
In the account menu, select "Your info" and find the Xbox / Minecraft profile section where the gamertag lives.
- 3
Choose Edit Name
Next to your current name, select "Edit name" — the system will check instantly whether your new name is available.
- 4
Type your new name
Enter 3-16 characters using letters, numbers, and underscores. If it's taken, try a variation or monitor it with HandleGrab.
- 5
Confirm the change
Accept the change (the first one is free; later changes cost a small fee) and you're done — your new name is live immediately.
Claim your handle before someone else does
Enter a username and get alerted the moment it becomes available on any platform.
1-30 characters · letters, numbers, periods, underscores
⚠️ Important Things to Know Before Changing
🔄 First change is free
Your first Minecraft name change is free. Subsequent changes require a small one-time payment.
🔗 Old name is released
When you change, your old name goes back into the pool — anyone can claim it within days.
👥 Friends see the new name
Your in-game name updates everywhere instantly, including servers and friend lists.
⏳ No refunds on mistakes
Name changes are final. Check availability carefully before you confirm.
✅ Best Practices for Choosing Your New Minecraft Name
🎯 Want a Minecraft Name That's Taken?
If your dream Minecraft name is currently claimed, don't give up. Names are released constantly as players rebrand or quit. Set up 24/7 monitoring and get an instant email alert the moment your name opens up.
Claim your handle before someone else does
Enter a username and get alerted the moment it becomes available on any platform.
1-30 characters · letters, numbers, periods, underscores
⚡ Free monitoring • Hourly checks available • Track across all 40 platforms