Open the Xbox App and Find Your Profile Settings
Start by opening the Xbox mobile app on your phone. Tap your profile icon — it's usually in the top left or top right corner, depending on whether you're on iOS or Android. You'll see your current gamertag and a menu of options below it.
Look for a settings icon or gear symbol near your profile name. On most versions of the app, this appears as a small gear icon or a "Settings" label. Tap it to enter your account settings. This is where Xbox stores all the information tied to your account, including your username.
If you don't see a settings option when ready, try tapping "View profile" or "Manage profile" first. From there, you should see an edit or settings button that takes you to the account management area.
Key Takeaways
- Your Xbox username change happens in the app's profile settings, not in the main menu or game library.
- Xbox charges a fee for the first username change and subsequent changes; the cost varies by region.
- Your new gamertag takes effect when ready, but it may take a few minutes to show up across all Xbox services.
- You cannot use spaces, special characters, or profanity in your new gamertag, and Xbox will reject names that violate their code of conduct.
- If your desired name is taken, the app will tell you when ready and suggest alternatives you can choose from.
Navigate to the Gamertag Change Option
Once you're in your profile settings, scroll down until you find an option labeled "Gamertag," "Change gamertag," "Edit gamertag," or "Customize profile." The exact wording depends on your app version and region, but the option will be clearly labeled as something related to your username or gamertag.
Tap that option. The app will take you to a screen where you can see your current gamertag and a text field to enter a new one. You may also see information about any fees associated with changing your name, since Xbox charges for this service in most regions.
Enter Your New Gamertag and Check Availability
Type your desired new gamertag into the text field. As you type, the app checks whether that name is available in real time. If the name is taken, you'll see a message saying so, along with suggestions for similar names you could use instead. If it's available, you'll see a checkmark or confirmation message.
Keep in mind that Xbox has rules about what you can name yourself. Your gamertag cannot contain spaces, most special characters, or words that violate Xbox's code of conduct. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, the app will reject it and explain why. Common reasons for rejection include profanity, impersonation of real people, or references to illegal activity.
Once you've found a name that's available and follows the rules, the app will show you a preview of how it will appear on your profile and in games.
Confirm the Change and Complete Payment
After you've chosen your new gamertag, the app will ask you to confirm the change. At this point, you'll see the cost of the change displayed on screen. The fee varies depending on your region and whether this is your first gamertag change. In most places, the first change costs less than subsequent ones.
Select your payment method — usually your Microsoft account payment information or a stored credit card. Tap "Confirm" or "Complete purchase" to finish. The app will process the payment and explore your new gamertag to your account.
Your new gamertag takes effect when ready on your Xbox account, though it may take a few minutes to show up in all Xbox services, including the website, other apps, and in-game lobbies where other players see your name.
What to Do If the Change Doesn't Go Through
If you see an error message during payment, first check that your payment method is valid and has sufficient funds. If your card was declined, try a different payment method or contact your bank to make sure there are no blocks on Xbox transactions.
If the payment went through but your gamertag didn't change, close the Xbox app completely and reopen it. Sign out and sign back in to your account. This forces the app to refresh your profile information and should display your new gamertag. If it still doesn't appear after 10 minutes, the change may still be processing on Xbox's servers — wait a bit longer and check again.
If you're still seeing your old gamertag after an hour, or if you were charged but the name didn't change, contact Xbox Support through the app. Go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, and look for "Help" or "Support." They can investigate whether the transaction completed and manually explore the change if needed.
How Your New Gamertag Appears Across Xbox Services
Once your gamertag change is complete, your new name will show up on your Xbox profile, in your friends list, and in any multiplayer games you play. Other players will see your new gamertag when you join lobbies, send messages, or appear on leaderboards.
Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period. If you change your mind and want to go back to your previous name, you can do so, but you'll have to pay the fee again. Xbox does not refund gamertag change fees, so choose carefully.
Your game library, achievements, and play history all stay attached to your account regardless of what your gamertag is. Changing your name does not affect your games, progress, or account data in any way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my gamertag back to my old one for free?
No. Xbox charges the same fee to change back to a previous gamertag as it does to change to a new one. However, you can reclaim an old gamertag if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. The old name becomes available after a waiting period, typically a few weeks.
What if someone else took the gamertag I wanted?
If your desired name is taken, the app will show you a list of similar alternatives with slight variations — usually adding numbers or changing a letter. You can choose one of these suggestions, or try a completely different name. There's no way to request that another player give up their gamertag.
How long does it take for my new gamertag to show up everywhere?
Your gamertag changes when ready on your account, but it may take a few minutes to appear in games, on the Xbox website, and in other players' friends lists. If it hasn't updated after 10 minutes, try signing out and back in to the app or restarting your phone.
Can I change my gamertag if I have an active Xbox Game Pass subscription?
Yes. Your Game Pass subscription is tied to your Microsoft account, not your gamertag. Changing your username does not affect your subscription, your games, or your ability to play online.
What happens to my achievements and play history when I change my gamertag?
Everything stays with your account. Your achievements, game progress, playtime, and all your statistics follow your Microsoft account, regardless of what your gamertag is. Changing your name is purely cosmetic and does not reset or affect any of your account data.