Change Your Password on Xbox.com

The fastest way to change your Xbox password is through the Xbox website on any computer or phone. Go to account.xbox.com, sign in with your current password, and look for "Security" or "Password" in the left menu. Click it, then select "Change password". You'll enter your current password once, then type your new password twice. Xbox will confirm the change when ready, and you're done — no restart needed.

This method works whether you use a Microsoft account (the standard for Xbox) or a legacy Xbox Live account. The website is the same for both. If you've forgotten your current password, use the "Can't access your account" link on the sign-in page instead — Xbox will walk you through identity verification before letting you set a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit account.xbox.com, sign in, find Security in the menu, and select Change password to update it in under two minutes.
  • You must know your current password to change it; if you've forgotten it, use the account recovery process on the sign-in page.
  • Your new password takes effect when ready across all Xbox devices and the Xbox app without requiring you to sign out and back in.
  • A strong password contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — Xbox will tell you if your choice is too weak.
  • If you change your password, any device currently signed in stays signed in until you manually sign out or change the password again.

Change Your Password on an Xbox Console

You can also change your password directly on your Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then go to Profile & system > Settings > Account > Security > Change password. Enter your current password, then your new password twice. The console will confirm the change and you'll be back at the settings menu.

This method is useful if you don't have a computer nearby, but it's slower than using the website because you're typing on a controller. The password change still takes effect when ready across all your devices. If you're changing the password because someone else has access to your account, change it on the console first, then sign out of any other devices you don't recognize in the Security section of account.xbox.com.

What Happens After You Change Your Password

Once you've entered your new password, Xbox logs you out of the website or console you used to make the change. You'll need to sign back in with your new password the next time you use that device. Any other Xbox console or the Xbox app on your phone or PC will keep you signed in — you don't have to re-enter the password there unless you manually sign out.

If you're concerned about unauthorized access, go to account.xbox.com, find the Devices section, and review which phones, computers, and consoles are signed in under your account. You can sign out of any device remotely from that page. This is especially important if you've shared your password with someone or suspect your account has been compromised.

Creating a Password That Meets Xbox Requirements

Xbox requires passwords to be at least eight characters long and to include at least three of these four types: uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). A password like "BlueSky2024!" meets the requirement. A password like "password123" does not, because it lacks uppercase letters and symbols.

Avoid using your username, your email address, or words that appear in a dictionary. If you use the same password across multiple websites, change those too — if one site is breached, attackers will try that password on your Xbox account. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate and store strong passwords so you don't have to remember them.

Troubleshooting a Failed Password Change

If you see an error message when trying to change your password, the most common cause is that you entered your current password incorrectly. Try again, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. If you're certain your current password is right but the system still rejects it, wait a few minutes and try again — Xbox occasionally has brief delays updating security settings.

If the website says your new password is too weak, it doesn't meet the four-type requirement listed above. Add an uppercase letter, a number, or a symbol. If you're changing the password on a console and it won't accept your new password after you've confirmed it, restart the console and try signing in with the new password — sometimes the console needs a moment to sync the change.

Resetting Your Password If You've Forgotten It

If you can't remember your current password, go to account.xbox.com and click "Can't access your account?" on the sign-in page. Xbox will ask you to enter your email address or phone number, then send you a code via email or text. Enter that code, and Xbox will let you set a new password without needing the old one.

This process usually takes a few minutes. If you don't receive the code, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and request a new one. If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number on your account, Xbox has a longer verification process — you'll answer security questions or provide a photo ID. Plan for this to take 24 to 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my password on every Xbox console I own?

No. Changing your password on the website or one console updates it across your entire account. Every Xbox console and the Xbox app will recognize the new password the next time you sign in. You only need to change it once.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one right away?

Use the "Can't access your account?" process on account.xbox.com to reset it. You'll receive a code via email or text, then set a new password. This works even if you just changed it minutes ago.

Will changing my password sign me out of Game Pass or cancel my subscriptions?

No. Changing your password does not affect Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, or any other subscriptions tied to your account. You stay subscribed and keep your games and saves. You may need to sign back in on some devices, but your subscriptions remain active.

Can I change my password if I'm using a child account?

Child accounts are managed by a parent or guardian. The adult who set up the account can change the child's password through the Family settings on account.xbox.com. The child cannot change their own password without the parent's permission.

Should I change my Xbox password regularly even if nothing is wrong?

Changing your password once a year is a reasonable practice, especially if you've used it on other websites that may have been breached. If you reuse the same password across multiple sites, change your Xbox password whenever you hear about a breach on any of those other sites.