Change your username directly in the Xbox App settings

Open the Xbox App on your phone or tablet and tap your profile picture in the top-left corner. Select Profile, then tap Customize profile. You'll see your current gamertag listed under your account name. Tap the gamertag to edit it, type your new username, and tap Save. The change takes effect when ready across all your Xbox devices and services.

Your new username appears on your profile, in multiplayer games, and in your friends list within seconds. If you're playing an online game when you make the change, you may need to restart the game to see the update reflected in that session.

Keep in mind that Xbox allows you to change your gamertag once every 30 days at no cost. If you've already changed it within the last month, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it again. After 30 days have passed, the option becomes available once more.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap your profile picture in the Xbox App, select Profile, then Customize profile to reach your gamertag settings.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days without paying a fee.
  • The new username appears across all Xbox services and devices within seconds of saving.
  • If you're in an active game when you change your username, restart the game to see the update.
  • Xbox usernames can be 3 to 15 characters and cannot contain spaces or most special characters.

What happens if your desired username is already taken

If the username you want is already in use by another player, the Xbox App will tell you the name is unavailable when you try to save it. You'll need to choose a different name. Xbox suggests alternatives by adding numbers or slight variations to your original choice, but you can type any available name you prefer.

Some older or inactive accounts may hold usernames that appear unavailable even though the account hasn't been used in years. There is no way to claim or request a username from an inactive account through the app. Your only option is to select a different name.

Rules for Xbox usernames

Xbox usernames must be between 3 and 15 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, and spaces, but the username cannot start or end with a space. Most special characters—including hyphens, underscores, and punctuation—are not allowed, though Xbox does permit a small number of symbols depending on your region.

Usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity will be rejected when you try to save them. If you've already created a username that violates Xbox's code of conduct, Xbox may reset it without warning, and you'll be prompted to choose a new one the next time you sign in.

Changing your username on Xbox.com instead

If you prefer to change your gamertag on a computer, you can do so through Xbox.com. Sign in to your account, go to your profile settings, and select Customize your profile. The process is identical to the app version, and the change syncs to your mobile Xbox App within seconds.

Some players find the web version easier if they're typing a longer or more complex username, since a keyboard is faster than typing on a phone screen. The 30-day cooldown applies whether you change your name on the app or the website.

If your username change doesn't save

If you tap Save and the app returns you to the profile screen without confirming the change, check that your new username meets all the requirements: it's 3 to 15 characters, contains no leading or trailing spaces, and uses only allowed characters. If it does, try signing out of the Xbox App completely and signing back in, then attempt the change again.

Make sure you have an active internet connection before you try to save. If your phone loses connection during the save process, the change won't go through. If the problem persists after signing out and back in, restart your phone and try once more. If the username still won't save after a restart, contact Xbox Support through the app or Xbox.com to report the issue.

Why you might want to change your username

Many players change their gamertag when they want a fresh start, when their old username no longer represents them, or when they're joining a gaming group with a naming convention. Some change it to match their username on other platforms like Steam or Discord so friends can find them more easily.

If you've been harassed or if your username has become associated with negative experiences, changing it can give you a clean slate in multiplayer communities. Remember that your change history is not visible to other players—they'll only see your current gamertag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Xbox username more than once every 30 days?

No. Xbox limits free username changes to once per 30 days. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, the app will show you the exact date when you can change it next. There is no paid option to bypass this cooldown.

Will my friends still see me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list remains the same, and they'll see your new username when ready. You'll stay in the same friend groups and party chats. Your change doesn't affect any of your account data, achievements, or game progress.

What if I want to change my username back to my old one?

You can change back to any previous username you've used, but you still have to wait 30 days between changes. If someone else has claimed your old gamertag in the meantime, it will be unavailable and you won't be able to use it.

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

No. Your subscription, Game Pass membership, and all your account services remain active and unchanged. Only your display name changes. You'll continue to have access to all your games, saves, and online features.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my Xbox username?

Most special characters and emojis are not allowed in Xbox usernames. You can use letters, numbers, and spaces, but hyphens, underscores, and punctuation marks are blocked. A small number of symbols may be permitted depending on your region, but the app will tell you when ready if a character isn't allowed when you try to save.