Change your password through the Xbox website or app

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 select your profile icon in the top right. Click "Your info," then "Security" on the left side. Under "Password," click "Change," enter your current password once, then type your new password twice. Click "Next" and you're done — the change takes effect when ready.

If you prefer to use your phone, the Xbox app works the same way. Open the app, tap your profile icon at the bottom, select "Account," then "Security," then "Password." You'll enter your current password and new password the same way as on the website.

You do not need to sign out of your console or any other device when you change your password. Your existing sign-ins stay active, so you can keep playing without interruption.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit account.xbox.com on any web browser, sign in, and navigate to Security to change your password in under two minutes.
  • Your new password takes effect when ready across all devices and does not force you to sign out of your Xbox console.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Can't access your account" link on the Xbox sign-in page to reset it through your recovery email or phone number.
  • A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid using your username or birthdate.
  • If someone else has access to your account, change your password first, then review your recent sign-in activity and connected devices in the Security section.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it through the normal method — you'll need to reset it instead. Go to account.xbox.com and click "Sign in." At the bottom of the sign-in box, click "Can't access your account?" and enter your email address or phone number associated with your Xbox account.

Xbox will send a code to your recovery email or text it to your recovery phone number. Enter that code on the next screen, then create a new password. This process takes about five minutes and works whether you're locked out or straightforward forgot what you set.

Changing your password on the Xbox console itself

You cannot change your password directly on your Xbox console — you must use the website or app. However, you can change the PIN that protects your console profile, which is different from your account password. On your console, go to Settings, select "Account," then "Security," then "Change my sign-in info." You can update your PIN there without touching your actual Xbox password.

If you want to change your account password and then sign back into your console with the new one, sign out first, then sign back in using the new password when prompted. The console will accept it when ready.

Making sure your new password is strong

Xbox requires passwords to be at least eight characters long, but longer is better. A strong password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. Avoid using your username, email address, or anything from your profile — these are straightforward for someone to guess.

Do not reuse a password you've used on other accounts. If that other account gets hacked, someone could try the same password on your Xbox account. If you have trouble remembering a strong password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which can generate and store passwords securely.

Checking if someone else has accessed your account

After you change your password, check your recent sign-in activity to see if anyone else has been using your account. Go to account.xbox.com, select your profile, click "Security," then scroll down to "Recent sign-in activity." You'll see a list of devices, locations, and dates where your account was accessed.

If you see sign-ins from places you don't recognize or devices you don't own, scroll down further to "Devices and apps" and remove any that shouldn't be there. You can also enable two-step verification in the Security section — this requires a code from your phone or email every time someone tries to sign in from a new device, which prevents unauthorized access even if someone knows your password.

Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security

Two-step verification means Xbox sends a code to your phone or email whenever someone tries to sign in from a device that hasn't been used with your account before. Even if a hacker knows your password, they cannot get in without that code. To turn it on, go to account.xbox.com, select your profile, click "Security," then find "Two-step verification" and click "Turn on."

You'll choose whether to receive codes by text message or email, then confirm a code to set up it. From that point on, new sign-ins from unfamiliar devices will be blocked until you enter the code. Your existing devices — like your home console — will not ask for a code every time you use them.

What happens if you change your password while playing

If you change your password while you're signed into your Xbox console, you stay signed in and can keep playing. Your current session does not end. The next time you sign out and try to sign back in, you'll use your new password.

The same is true for the Xbox app on your phone or PC — changing your password does not kick you out of the app you're currently using. However, if you sign out and try to sign back in anywhere, you'll need the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my password on my console, or can I only do it online?

You can only change your account password through the Xbox website or Xbox app — there is no option on the console itself. However, you can change your console PIN in Settings if you want to protect just that device.

Will changing my password sign me out of my Xbox console?

No. Your current sign-in stays active, so you can keep playing without interruption. You only need the new password the next time you sign out and sign back in.

How long does it take for a password change to work everywhere?

The change takes effect when ready on the website and app. If you're signed into other devices like your console or PC, they will not ask for the new password until you sign out and sign back in.

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

Child accounts are managed by a parent or guardian account. The adult who set up the child account can change the child's password through their own account settings, or the child can change it themselves through account.xbox.com if they know their current password.

What should I do if I think someone hacked my account?

Change your password when ready, then check your recent sign-in activity and remove any unfamiliar devices. Turn on two-step verification to prevent future unauthorized access. If you see purchases you didn't make, contact Xbox Support to report the issue.