Change your username directly in the Xbox app settings

Open the Xbox app on your phone or tablet and tap your profile icon 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 confirm the change. The app will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or contains blocked words.

The change takes effect right away across all your Xbox devices and services. Your friends list, achievements, and game library stay exactly the same — only the name people see changes. If you change your mind within 30 days, you can change it back to your previous gamertag for free, but after that you'll pay a fee for each additional change.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app by going to Profile, then Customize profile, then tapping your current gamertag to edit it.
  • The new username takes effect when ready across all Xbox services, and your games, friends, and achievements remain linked to your account.
  • You can change back to your previous gamertag free of charge within 30 days of the change.
  • Xbox blocks certain words and names that are already in use, and the app tells you right away if your choice is unavailable.
  • After your first free change, each additional username change will cost you money, so choose carefully.

What happens to your account after you change your username

Your Xbox Live account, Microsoft account, and all connected services stay the same. Your email address, password, and recovery options don't change. Friends who had you added will still see you in their friends list, though your name will appear as the new gamertag. Any messages, achievements, or game progress tied to your account follows the new name automatically.

Some games may take a few hours to display your new username in their own systems, especially if you're playing online multiplayer games. If a game still shows your old name after a day, sign out completely and sign back in to refresh it.

If your desired username is already taken

The Xbox app will show you a message saying the name is unavailable as soon as you try to use it. You'll need to pick something different. Try adding numbers, underscores, or spaces to your preferred name — for example, if "ShadowKnight" is taken, you might use "ShadowKnight42" or "Shadow_Knight".

You can also search for available variations by typing them into the gamertag field before you confirm. There's no limit to how many names you can try before you settle on one, so take your time finding something you like.

Usernames Xbox blocks or won't allow

Xbox has a list of words and phrases it doesn't allow in usernames, including profanity, slurs, and references to illegal activity. The app won't let you use these words even if they're part of a longer name. If you try to use a blocked word, you'll see an error message telling you the name violates the Code of Conduct.

Usernames also can't be longer than 15 characters, can't start with a number, and can't use certain special characters like @ or #. Spaces and underscores are allowed. If your choice breaks any of these rules, the app will explain what the problem is so you can adjust it.

Going back to your old username within 30 days

If you change your mind shortly after switching usernames, you can revert to your previous gamertag at no cost. Open the Xbox app, go to Profile, select Customize profile, and tap your current gamertag. You'll see an option to restore your previous name if you're still within the 30-day window. Tap it and confirm.

After 30 days have passed, you can still change your username, but you'll need to pay a fee each time. Microsoft charges for username changes after the first one to prevent people from switching names constantly. If you're not sure about a new name, use the 30-day window to test it out.

Troubleshooting if the change won't go through

If you see an error message when you try to save your new username, first check that you're connected to the internet and that your app is up to date. Close the Xbox app completely and open it again. Sometimes a temporary connection issue or a cached version of your profile can block the change.

If the problem persists, sign out of your Microsoft account in the app, wait 10 seconds, and sign back in. This refreshes your account information on the device. If you still can't change your username after trying these steps, visit the Xbox Support website to contact Microsoft directly — there may be a temporary issue with your account that support can resolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the Xbox app if I'm not connected to Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can change your username on mobile data or Wi-Fi. The Xbox app needs an internet connection to process the change, but it doesn't matter which type of connection you use. Make sure your connection is stable before you confirm the change.

Will my friends see my old username in old messages or game chat?

No. Your new username appears everywhere retroactively, including in old messages and chat logs. Friends will see your new name when they look back at past conversations. The only exception is screenshots or recordings someone else took before you changed your name — those will still show your old gamertag.

How long does it take for my new username to show up in games?

Most games update your username within a few minutes, but some games take a few hours to sync with Xbox Live. If a game still shows your old name after a day, try signing out and back in. If it persists after that, the game may need an update or a restart.

Can I change my username more than once?

Yes, but it costs money after your first change. You get one free username change, and you can change back to your previous name free within 30 days. After that, each change requires a payment. This policy prevents people from switching names constantly.