Change your Xbox password through your Microsoft account settings

Your Xbox password is actually your Microsoft account password. When you change one, you change the other. You do this on Microsoft's website, not in the Xbox app or console — the console itself has no password-change option. The whole process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you play on Xbox, PC, or mobile.

You will need to be signed into your Microsoft account and have access to the email address or phone number attached to it. If you have forgotten your current password, Microsoft can send you a reset link instead, which takes a few extra minutes but follows the same basic path.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and select "Security" to reach the password change screen.
  • You will need to enter your current password before Microsoft lets you create a new one.
  • Your new password must be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol.
  • After you change your password, you may be signed out of Xbox on all devices and will need to sign back in with the new password.
  • If you have forgotten your current password, use the "Can't access your account" link on the sign-in page instead of trying to change it.

Step 1: Go to your Microsoft account and sign in

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Enter the email address or phone number you use to sign into Xbox, then enter your current password. If you are already signed in on this device, you may skip directly to the next step.

If you see a security prompt asking you to verify your identity, Microsoft will send a code to your email or phone. Check that inbox, enter the code on the website, and continue.

Step 2: Open the Security section

Once you are signed in, look for "Security" in the left menu. Click it. You will see a section called "Password" with a button that says "Change password" or "Update password" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on your account type.

If you do not see a Security option in the left menu, scroll down or look for a three-line menu icon (sometimes called a hamburger menu) at the top left of the page.

Step 3: Enter your current password and create a new one

Microsoft will ask you to enter your current password one more time. This is a security check to make sure someone else has not gained access to your account. Type it in and click "Next."

Now create your new password. Microsoft requires it to be at least eight characters long and to include uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), at least one number (0–9), and at least one symbol (!@#$%^&*). A strong example would be something like "BlueSky2024!Home" — long, mixed case, with a number and a symbol. Avoid using your username, email address, or anything that appears in your Xbox gamertag.

Step 4: Confirm and sign back in

Click "Next" after you enter your new password. Microsoft will show you a confirmation message. You are done on the website.

On your Xbox console or the Xbox app on your PC or phone, you will likely be signed out automatically within a few hours. When you try to play or access your account, you will be asked to sign in again. Use your email address or phone number and your new password. If you have multiple devices signed into this account, you may need to sign in on each one separately.

What to do if you have forgotten your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, do not try to change it — use the password reset option instead. Go to account.microsoft.com and look for a link that says "Can't access your account?" or "Forgot my password" on the sign-in screen. Click it.

Microsoft will ask you to enter the email address or phone number on your account. It will then send a security code to that email or phone. Enter the code on the website, and you will be taken to a screen where you can create a new password without needing the old one. The rest of the process is the same as the steps above.

Why your Xbox sign-in uses your Microsoft password

Xbox accounts are part of the larger Microsoft ecosystem, which includes Outlook email, OneDrive cloud storage, and Windows sign-in. This means one password controls access to all of them. If someone gains your password, they can access not just your Xbox games and friends list, but also your email and files.

This is why Microsoft requires a strong password with mixed characters — it protects more than just your gaming account. If you use the same password on Xbox as you do on other websites, change those passwords too, especially if any of those websites have been breached in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my games or achievements if I change my password?

No. Your games, achievements, and game saves are tied to your account, not your password. Changing the password does not touch any of that. You will still own everything you did before.

Do I need to change my password on my Xbox console itself?

No. The console has no password-change feature. All password changes happen on the Microsoft website. The console will ask you to sign in again with your new password after the change takes effect.

What if I share my Xbox with family members?

If other people sign into the console with their own accounts, changing your password does not affect them — they sign in with their own passwords. If someone signs in with your account on a shared console, they will need your new password the next time they try to use it.

How often should I change my Xbox password?

Microsoft does not require you to change it on any schedule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on a website that was breached, or if you have not changed it in several years. There is no penalty for changing it more often.

Can I change my password on the Xbox app instead of the website?

No. The Xbox app does not have a password-change option. You must go to account.microsoft.com through a web browser to change it.