Change your username through Xbox settings, not through Apex itself

Apex Legends on Xbox does not have a built-in username change feature inside the game. Your Apex username is tied to your Xbox gamertag, so changing one means changing the other. You do this through Xbox settings on your console or online, and the change takes effect in Apex within a few minutes.

This is different from other games where you might pay a fee or use in-game currency to change your name. On Xbox, you get one free gamertag change, and additional changes cost money through Microsoft. The change applies to your entire Xbox account, not just Apex — your new gamertag will show up in every game you play and in your Xbox profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Apex username is your Xbox gamertag, so you change it through Xbox settings, not through the Apex game menu.
  • You can change your gamertag for free once; after that, each change costs money through Microsoft.
  • The change takes effect when ready in Apex and all other Xbox games.
  • You can change your gamertag on your console, through the Xbox app on Windows, or on the Xbox website.
  • Your old gamertag becomes available for other players to use after a few weeks.

Change your gamertag on your Xbox console

Start at the home screen and press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Go to Profile & system, then select Profile. Choose your account from the list if more than one is on the console.

Select Customize profile, then Gamertag. Type your new name and select Check availability. If the name is available, select Save. If it is taken, Xbox will suggest similar names you can use instead. Once you confirm, the change is live in Apex within minutes.

Change your gamertag on the Xbox website

Go to account.xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Select Your profile in the top right, then choose Customize profile. Click on your current gamertag to open the change screen.

Type your new gamertag and click Check availability. If it is available, click Save. The change syncs to your console and Apex within a few minutes. This method works from any computer or phone with a web browser.

Change your gamertag through the Xbox app on Windows

Open the Xbox app on your Windows PC and sign in. Click your profile picture in the top left corner, then select View profile. Click Customize profile and then your current gamertag.

Enter your new gamertag and click Check availability. If the name is free, click Save. The change takes effect across all your Xbox games, including Apex, within a few minutes.

What happens to your old gamertag

Your old gamertag does not disappear when ready. For about 30 days, no one else can claim it — it is held under your account. After 30 days, the name becomes available for any other Xbox player to use. If you change your mind within that window, you can change back to your old gamertag for free, but only once.

Any friends who had you added will still see you in their friends list under your new gamertag. Your achievement history, game progress, and all other account data stays the same — only the name changes.

Cost of changing your gamertag more than once

Your first gamertag change is free. If you want to change it again after that, Microsoft charges a fee. The cost varies by region but is typically between $7 and $10 USD. You can change your gamertag as many times as you want, but each change after the first one costs money.

If you are unsure about a new name, test it out for a while before making a second change. You can also change back to your original gamertag within 30 days at no cost, which gives you a way to undo a change if you regret it quickly.

Gamertag rules and restrictions

Xbox has rules about what names are allowed. Your gamertag must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. You cannot use profanity, slurs, or names that impersonate real people or celebrities. Xbox will reject names that violate these rules even if they are not taken by another player.

Some names are reserved by Microsoft and cannot be used at all. If you try a name and Xbox says it is unavailable but you do not see it in use, it is likely reserved. Try a variation — adding a number, a space, or a different spelling usually works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Apex rank and stats carry over to my new gamertag?

Yes. Your rank, kills, wins, and all other stats stay with your account. Only the name displayed changes. Anyone who looks up your old gamertag will not find your account, but your new gamertag will show all your history.

Can I change my gamertag back to what it was before?

Yes, but only within 30 days and only once for free. After 30 days, your old gamertag becomes available to other players. If you want it back after that, you would have to pay the fee for a second change and hope no one else has claimed it.

How long does it take for the change to show up in Apex?

Usually a few minutes. If you are still seeing your old name in Apex after 10 minutes, try restarting the game. Restart your console if the name still does not update.

Do I need to change anything in the Apex game settings?

No. Apex pulls your name directly from your Xbox account, so there is nothing to change inside the game itself. Once your Xbox gamertag changes, Apex updates automatically.

What if the gamertag I want is taken?

Xbox will show you a list of similar names that are available. You can add numbers, use different spacing, or try a variation of your original choice. If you really want a specific taken name, you would have to wait for that player to change their gamertag or stop using their account.