Yes, you can change your Xbox username directly in the Xbox app on your phone or tablet
The Xbox app lets you change your gamertag without leaving your mobile device. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you use an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone. You'll need to know your current password and have enough Microsoft account credits or a payment method on file if you want to change to a name that's already taken by someone else.
The change takes effect when ready across all your Xbox devices — your console, the web, and any other place you're signed in. Your friends list stays intact, and your game library doesn't change. The only thing that updates is the name people see when they look at your profile.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Xbox app, go to your profile, and tap the edit button next to your current gamertag to start a name change.
- You can change your gamertag once every 30 days for free; changing it more often costs money.
- A new gamertag takes effect right away on all your devices and doesn't affect your friends, achievements, or game library.
- If the name you want is already taken, you'll see the option to claim it by paying a fee through your Microsoft account.
Step-by-step: changing your gamertag in the Xbox app
Start by opening the Xbox app and signing in with your Microsoft account. Tap your profile picture or avatar in the top left corner of the screen. This opens your profile card — a small window showing your current gamertag, level, and recent activity.
Look for an edit button or pencil icon next to your gamertag. Tap it. The app will ask you to confirm your password before letting you proceed. Type it in and tap next. You'll then see a screen with a text box where you can type your new gamertag.
Type the name you want. As you type, the app checks whether it's available. If it shows a green checkmark, the name is free and you can claim it at no cost. If it shows a red X or says the name is taken, you have two choices: pick a different name, or pay the fee to claim that specific name if you really want it. Once you've picked an available name or decided to pay for a taken one, tap confirm or save. Your new gamertag is now active.
Understanding the 30-day rule and change fees
Xbox lets you change your gamertag once every 30 days without paying anything. This means if you changed your name last week, you'll have to wait until 30 days have passed to change it again for free. The timer starts from the date of your last change, not from the calendar month.
If you want to change your name before the 30 days are up, or if you want to claim a gamertag that someone else already has, you'll need to pay a fee. The cost varies depending on whether the name is common or rare — a name that's already taken costs more than a completely new name. You can pay through a credit card, debit card, or Microsoft account balance if you have one.
The fee is charged to your Microsoft account when ready. If the payment goes through, your new gamertag activates right away. If it fails, you'll see an error message and can try again with a different payment method.
What happens to your profile, friends, and games after a name change
Your achievements, game library, and play history all stay exactly the same. When you change your gamertag, you're only changing the name that appears on your profile — everything you've earned and owned stays with your account. Your friends will see your new name the next time they look at their friends list or see you playing a game.
If you're in the middle of a multiplayer game when you change your name, you might see your old name in that session until the game refreshes or you restart it. This is normal and doesn't mean the change didn't work. The next time you start a new game or session, your new name will show up everywhere.
Your Microsoft account email address doesn't change, and neither does your account ID — the number that Xbox uses behind the scenes to track your account. Only the display name changes, which is the name other players see.
Changing your name back or picking a different name
If you change your mind about your new gamertag, you can change it again after 30 days have passed. You don't have to pay anything for the second change if you wait the full 30 days. If you want to switch to a different name before then, you'll pay the fee again.
Some players change their name back to their original gamertag after a few weeks. This is allowed, and your original name will be available to claim again once the 30-day timer runs out — unless someone else claimed it in the meantime. If that happens, you can either pick a new name or pay to claim your old one back.
Troubleshooting: what to do if the change doesn't work
If you tap the edit button and nothing happens, try closing the Xbox app completely and opening it again. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the edit option. Make sure you're signed in with the account that owns the gamertag you want to change — if you're signed in with a different account, you won't see the option to edit.
If you see an error message when you try to save your new name, check that the name doesn't contain characters the system doesn't allow. Gamertags can include letters, numbers, and some symbols, but not spaces or special characters like @, #, or &. If your name has any of those, remove them and try again.
If a payment fails when you're trying to claim a taken name, make sure your payment method is current and has enough funds. You can also try a different payment method or add Microsoft account balance through the Microsoft Store and use that instead. If the problem continues, sign out of the Xbox app, sign back in, and try the change again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Xbox username on the app if I'm not at home?
Yes. The Xbox app works anywhere you have an internet connection. You don't need to be near your console or at a specific location. Just open the app, sign in, and follow the steps to change your gamertag.
What if someone else has the gamertag I want?
You can pay a fee to claim it. The app will show you the price when you search for the name. The cost depends on how desirable the name is. If you don't want to pay, you can pick a different available name for free.
Do my friends have to do anything after I change my name?
No. Your friends don't need to do anything. Their friends list updates automatically, and they'll see your new name the next time they check. You stay in their friends list — changing your name doesn't remove you.
How long does it take for my new gamertag to show up everywhere?
Your new name shows up in the Xbox app right away. It may take a few minutes to appear on your console or on the Xbox website, but usually it's when ready. If you're in a game when you change it, restart the game to see the new name.
Can I change my gamertag more than once a month for free?
No. You get one free change every 30 days. If you want to change it again before 30 days have passed, you'll pay a fee each time. After 30 days from your last change, your next change is free again.