Change your password through the Microsoft account website
The fastest way to change your Xbox password is to go directly to your Microsoft account settings, because Xbox passwords are managed by Microsoft, not by a separate Xbox system. You do not need to be signed into your console — you can do this from any computer or phone with a web browser.
Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email address or phone number you use for Xbox. Once you are signed in, look for the "Security" section on the left side of the page. Click on "Password" and then "Change password". Microsoft will ask you to enter your current password once more to confirm it is really you, then you will type your new password twice to make sure there are no typos.
After you submit the new password, you are done. The change takes effect when ready. The next time you sign into your Xbox console or the Xbox app on your computer, use your new password.
Key Takeaways
- Xbox passwords are managed through your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, not through Xbox settings.
- You will need to enter your current password once to verify your identity before you can set a new one.
- The new password takes effect right away across all your devices and the Xbox app.
- If you forget your current password, use the "Can't access your account" link on the Microsoft sign-in page to reset it first.
Change your password from your Xbox console
If you prefer to change your password directly from your console, you can do that too, though it takes a few more steps. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then go to "Profile & system" and select "Profile". Choose "Account" and then "Security" to find the password option.
The console will walk you through the same process — confirming your current password and entering your new one twice. This method works the same way as the website, just through your console instead of a browser. Use whichever is more convenient for you at the moment.
What to do if you have forgotten your current password
If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it to a new one without resetting it first. Go to account.microsoft.com/security and look for the "Can't access your account" link. Microsoft will ask you to verify who you are — usually by sending a code to your email address or phone number on file.
Once you have verified your identity, Microsoft will let you create a brand new password. After that, you can sign back into Xbox with the new password. This process normally takes a few minutes, but if Microsoft cannot reach your email or phone, it may take longer.
Make sure your new password is strong
When you create your new password, Microsoft will show you whether it is strong or weak. A strong password has at least 8 characters and uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Avoid using words from the dictionary or information that is straightforward to guess, like your birth year or the name of your favorite game.
A strong password protects your account from being hacked. Because your Xbox account is tied to your Microsoft account, someone who gets into your password could also access your email, OneDrive files, or other Microsoft services you use. Taking 30 seconds to create a password with numbers and symbols is worth the protection.
Sign out of other devices after changing your password
When you change your password, you stay signed in on any device where you were already logged in. If you changed your password because you think someone else might know it, you should sign out of your Xbox console and the Xbox app on any computer you do not recognize or no longer use.
On your console, go to "Profile & system", select "Profile", choose your account, and then select "Sign out". On a computer, open the Xbox app, go to "Settings", find "Account", and choose "Sign out". After you sign out, that device will ask for your new password the next time anyone tries to sign in.
Troubleshooting if the password change does not work
If you enter your new password and get an error message, the most common reason is a typo in one of the two times you typed it. Make sure both entries match exactly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning that "Password" is different from "password". Try again, typing slowly and checking each character.
If you get a message that your password does not meet Microsoft's requirements, it means it is too short, uses only letters, or contains a word that is too common. Add a number and a symbol, or make it longer. If you still cannot change your password after trying these steps, go to account.microsoft.com/security and look for the "Recent activity" section to see if there is a security alert on your account that is blocking the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my password on my console, or can I do it online?
You can do either one. Changing it on the Microsoft website is usually faster because you do not have to navigate through console menus. Both methods change the same password and take effect when ready everywhere.
Will changing my password sign me out of my Xbox?
No. You will stay signed in on the device where you made the change. You will only be asked for your new password the next time you sign in on a different device or after you manually sign out.
What if I share my Xbox with family members?
Each person should have their own Microsoft account with their own password. If you share a console, each account can have different settings, game libraries, and parental controls. Changing your password does not affect anyone else's account on that console.
How often should I change my Xbox password?
Microsoft does not require you to change your password on any schedule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another website that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. Otherwise, a strong password that you have not shared is safe to keep.
Can I change my password on my phone?
Yes. Go to account.microsoft.com in your phone's web browser, sign in, and follow the same steps as you would on a computer. The process is identical.