The quickest way to change your username

Open the Xbox app on your phone or tablet, tap your profile picture in the top left corner, then select View profile. Tap Edit profile, then tap the field showing your current gamertag. Type your new username and tap Save. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to show up across all Xbox services.

You can change your gamertag once every 30 days at no cost. If you want to change it again sooner, Xbox charges $9.99 for an additional change. Your old gamertag becomes available for other players to claim after 30 days of disuse.

The process is the same whether you use an iPhone, iPad, or Android device. If you run into an error message, it usually means your chosen name is already taken, contains forbidden words, or violates Xbox's code of conduct — try a different combination and submit again.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your gamertag once every 30 days for free through the Xbox app by going to your profile and selecting Edit profile.
  • Your new username appears when ready in the app but may take a few minutes to sync across Xbox Live, Discord, and other connected services.
  • If your chosen name is rejected, it is either taken, contains profanity or slurs, or violates Xbox's code of conduct — the app will not tell you which.
  • Changing your gamertag does not affect your account security, saved games, achievements, or friends list.

What happens to your old gamertag

When you change your username, Xbox holds your old gamertag for 30 days. During that time, no one else can claim it. After 30 days, it becomes available for any other player to use. You cannot reclaim an old gamertag once someone else has taken it.

Your friends list, achievements, and game progress all stay attached to your account — they do not follow your old gamertag. Anyone who had you added as a friend will still see you on their list under your new name.

Why Xbox rejected your username choice

The Xbox app does not tell you why a name was rejected, but the most common reasons are: the name is already in use by another player, it contains profanity or slurs, it impersonates a public figure or brand, or it violates Xbox's code of conduct in some other way.

Names with numbers, underscores, or hyphens are allowed. Names that are too short (fewer than three characters) or too long (more than 15 characters) will also be rejected. If you are unsure whether a name breaks the rules, try something different rather than resubmitting the same one repeatedly.

Syncing delays across devices and services

Your new gamertag shows up in the Xbox app right away, but it can take 5 to 15 minutes to appear on your Xbox console, PC, or web browser. If you play games that connect to Discord, Twitch, or other platforms, those services may take longer to update — sometimes up to an hour.

If your new name still has not appeared after an hour, sign out of the Xbox app completely and sign back in. This forces a refresh of your account data. If the delay persists, restart your phone or tablet.

Changing your username on console or PC instead

You can also change your gamertag on an Xbox console by going to Settings > Account > Personalization > Gamertag. On Windows PC, open the Xbox app, select your profile picture, go to View profile, and follow the same steps as the mobile version.

The process is identical across all devices — you get one free change every 30 days, and the same naming rules explore. Changing it on one device automatically updates it everywhere else within a few minutes.

What does not change when you update your gamertag

Your account email, password, and security settings remain the same. Your game library, saved games, and achievements all stay on your account. Your friends list stays intact, and anyone who had you added will still see you under your new name. Your Xbox Live subscription status and Game Pass membership do not change.

The only thing that changes is the name other players see when they encounter you in games or on your profile. Everything tied to your account itself stays exactly as it was.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

Yes, but it costs $9.99 each time after your first free change. You can change your gamertag as often as you want if you are willing to pay. The 30-day free window resets each time you make a change.

What if someone else took my old gamertag after 30 days?

You cannot reclaim it. Once another player claims your old gamertag, it belongs to them. If you want it back, you would have to contact that player and ask them to change their name, which they are under no obligation to do.

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

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and anyone who had you added will still see you under your new gamertag. You will appear in their friends list with your new name within a few minutes.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new gamertag?

You can use hyphens and underscores, but not spaces or other special characters. Names must be between three and 15 characters long and cannot contain profanity, slurs, or impersonation of real people or brands.

Does changing my gamertag affect my Game Pass or Xbox Live subscription?

No. Your subscription status, billing information, and all account services remain active and unchanged. You keep all the same access to games and services you had before.