Change Your Password Through Your Microsoft Account
Your Xbox password is actually your Microsoft account password, so you change it on Microsoft's website, not in the Xbox app or console. You will need a web browser and access to the email address linked to your account. The process takes about five minutes and works the same whether you play on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, or PC.
Go to account.microsoft.com in any web browser and sign in with your email and current password. Once you are logged in, look for "Security" in the left menu and click it. You will see a section called "Password" — click "Change password" next to it. Microsoft will ask you to enter your current password one more time to confirm it is really you.
Type your new password in the first box. Microsoft requires at least eight characters, and it must include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and either numbers or symbols. A password like "BlueSky2024!" works; "bluesky" does not. Type the same password again in the second box to confirm you typed it correctly, then click "Next."
Key Takeaways
- Change your Xbox password at account.microsoft.com, not on your console or in the Xbox app.
- Your new password must be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and either numbers or symbols.
- You will be signed out of all your Xbox devices after you change your password, and you will need to sign back in with the new one.
- If you forget your current password, use the "Can't access your account" link on the Microsoft sign-in page to recover it through your email or phone number.
What Happens After You Change Your Password
Once you click "Next," Microsoft will confirm the change and send a notification email to the address on your account. You are now signed out of every device where you were logged in — your Xbox console, your PC, your phone, anywhere. This is a security feature and happens automatically.
On each device, you will see a sign-in screen the next time you try to use Xbox services. Sign in with your email address and your new password. If you have multiple people using the same console, each person will need to sign in again with their own account and password.
If You Forget Your Current Password
If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it through the steps above because Microsoft asks for it. Instead, go to account.microsoft.com and look for the link that says "Can't access your account?" below the sign-in boxes. Click it.
Microsoft will ask you to enter your email address, then offer two ways to prove you own the account: through a code sent to your recovery email or through a code sent to your phone number. Choose whichever one you have access to. Once you receive and enter the code, you can set a new password without knowing the old one.
Changing Your Password on the Xbox Console Itself
You cannot change your password directly on an Xbox console — the console does not have that feature. If you try to look for a password change option in Settings, you will not find it. This is by design, because Microsoft wants password changes to happen on their find website where they can verify your identity more thoroughly.
The only exception is if you are setting up a new console or signing in for the first time. At that point, you enter your email and password as part of the setup, but you are not changing an existing password — you are just signing in.
Why Your Password Changed on All Your Devices
When you change your Microsoft password, you are signed out everywhere because that password controls access to multiple services at once: Xbox, Outlook email, OneDrive, Windows sign-in, and others. Microsoft does this to protect you — if someone else knew your old password, signing you out everywhere means they cannot use it anymore, even if they try to log in on a device you do not monitor.
You will need to sign back in on each device you use regularly. On your main Xbox console, you can choose to stay signed in so you do not have to enter your password every time. On shared devices or public computers, do not choose this option.
Creating a Strong Password You Can Actually Remember
A strong password does not have to be random gibberish. A phrase works well: "ILike2PlayHalo" or "MyDog-Barks-Loud" both meet Microsoft's rules and are easier to remember than "K9#mP2$xL". The key is mixing uppercase, lowercase, and at least one number or symbol.
Write your password down and store it somewhere safe if you need to — a locked drawer, a password manager app, or a notebook you keep at home. Do not email it to yourself, text it, or post it anywhere online. Do not use the same password for Xbox that you use for your email, bank, or other important accounts, because if one service gets hacked, the others stay protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my password on my Xbox console too?
No. Your Xbox console does not have its own password separate from your Microsoft account. When you change your Microsoft password on the website, that change applies everywhere automatically. You only sign back in on the console with your new password.
What if I change my password but still cannot sign in?
Wait a few minutes — it can take up to 15 minutes for the password change to sync across all Microsoft servers. If you still cannot sign in after 15 minutes, double-check that you are typing your new password correctly, including uppercase and lowercase letters. If you are still stuck, use the "Can't access your account" link to reset your password again.
Can I change my password from the Xbox app on my phone?
No, the Xbox app does not have a password change feature. You must go to account.microsoft.com in a web browser on any device — phone, tablet, or computer. Once you change it there, the new password works on the Xbox app when ready after you sign back in.
Will changing my password delete my games or game saves?
No. Your games, saves, achievements, and everything else on your account stay exactly as they are. Changing your password only changes how you sign in — it does not affect any of your data or game library.