"Username has already been taken" error on existing account

_SC_256_ · Nov 22, 2023

Hello! Is anyone else having this issue?

The Minecraft launcher insists I input a username, and it says mine is already taken (which I know is taken by me). This is after I log in with my Microsoft account, and the username prompt appears after clicking "Play" in the Java edition tab (I've only ever played on Java; otherwise, different issues may arise when playing with friends). I'm certain that my account is a valid Microsoft account. I've been playing on the same account via PC Game Pass fairly consistently since I renewed the subscription about a month and a half ago. It's the only account I've ever had the subscription on, so I would notice if I were on the wrong account. Also, I've only used one username. I'm one hundred percent certain I have used it at every login and typed it correctly every time (I tried retyping it multiple times tonight and paid very close attention to what I was typing). I initially downloaded the launcher through the Microsoft Store. Along with flipping through numerous official forum posts, the following are the troubleshooting steps I took, in chronological order:

- restarted the launcher via the shortcut (which worked in the past)

- logged in, signed out, and logged in again

- quit the launcher via Task Manager

- updated my laptop

- uninstalled and reinstalled the launcher

- verified that my game is version 1.20.2

- verified that my account is not a Mojang account (I didn't need to migrate it since I started playing after September 19th.)

- uninstalled the launcher and downloaded it from the Minecraft website (was using the MS Store before)

- launched the launcher via the new shortcut

- relaunched the launcher via the file in File Explorer

I'm running Windows 11 and have been since well before initially installing the launcher and playing the game. It still lets me run Windows/Bedrock, but I've been playing on Java this whole time. I outright bought the game as a last-ditch effort (been meaning to anyway) and it still didn't work. I contacted MS Live Chat, and they said, citing the Mojang website, that the post-migration process would end in December and that I would have to wait until then. It's so frustrating! I was really excited to play it over Christmas break, but there's no specific date that the process will conclude

:)

Yanyannnn

Hi _SC_256_,

Thank you for your contribution to the Microsoft community.

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing this issue. It sounds like you've already tried a lot of troubleshooting steps, but I have a few more suggestions that might help. Just a reminder, we are not able to double check your account here further since we can only provide some options that could work on your account.

First, try clearing your browser cache and cookies. This can sometimes resolve issues with account authentication.

If that doesn't work, try resetting your Microsoft account password. Sometimes, resetting your password can help refresh your account information and resolve login issues.

If neither of those steps work, you may need to contact Minecraft support directly. They may be able to provide more specific assistance with this issue since they can access your account and double check it deeply.

To contact Microsoft support, please go to this link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus

I hope this helps!

Microsoft Community Moderator

Smwutches

It can take some time for the servers to update to show that the tag has been freed up.

Spawnling

Someone has already taken the username of your Gamertag. You will just have to use a different username on that website.

Daft Badger

If it has numbers after it then it is in use somewhere on one of Microsofts services.

Gamertags aren't just used on xbox live & you have to get the gamertag exactly right when searching for it.

Irtaza Kashif

Yes, one of my Microsoft accounts DOES show up as owning the game. However it also has a "Profile Name" button under the Minecraft Java section on the My Games tab, and it tells me that my username is already taken when I enter the username I was using on my Java account before migration.

"Username has already been taken" error on existing account