How to Create a Minecraft Account

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: October 30, 2024 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to create a new Minecraft account. As of early 2021, signing up for an official Minecraft account means you'll need to create a Microsoft (Xbox) account.^{[1]
X
Research source} Once you sign up for a free Microsoft account, you can use that account anywhere you play Minecraft. Having an account is not required if you are playing on a Nintendo Switch or Sony PlayStation, but if you choose to create one, you'll be able to play against people using other platforms.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Creating a Microsoft Account for Minecraft

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1
Go https://www.minecraft.net in a web browser. This takes you to the Minecraft website.
- If you already have a Microsoft account (this includes Xbox Live accounts), you don't have to create a new one. Just open Minecraft, choose the option to sign in with your Microsoft account, and log in.
- If you have Minecraft Java Edition, you can play against others who are also using Java Edition. If you have Minecraft Bedrock Edition (which is the version available on consoles, smartphones, tablets, and "Minecraft for Windows 10") and use a Minecraft/Microsoft account, you can play against other people using Bedrock Edition on any platform (e.g., Android, Nintendo Switch players can play together).
The login screen will appear.

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Now that Minecraft is moving away from Mojang accounts to Microsoft accounts, creating a Microsoft account is how you will sign up for Minecraft.
If you don't have an email address, you can select Use a phone number instead to use a phone number, or Get a new email address to sign up for an Outlook.com address now.
This is the password you will use with your email address or phone number to sign in.
Once you've provided this info, Microsoft will send you a verification code via email (or text message, if you entered a phone number).
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Enter the verification code and click Next. It's the 4-digit code in the email or text from Microsoft.
- It may take a few moments for the code to arrive. Check your Spam or Junk folder if you don't get the message in a few minutes.
Once you're finished, you'll be asked to set up your new Xbox Gamertag.
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Create an Xbox Gamertag and avatar. A Gamertag is the name that represents you in the Xbox online community. You can click one of the suggested names or come up with a cool one yourself. Your avatar is the picture that appears next to your Gamertag online. Use the arrows to scroll through the options and click the one that you like best.
- Your Gamertag cannot contain any offensive words.
- Try not to use anything too personal in your Gamertag, such as your full name or address. Being more anonymous can help you stay safe online.
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Click LET'S GO. You now have a Minecraft account and are logged in to Minecraft.net. Now that you have a Microsoft account, you can easily use it to sign in to Minecraft on any platform.
- If you are playing Minecraft on Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch, you will also need an active subscription to your console's online service.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Signing in with your Microsoft Account (Bedrock Edition)

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Minecraft Bedrock Edition is the version that's available on consoles, phones, tablets, and as a Windows 10 app that's also called "Minecraft for Windows 10."
The name of this button varies by platform. For example, if you're playing on an Xbox or iPhone, the button will say Sign In and appear in the bottom-left corner.^{[2]
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Research source}
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Sign in on an Xbox, Windows 10, Android, or iPhone/iPad. If you're using a different console, skip to the next step. Otherwise, here's how to sign in:
- The first time you sign in, you may be asked if you want to save your purchases to a Microsoft account.^{[3]
  X
  Research source} Select Save to Microsoft Account to do so.
- Enter the email address and password associated with your Microsoft account to log in.
- Select the green Let's Play button to start playing Minecraft.
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Sign in on a Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 4/5. Here's how:
- After selecting Sign In, you will see a screen with an 8-digit code.
- Open a web browser on a computer, phone, or tablet.
- Go to http://aka.ms/remoteconnect in the web browser.
- Enter the 8-digit code into the field in the web browser and click Next.
- Once your code is accepted, you will be signed in to Minecraft with your account.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Signing in to Minecraft Java Edition

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If you haven't already downloaded the launcher, you can get it from https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download.
2
Click Microsoft Login. It's the large green button at the top of the page.
- The other account type listed is a Mojang account. You cannot create a new Mojang account to use with Minecraft now that Minecraft requires Microsoft accounts. If you already have a Minecraft account through Mojang, you will have to migrate it to Microsoft at some point in 2021.^{[4]
  X
  Research source} However, as of June 2021, Minecraft has not starting migrating accounts. When it's time to migrate, you'll receive an email with instructions.
This must be the email address you used when creating your account.
Once your password is accepted, you'll be signed in to Minecraft.

Community Q&A

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Question

On PC, do you have to buy the game, then buy an account?

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Community Answer

You have to buy the game first, but making an account is free, all you need is an email address.

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Does Minecraft cost money to play?

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It costs $26.95 USD to make a Minecraft account but after that, you will not need to pay anymore when you play unless you want to buy in-game things.

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Can I create a Minecraft account without using my email address?

Community Answer

You have to use an email address, but it doesn't have to be your regular email address. You can create a new address to use with Minecraft or use your Mojang email address.

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Try this quick tip to remember your account: Write the email, username, and password of your account on a piece of paper. Then, put the paper in a safe place only you know. This way, if you forget it, you can look at the paper!
If you don't know how to play, go to YouTube for help on how to get started.

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Warnings

Creating a Minecraft account does not mean you will be able to play Minecraft. In order to play Minecraft: Java Edition, you will have to buy it for 26.99.

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