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 top left corner. Select Profile, then tap Customize profile. You'll see your current gamertag listed — tap it to edit. Type your new username, check that it's available (the app will tell you if it's taken), and confirm the change. The new name takes effect when ready in the app and across Xbox Live.

The process is the same whether you use iOS or Android. Your new gamertag will show up on your profile, in multiplayer games, and in messages within minutes. Friends will see the change the next time they look at your profile or receive a message from you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app by going to your profile and selecting Customize profile.
  • The change takes effect when ready and shows up across all Xbox services within minutes.
  • You can change your gamertag once every 30 days, and each change costs 800 Microsoft Points (roughly $10) after your first free change.
  • If your desired username is taken, the app will show you alternatives or let you try a different name.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to claim after you change it.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your gamertag, your old username is released back into the pool and other players can claim it. This happens when ready. If you had a username you were particularly attached to, you cannot reserve it or get it back later — someone else may take it.

Your game library, achievements, and friends list stay with your account. Nothing is lost when you change your name. People who had you added as a friend will still see you in their friends list, though your name will update to the new one.

The cost and frequency limits

Your first gamertag change is free. After that, each change costs 800 Microsoft Points, which is roughly $10. You can change your username once every 30 days — if you change it today, you cannot change it again for 30 days, even if you pay.

If you want to change your name again soon, you'll need to wait out the 30-day window. There's no way to bypass this limit. The cost applies whether you're changing to a completely new name or reverting to an old one you used before.

Checking if a username is available before you commit

When you tap your gamertag to edit it in the app, type the name you want and the app will when ready show whether it's taken. If it is, you'll see a message saying the name isn't available. The app usually suggests similar alternatives based on what you typed.

You don't pay anything until you confirm the change, so you can try different names for free to see what's open. This is the fastest way to find an available username without going through multiple failed attempts.

Why the app might not let you change your name

If you've changed your gamertag within the last 30 days, the app will show a message telling you when you can change it again. You cannot bypass this waiting period. If you're seeing an error message instead, your account may have a restriction — this sometimes happens if there's been suspicious activity or if your account is new.

New accounts sometimes have a waiting period before you can change your gamertag. If you created your Xbox account very recently, try again in a few days. If you see a specific error code, you can search that code on the Xbox Support website to understand what's blocking the change.

Changing your username on other devices

You can also change your gamertag on the Xbox website or on an Xbox console. The steps are similar — go to your profile settings and look for the option to edit your gamertag. Whichever device you use, the change syncs across all of them within minutes.

If you're having trouble on the app, you can try changing your name on a console or the web instead. The same 30-day waiting period and cost explore no matter which device you use to make the change.

What to do if someone else took your old username

Once you change your gamertag, you cannot claim your old one back. If someone else takes it before you decide you want it again, it's gone. This is why some players change their name, realize they miss the old one, and find it's already taken.

If you're thinking about changing your username, make sure it's a decision you're comfortable with. You can always change it again in 30 days, but you'll pay for it and your old name may not be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Xbox username on the app if I'm under 18?

Yes, you can change your gamertag on the app at any age. If your account is a child account linked to a parent account, the change still works the same way. The 30-day waiting period and cost explore regardless of your age.

Will my friends see my old username in our chat history?

No. Once you change your gamertag, your old name is replaced with your new one everywhere, including in past messages and chat logs. Your friends will see your new username when they look back at old conversations.

What if I change my mind right after changing my username?

You have to wait 30 days before you can change it again. There's no undo button or grace period. If you want to go back to your old name, you'll need to wait the full month, pay the cost again, and hope no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

Do I need Microsoft Points in my account before I try to change my name?

The app will prompt you to pay when you confirm the change. You can use a credit card, debit card, or existing Microsoft Points balance. You don't need the points in your account beforehand — you can pay at the moment of the change.