You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app on your phone, but the actual change happens in your Microsoft account settings

Your Xbox username is tied to your Microsoft account, not stored on the console itself. This means you change it the same way whether you're on your phone, computer, or sitting at your TV — by going into your Microsoft account. The Xbox app on mobile gives you the fastest path to those settings, and the whole process takes about five minutes once you're logged in.

The change takes effect when ready across all your devices. Anyone you play with will see your new name right away, though your old name may still appear in some game histories for a few days while servers sync up.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Xbox app on your phone, tap your profile picture, and select "View profile" to reach your account settings.
  • Your Xbox username is stored in your Microsoft account, not on Xbox itself, so you're changing your Microsoft display name.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the new name takes effect when ready across all games and devices.
  • If the name you want is taken, Xbox will suggest alternatives, but you cannot reserve a name before you change to it.

Opening the Xbox app and finding your profile

Start by opening the Xbox app on your phone. If you don't have it installed, read it from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) first. Tap the app icon to open it, then look for your profile picture or avatar in the top right corner of the screen — it's usually a small circle with your current gamertag or a default image inside.

Tap that profile picture. A menu will drop down with several options. Look for "View profile" or "Profile" and tap it. This takes you to your Xbox profile page within the app, which shows your gamertag, achievements, and account details.

Navigating to your Microsoft account settings

Once you're on your profile page, look for a settings icon or gear symbol, usually in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it. This opens your account settings menu. You should see options like "Account", "Privacy", "Notifications", and others depending on your app version.

Tap "Account" or "Account settings". This takes you to a page that shows your current gamertag and other account information. You may see a button or link that says "Change gamertag", "Edit profile", or "Manage account" — the exact wording varies by app version, but it will be near your current username.

Changing your username in the settings menu

Tap the option to change your gamertag. The app will open a text field with your current username highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one. Xbox usernames can be 3 to 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols, but not spaces. Avoid special characters like @ or # unless you're certain they're allowed — stick to letters and numbers if you're unsure.

As you type, the app checks whether the name is available. If it's taken, Xbox will show you a red X or an error message and suggest alternatives below the text field. If your name is available, you'll see a green checkmark. Once you see the checkmark, tap "Check availability" or "Confirm" — again, the button name varies by app version.

Confirming the change and what happens next

The app will ask you to confirm the change one more time, usually with a message like "This will change your gamertag to [new name]." Tap "Confirm" or "Change gamertag" to finalize it. The app may ask you to re-enter your Microsoft password for security. Type it in and tap "Sign in" or "Confirm".

Your new username is now active. You'll see it displayed in the app when ready. The change spreads to all your games, your Xbox profile online, and any device you use to play Xbox within a few minutes. Friends will see your new name the next time they look at their friends list or see you online.

What to know about changing your username again

Xbox allows you to change your gamertag once every 30 days. If you change it today, you cannot change it again for 30 days from that date. The timer resets each time you make a change, so if you change it on January 15th, your next change is available on February 14th.

If you change your mind within a few minutes of making the change, some versions of the Xbox app let you undo it by tapping "Undo" on the confirmation screen. This window closes quickly, so act fast if you see it. After that window closes, you're locked into the 30-day wait before you can change it again.

Troubleshooting if the change won't go through

If you see an error message when you try to confirm the change, the most common cause is that your internet connection dropped. Close the app completely and reopen it, then try again. Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data before you start.

If the name you want shows as taken but you believe it shouldn't be, you cannot dispute it through the app. The name is reserved by another account, even if that account is inactive. Try a slight variation — add a number, change the spelling, or use an underscore — and check availability again. If you're still stuck, you can contact Xbox Support through the app by tapping your profile picture, selecting "Help & feedback", and choosing "Contact us".

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my old username be available for someone else to use?

Yes, after you change your gamertag, your old name goes back into the pool of available names. Someone else can claim it when ready. If you want to keep using a name you've built a reputation with, make sure you're ready to change before you tap confirm.

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your gamertag does not affect your password or your ability to sign in. You'll still use the same Microsoft email and password to log into Xbox.

What if I change my username but it doesn't show up in my games?

Some games cache your old username for a few hours or days. Restart the game and sign out and back into your Xbox account. If it still shows the old name after a day, the game may need an update — check your app store for pending updates.

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

Spaces are not allowed. Most special characters like @, #, and $ are also blocked. Stick to letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and underscores or hyphens if you want to separate words. The app will tell you if a character isn't allowed when you type it.

What happens to my achievements and game progress if I change my username?

Nothing. Your achievements, game saves, and progress stay attached to your account. Only the name displayed changes. Anyone looking at your profile will see your new gamertag, but all your history and stats remain exactly the same.