With the upcoming migration for Java Edition, there may be some confusion about what Gamertags are and how they differ from Usernames. This article should clear up any confusion about the differences between the two.
Gamertags are used for Microsoft accounts only. If you view your Microsoft account online, you will see your Gamertag as your account name and not your Minecraft Username. Any purchase information and account settings tied to your Microsoft account will display your Gamertag. You can find your Gamertag by signing into https://www.xbox.com/en-US/ and checking the top right.
In this example the Gamertag is MCgtag1.
When playing Minecraft: Java Edition you will see your Username in-game and not your Gamertag. The only time you will see your Minecraft Username is in-game and in your Minecraft account settings. You will still be able to view and change your Minecraft: Java Edition Username as usual on www.minecraft.net. Just navigate to your profile information.
In this example the Minecraft Username is “mooboom”
Why Do I Need a Gamertag?
If you have owned an Xbox before you are most likely familiar with Gamertags. If you haven’t, Gamertags are the names you will see in game above player’s heads in multiplayer when playing any Bedrock versions of Minecraft.
Since Bedrock versions of Minecraft uses Xbox’s account system for multiplayer, you will have a Gamertag even if you do not play on Xbox or Windows 10. On some platforms you may also have a profile name that does not match your Gamertag.
If you use a Microsoft account to login to Minecraft: Java Edition you will also have a Gamertag associated with your account, however it will not display in-game. Instead, you will see the Username you set up on minecraft.net in-game.
If you want to change your Gamertag you can do so by logging into your Microsoft account at: https://www.xbox.com/en-US
If you play on a mobile device, you may not have a Gamertag as you do not need to sign into a Microsoft account in order to play. However, if you wish to play online you will need to link a Microsoft account and create a Gamertag.