In the world of Minecraft, villagers play a significant role in gameplay, especially when it comes to trading. They offer a variety of items in exchange for emeralds and other goods, depending on their profession and level. However, there may be times when the available trades are not favorable or a player simply wants to reset a villager’s trade options. Fortunately, resetting a villager’s trade is not only possible, but also relatively simple with an understanding of the game mechanics.
Villagers in Minecraft acquire trades depending on their profession, which is tied to specific job site blocks. For instance, a librarian uses a lectern, a farmer uses a composter, and a weaponsmith uses a grindstone. When a villager first assumes a profession, it offers a specific set of trade options that can be changed before the villager is “locked in” by completing a trade. Understanding this timing is crucial for anyone looking to reset a villager’s trades.
How to Reset a Villager’s Trade
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset a villager’s trade in Minecraft:
- Find an unemployed or novice-level villager: These villagers can still change their profession and therefore can have new trades assigned to them.
- Place a job site block nearby: The type of block determines the villager’s profession. For example, placing a lectern will turn the villager into a librarian.
- Check the trades: Right-click (or interact) with the villager to see what trades they are offering. If the trade isn’t desirable, you can remove the job site block.
- Destroy the job site block: Breaking the workstation will remove the villager’s profession if they haven’t been traded with yet.
- Replace the workstation: Place the job site block down again. This resets the villager’s offered trades, and they will roll new ones based on their profession.

It’s important to note that this method only works before any trades have been completed with the villager. Once a trade has been made, the profession and trades become permanent, and the villager cannot reset or switch jobs unless cured from a zombie villager state.
Tips for Efficient Trade Resetting
- Use fences or blocks to confine villagers: This helps keep them near their job site block so they don’t wander away during the reset process.
- Pay attention to work hours: Villagers only access their job site blocks during specific hours of the in-game day. Job changes and trade resets occur during these work hours.
- Cycle trades quickly: If aiming for a specific trade like “Mending” from a librarian, cycle through their trades multiple times in a day until the desired option appears.
Additionally, this mechanic opens up advanced gameplay strategies, particularly in villager trading halls. In such setups, villagers are assigned controlled environments where their job site blocks can be manipulated to custom-tailor powerful or rare trades for players.

Advanced players often exploit this method to create ideal setups for enchanting books, rare gear, or discounted emerald trades. With proper planning and patience, it’s possible to acquire nearly any item through a well-planned villager trading system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can a villager’s trade be reset after it’s locked in?
A: No, once a trade has been used, the villager’s trades become permanent unless the villager is zombified and cured. - Q: What happens if I remove a job block after trading?
A: The villager will retain their profession without a job site block and will not restock their trades until the block is replaced. - Q: Do villagers need access to their job blocks?
A: Yes, to restock trades, villagers must interact with their job site block at least once during a work day. - Q: Can I give a villager a new job if I break their old workstation?
A: Only if the villager has not been traded with before. Otherwise, they keep their old job permanently. - Q: How often can I reset trades with the same villager?
A: As often as necessary, provided the villager has not locked in a trade.
Resetting villager trades in Minecraft is a powerful tool that allows players to shape the economy of their world. Understanding the timing and mechanics involved provides a strategic advantage and opens up a wealth of opportunities for resource conservation and advancement.