Yes, you can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app on your phone

You can change your Xbox username directly from the Xbox mobile app without needing a computer or console. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way on both iPhone and Android. Your new username becomes active when ready across all your Xbox devices and services.

One important detail: you get one free username change. After that, each change costs $9.99. Microsoft also enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes, so you cannot switch usernames again until a month has passed since your last change.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Xbox app, tap your profile picture, and select "Customize profile" to reach the username change screen.
  • Your first username change is free, but subsequent changes cost $9.99 each and require a 30-day wait between them.
  • The new username takes effect when ready on all your Xbox devices, your Microsoft account, and any linked services.
  • If your desired username is taken, the app shows you alternatives with similar names you can choose instead.
  • You cannot change your username if your account has an outstanding balance or an active enforcement action.

Opening the Xbox app and finding your profile settings

Launch the Xbox app on your phone and look for your profile picture or gamertag in the top left or top right corner — the exact location depends on whether you use iPhone or Android. Tap that profile picture or icon to open a menu with several options.

From that menu, select "Customize profile" or "Profile" (the exact wording varies slightly between app versions). This takes you to a screen showing your current gamertag, profile level, achievements, and other account details. You will see an edit button or pencil icon near your current username — tap that to begin the change.

Entering and confirming your new username

A text field will appear with your current username highlighted. Delete it and type your new desired username. As you type, the app checks whether that name is available. If it is taken, the app shows you a list of similar alternatives with slight variations — for example, adding numbers or underscores — that you can choose instead.

Once you have entered a username that is available, the app displays the cost (free for your first change, $9.99 for any after that) and asks you to confirm. Read the confirmation screen carefully to make sure the new name is spelled the way you want it. Tap the confirm button, and the change processes when ready.

What happens after you change your username

Your new gamertag appears on your profile within seconds and syncs across all your Xbox devices — your console, PC, phone, and the web version of Xbox. Friends see your new name in their friends list, and your name updates in any multiplayer games you are playing.

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period. If you change your mind when ready after the change, you cannot undo it through the app — you would need to contact Xbox Support through the app's help section and explain the situation, though they do not may provide a reversal.

Understanding the 30-day waiting period and cost

After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This timer starts from the moment you confirm the change, not from when you first opened the app. If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed, the app shows you a countdown telling you how many days remain.

The $9.99 charge applies to every change after your first one. Microsoft charges this fee to your payment method on file — the same method linked to your Xbox or Microsoft account. The charge appears as "Xbox Services" on your statement. If your account has no payment method on file, you will need to add one before you can pay for a username change.

Reasons the app might block your username change

If you see an error message instead of the confirmation screen, one of several account issues is preventing the change. The most common reason is an outstanding balance — if you owe money on your Xbox account, you cannot change your username until you pay it. Check your account balance in the app's settings or on the Xbox website.

An active enforcement action also blocks username changes. This means Xbox has suspended or restricted your account for violating the Code of Conduct. If you believe the restriction was a mistake, you can appeal through the Xbox Enforcement page on the web, but you cannot change your username while the restriction is active. A very small number of accounts are flagged as ineligible for other reasons — if you see a message saying your account cannot change usernames, contact Xbox Support through the app for details.

What to do if your desired username is taken

When you search for a username and it is already in use, the app automatically shows you a list of similar names that are available. These suggestions usually add numbers, underscores, or slight spelling variations to your original choice. You can scroll through the list and pick any of the suggestions, or go back and try a completely different name.

If none of the suggestions appeal to you, try a name that is very different from your first choice — the more unique your username, the more likely it is to be available. Usernames can be 3 to 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but not spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the console instead of the app?

Yes. On an Xbox Series X, Series S, or Xbox One, go to Settings, select Account, then Gamertag, and choose Change Gamertag. The process is the same — your first change is free, and the 30-day waiting period applies. Using the app or the console makes no difference to the cost or timing.

Will my old username be deleted or can someone else use it?

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a waiting period of several weeks. You cannot reserve it or get it back later. If you think you might want to return to that name, you should wait before changing again.

Does changing my username affect my friends list or game progress?

No. Your friends will see your new name in their friends list, but you remain friends with them. All your game progress, achievements, and saved data stay exactly the same — they are tied to your account, not your username.

What if I change my username and when ready regret it?

You cannot undo the change through the app. Contact Xbox Support through the app's help section and explain what happened. They may be able to help, but they do not may provide reversals. This is why it is important to double-check the spelling before you confirm.

Can I change my username if I have parental controls on my account?

If you are a child account with parental controls, your parent or guardian may have restricted username changes. Try to change it through the app — if it is blocked, ask the account owner to adjust the parental control settings or make the change themselves.