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

Open the Xbox app, go to your profile, and select "Customize profile." From there you can change your gamertag — the name other players see — without leaving the app or switching to a web browser. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to show up everywhere you play.

You get one free gamertag change. After that, Microsoft charges $9.99 each time you want a new one. The app will tell you whether you have a free change remaining before you confirm.

Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days. If you change your mind within that window, you can change back to it for free — but only once.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Xbox app, tap your profile picture, select "Customize profile," and choose "Change gamertag" to rename yourself.
  • Your first gamertag change is free; each change after that costs $9.99 through the app.
  • The new name shows up in the app right away but may take a few minutes to appear in games and on Xbox Live.
  • You can switch back to your old gamertag for free within 30 days, but after that window closes, the old name is gone for you.

What happens to your old gamertag after you change it

When you pick a new gamertag, your old one enters a 30-day holding period. During those 30 days, nobody else can claim it, and you can change back to it without paying. After 30 days pass, the old name goes into a pool that anyone can claim.

If you realize you made a mistake within the first month, go back to "Customize profile" and select your old gamertag from the list of names you have used before. The system will let you reclaim it at no cost.

Restrictions on what you can name yourself

Xbox has rules about what gamertags are allowed. You cannot use profanity, slurs, or names that impersonate real people or celebrities. You also cannot use names that are already taken by another active account.

If you try to set a name that breaks the rules, the app will reject it and tell you why. Common reasons include the name being taken, containing banned words, or being too similar to a name that is already in use. Try a different variation and the app will usually accept it.

How long the change takes to show everywhere

The Xbox app updates your name when ready on your profile within the app itself. However, the change can take a few minutes to roll out to games, the Xbox website, and other parts of Xbox Live. If you are playing a game when you change your name, you may need to restart the game to see the new name in-game.

Friends will see your new gamertag the next time they refresh their friends list. If someone is playing with you in a multiplayer game, they may still see your old name until they restart the game or the session ends.

What you need before you change your name

You need to be signed into your Xbox account in the Xbox app. Make sure you have a working internet connection, because the change requires a live connection to Microsoft's servers.

If you are changing your name for the second time or later, you will need a payment method on file — a credit card, debit card, or Microsoft account balance. The app will prompt you to add one if you do not have one saved.

If you cannot find the customize profile option

Make sure you are signed into the correct account. The customize profile option only appears when you are viewing your own profile, not someone else's. Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the app — if it shows your name and avatar, you are in the right place.

If the option still does not appear, try closing the app completely and opening it again. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show all menu options. If you are on an older version of the Xbox app, update it through your phone's app store first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to change my gamertag the first time?

No. Microsoft gives every account one free gamertag change. After you use that free change, each additional change costs $9.99. The app will show you whether you have a free change left before you confirm the new name.

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one after 30 days?

No. After 30 days, your old gamertag becomes available for anyone to claim, and you lose the right to reclaim it for free. If you want to use that name again after 30 days, you would have to pay $9.99 and hope nobody else has already claimed it.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list stays the same, and they will see your new gamertag the next time they refresh their friends list. Your account itself does not change — only the name other people see.

What if the name I want is already taken?

The app will tell you the name is unavailable. Try a variation — add a number, a symbol, or a different spelling. You can also check if the name belongs to an inactive account; if the account has not been used in a long time, the name may become available eventually, but you cannot reserve it.

Can I change my gamertag while I am in the middle of a game?

Yes, you can change it anytime through the app. However, the game you are currently playing may not show the new name until you restart it. Other players in your session may still see your old name until they restart as well.