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

The Xbox app on iOS and Android lets you change your gamertag without leaving your phone or opening a web browser. The process takes about five minutes and costs 800 Microsoft Points (roughly $10 USD, though pricing varies by region). You can change your gamertag once every 30 days, and you get one free change if you've never changed it before.

The steps are the same whether you use iPhone or Android. You'll need to be signed into your Microsoft account in the app, and you should have your payment method saved if you're not using your free change.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Xbox app, tap your profile picture, and select "Customize profile" to reach the gamertag change screen.
  • Your first gamertag change is free; after that, each change costs 800 Microsoft Points.
  • You can change your gamertag once every 30 days, and the new name takes effect when ready in most games.
  • Some older games may not recognize your new gamertag right away, and you cannot revert to a previous name.

Step-by-step: changing your gamertag in the Xbox app

Start by opening the Xbox app and signing in if you're not already. Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen (on iPhone) or the top left (on Android). You'll see a menu with several options.

Select "Customize profile" or "Profile" depending on your app version. This opens your profile page. Look for the option that says "Gamertag" or "Edit gamertag" — it's usually near the top of the profile section. Tap it to open the change screen.

Type your new gamertag into the text field. The app will check in real time whether the name is available. If you see a green checkmark, the name is yours to claim. If you see a red X, that name is taken or contains a word Xbox doesn't allow. Keep typing alternatives until you find one that works.

Once you've chosen an available name, the app will show you the cost. If this is your first change, it will say "Free." Otherwise, it will show 800 Microsoft Points. Tap "Change gamertag" or "Confirm" to complete the purchase. Your new name appears in your profile when ready, though some games may take a few hours to update.

What happens if your new gamertag doesn't show up in a game

Most modern games pull your gamertag from Xbox Live and update it within a few hours of your change. Older games, especially those released before 2015, may not recognize the change at all. If you're playing an older title and still see your old name, that's normal — the game is pulling from its own database rather than Xbox Live.

You can't force a game to update your name faster. The best approach is to sign out of the game completely, close it, and sign back in after a few hours. If the name still hasn't changed after 24 hours, the game likely doesn't support live gamertag updates.

Understanding the 30-day waiting period

After you change your gamertag, you have to wait 30 days before you can change it again. This applies even if you change it to something you dislike when ready after. The 30-day clock starts the moment you confirm the change in the app.

If you change your gamertag on the Xbox app, the same 30-day rule applies if you later try to change it on a console or the Xbox website. The waiting period is tied to your account, not the device you use.

Why you might not be able to change your gamertag in the app

If the "Customize profile" option is grayed out or missing, your account may have restrictions. This usually happens if your account is a child account linked to a parent account. Child accounts need parental permission to change their gamertag, and that change has to happen through the parent's account settings on a computer or console, not in the mobile app.

You also won't be able to change your gamertag if you've already changed it within the last 30 days. The app will show you when your next change is available. If you're locked out for a different reason, try signing out of the Xbox app completely, waiting a few minutes, and signing back in.

What you should know before you change your name

Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. You cannot go back to a previous gamertag unless it's still unclaimed and you pay the 800 Microsoft Points again. If someone else takes it first, it's gone permanently.

Friends will see your new gamertag when ready in their friends list. Your achievement history, game saves, and Xbox Live account stay exactly the same — only the display name changes. People who have you blocked will still have you blocked under your new name.

Payment and refunds

If you don't have 800 Microsoft Points in your account, you can buy them directly in the Xbox app. Tap your profile picture, go to "Settings," and look for "Microsoft Points" or "Add funds." You can buy points in bundles ranging from 100 to 91,100 points depending on your region.

Microsoft does not refund gamertag changes. Once you've paid and confirmed the change, the transaction is final. If you change your mind about the new name, you'll have to wait 30 days and pay again to change it to something else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Xbox username for free?

Yes, but only once. Your first gamertag change is free. After that, each change costs 800 Microsoft Points. If you've already used your free change, you'll have to pay for any future changes.

Will my friends see my new gamertag right away?

Yes. Your friends list updates when ready, and they'll see your new name the next time they open the Xbox app or sign into their console. Your old name disappears from their view as soon as you confirm the change.

What if the gamertag I want is taken?

You'll see a red X next to it in the app, and you won't be able to claim it. Try variations with numbers, underscores, or different spelling. If a name is truly unavailable, it's either claimed by another player or contains a word Xbox's filter blocks.

Can I change my gamertag more than once a month?

No. You must wait 30 days between changes, even if you change it to something you dislike right after. The waiting period is enforced across all devices and cannot be shortened.

Do I need to change my password when I change my gamertag?

No. Your gamertag and your password are separate. Changing your gamertag does not affect your account security or password. Your Microsoft account login stays the same.