How to change your Minecraft skin (Java Edition)

Your skin is stored on your Minecraft account, so other players see it on servers. Here is how to change it on Java Edition, and how local skins in a launcher differ.

Change the skin on your account#

1. Sign in at minecraft.net with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft Java Edition.
2. Open your profile and find the skin section.
3. Upload a skin file. It must be a PNG, normally 64 by 64 pixels.
4. Choose the arm model, classic (wider arms) or slim (narrower arms), to match your skin.
5. Save, then restart the game or rejoin the server.

If the skin does not change#

• Wait a minute and restart the game, because servers and caches update slowly
• Check that you signed in with the right account, see the sign-in guide
• Check the file is a valid PNG and not a renamed image
• Try the other arm model if the arms look wrong

Local skins in a launcher#

A launcher can also keep skins on your PC. FireClient lists local skins among its features, and they are stored on your computer. A local skin is only for you, so other players on a server will not see it. To change what others see, change the skin on your account.

Where to get skins#

Make your own with a skin editor, or use skins from sites whose terms allow it. Only download image files (.png) and never run an .exe that claims to be a skin, as explained in the safe mods checklist.

Keep your account safe#

Never share your password or access tokens with a site that offers to apply a skin for you. Upload skins only on minecraft.net or in a launcher you trust.