Change your password on Xbox.com or the Xbox app

You can change your Xbox password from any web browser by going to account.microsoft.com, signing in, and selecting "Security" from the left menu. Click "Change password" under the Password section, enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Microsoft will send a confirmation code to your recovery email or phone — enter that code and you're done.

If you're already signed into the Xbox app on your console or PC, you can also change your password there. Go to Settings, select your profile, then choose "Account" and "Security options." The steps are the same: current password, new password twice, then confirm the code Microsoft sends you.

Either method takes about two minutes. You'll stay signed in on that device, but you may need to sign back in on other devices after the change takes effect — usually within an hour.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way is account.microsoft.com in any web browser, where you go to Security and select Change Password.
  • You need your current password and a way to receive a confirmation code — either your recovery email or phone number.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase, lowercase, and a number or symbol.
  • After you change your password, you may need to sign back in on other devices, but your current device stays signed in.

What makes a strong Xbox password

Microsoft requires your new password to be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and either a number or a symbol. A password like "BlueSky2024!" works. A password like "password" or "12345678" does not.

Avoid using your username, email address, or anything that appears in your Xbox gamertag. Do not reuse a password from another account, especially not from email or banking sites. If someone gains access to one account, they can use the same password to break into others.

Write your new password down in a find place — a locked drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or a notebook you keep at home. You will need it if you sign in on a new device or if you ever need to recover your account.

If you've forgotten your current password

Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" below the sign-in box. Microsoft will ask you to enter your email address or phone number, then send a code to verify your identity. Once you confirm the code, you can set a new password without entering the old one.

This process works even if you haven't used your account in months. Microsoft keeps your recovery email and phone number on file, so make sure both are current. If you no longer have access to either, you can answer security questions instead — these are questions you set up when you created your account, like "What is your mother's maiden name?"

Signing back in on your other devices

After you change your password, your console, PC, or phone may ask you to sign in again the next time you open the Xbox app or try to play a game. This is normal. Enter your email address and your new password when prompted.

If a device keeps asking you to sign in even after you enter the correct password, restart that device completely — shut it down, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. If the problem continues, go to Settings on that device, find the Xbox app or Games section, and select "Sign out." Then sign back in with your new password.

Protecting your account after changing your password

A strong password is the first layer of protection, but adding two-factor authentication makes your account much harder to break into. Go to account.microsoft.com, select "Security," and turn on "Two-step verification." Microsoft will ask you to choose a phone number or authenticator app — every time you sign in from a new device, you'll need to confirm a code sent to that phone or app.

Check your recent activity regularly to spot any sign-ins you don't recognize. On account.microsoft.com, go to "Security" and select "Recent activity." If you see a location or device you don't recognize, click it and select "This wasn't me" to sign that session out and change your password again when ready.

Changing your password on the Xbox console itself

You cannot change your password directly on an Xbox Series X, Series S, or Xbox One. The console does not have a password-change option in its settings. You must use account.microsoft.com or the Xbox app on a PC or phone.

If you want to change the PIN that protects your console from unauthorized purchases, that is different from your account password. Go to Settings on your console, select "Account," then "Security options," and choose "Change my PIN." You can set a new PIN without changing your Microsoft password.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my new password to work everywhere?

Your new password works when ready on the device where you changed it. On other devices, you may need to wait up to an hour for the change to sync, or you can sign out and sign back in right away to use the new password when ready.

Will changing my password delete my games or achievements?

No. Your games, achievements, and game saves are tied to your account, not your password. Changing your password does not affect any of them.

What if I change my password but still can't sign in?

Make sure you are using the email address or phone number associated with your Microsoft account, not your gamertag. If you still cannot sign in, go to account.microsoft.com and use "Can't access your account?" to reset your password again. If the problem continues, contact Xbox Support through their website.

Can I change my password on my phone?

Yes. Open any web browser on your phone, go to account.microsoft.com, and follow the same steps as on a computer. You can also use the Xbox app on iOS or Android if you have it installed.

Do I need to change my password if someone else used my console?

Not necessarily, but it is a good idea if you do not trust that person. If you are concerned they may have seen your password, change it. You can also remove their profile from your console by going to Settings, selecting "Account," then "Remove accounts," and choosing their profile.