Change your username directly in the Xbox app on your phone

Open the Xbox app on your phone and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select Profile, then tap Customize profile. You'll see your current gamertag listed — tap it to open the edit screen. Type your new username (up to 12 characters, letters and numbers only), then tap Check availability to see if it's taken. If it's available, tap Change gamertag and confirm the purchase or credit cost if one applies.

The change takes effect when ready after you confirm. Your new username appears across Xbox Live, in multiplayer games, and on your profile within seconds. Friends will see the update the next time they view your profile or play with you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app by going to your profile, selecting Customize profile, and tapping your current gamertag to edit it.
  • New usernames must be 12 characters or fewer and can only contain letters and numbers — no spaces or special characters.
  • The app will tell you when ready whether your chosen username is available before you commit to the change.
  • Some username changes may have a small cost associated with them, which the app displays before you confirm.
  • Your new username updates across all Xbox services within seconds and is visible to friends and other players right away.

What happens if your chosen username is already taken

When you tap Check availability, the app shows you whether the name is free or already in use. If it's taken, you'll see a message saying the gamertag is unavailable. You can then try a different variation — adding a number at the end, using a different spelling, or choosing a completely different name.

The app lets you check as many options as you want before you commit to paying. There's no penalty for checking availability multiple times, so you can experiment until you find something you like that's actually open.

Understanding the cost of changing your username

Your first Xbox username change is free. After that, each additional change costs money — the exact amount varies by region and can change over time. The Xbox app shows you the cost before you tap Change gamertag, so you'll know the price before your payment method is charged.

If you don't want to pay for a change, you can keep your current username indefinitely. There's no requirement to update it, and you won't lose access to your account or games if you never change it.

Restrictions on what you can name yourself

Xbox blocks usernames that contain profanity, hate speech, or references to illegal activity. The system also won't allow usernames that impersonate real people, celebrities, or Xbox staff members. If you try to use a name that violates these rules, the app will reject it during the availability check and explain why.

Usernames are also case-insensitive on Xbox Live — "JamesRod" and "jamesrod" are treated as the same name. You can't reserve a name just by changing the capitalization.

How to change your username if the app won't let you

If the Xbox app crashes or won't load your profile, try closing the app completely and reopening it. Make sure you're signed in with the Microsoft account that owns the Xbox profile you want to change. If you're signed into a different account, you won't see the option to edit that profile's username.

If the app still won't work, you can change your username on a web browser instead. Go to account.xbox.com, sign in, and select Customize your profile. The web version has the same username editor and works the same way — you check availability, pay if needed, and confirm the change.

What to do if you change your mind after updating

Once you confirm a username change, it's permanent when ready. You can't undo it or revert to your old name. If you want to go back to your previous username, you have to change your gamertag again, which will cost money (unless it's your first change overall).

Before you confirm any change, take a moment to make sure you're happy with the new name. The app shows you exactly what it will be one more time before you tap the final confirmation button.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Xbox username on any phone?

The Xbox app works on both iPhone and Android phones. read the official Xbox app from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with your Microsoft account, and follow the same steps. The process is identical on both platforms.

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

Yes. Your friends list doesn't break when you change your gamertag. They'll see your new username the next time they open the app or play with you, and they can still message and invite you to games without doing anything on their end.

What if I forgot my Microsoft password and can't sign into the app?

Go to account.microsoft.com and select Can't access your account. Follow the recovery steps using your email address or phone number. Once you reset your password, you can sign back into the Xbox app and change your username normally.

Does changing my username affect my game saves or achievements?

No. Your game saves, achievements, and play history stay attached to your account no matter what username you use. Changing your gamertag is purely cosmetic — it only changes what other players see when they look at your profile.