Change your username directly in the Xbox app on your phone

You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app without opening a web browser or going to a console. Open the Xbox app, tap your profile picture in the top left corner, then tap your gamertag. Select "Edit profile" and choose "Change gamertag". Type your new username, check that it's available, and confirm the change. The app will walk you through each step and tell you when ready if the name is taken.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new gamertag appears across all your Xbox devices within a few seconds — your console, the app, and any game you're playing will all show the updated name. Friends see the change right away too, so you don't need to tell them separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap your profile picture in the Xbox app, then your gamertag, then "Edit profile" to reach the gamertag change screen.
  • The app tells you when ready whether your chosen name is available before you pay anything.
  • Your new gamertag shows up on all your Xbox devices and in all your games within seconds.
  • Changing your gamertag costs money (the amount varies by region), and you can only change it once per year unless you pay again.
  • If the name you want is taken, the app suggests similar alternatives you can choose instead.

What happens when you change your gamertag

When you confirm a new gamertag in the app, Xbox updates your account across every device you own. Your Xbox console, PC, phone, and any game you're playing all reflect the change within seconds. Your friends list stays the same — your friends don't lose you or have to re-add you. They straightforward see your new name the next time they look at their friends list.

Your game saves, achievements, and play history all stay attached to your account. Nothing is lost or reset. The only thing that changes is the name people see when they look at your profile or play with you online.

The cost and frequency limits

Changing your gamertag is not free. The cost varies depending on your region and whether you're changing to a name that's already been used before. A completely new, never-used-before gamertag typically costs more than changing to a name that was previously taken by someone else. Check the exact price in your region before you confirm, because the app shows the cost before you pay.

You can change your gamertag once per year at the standard price. If you want to change it again before a year has passed, you can do so, but it will cost more. After a year from your last change, the price resets to standard.

If your chosen name is already taken

When you type a gamertag and it's already in use, the app won't let you proceed with that exact name. Instead, it shows you a list of similar alternatives — usually variations with numbers added, or slight spelling changes. You can scroll through these suggestions and pick one that appeals to you.

If none of the suggestions work for you, go back and try a completely different name. The app will show you new suggestions based on your new choice. Keep trying different base names until you find one with an available variation you like.

Troubleshooting if the change won't go through

If you tap "Confirm" and the app shows an error, the most common cause is that the name was taken by someone else between the moment you checked availability and the moment you tried to pay. Go back, search for a different name, and try again.

If the app keeps showing an error and it's not about the name being taken, try closing the Xbox app completely and opening it again. Make sure you're signed in with the account you want to change. If you're still stuck, restart your phone, open the app fresh, and navigate back to your profile to try once more.

Changing your gamertag on other devices

You don't have to use the Xbox app to change your gamertag — you can also do it on your Xbox console or through a web browser on a computer. The steps are slightly different on each device, but the cost and frequency limits are the same across all of them. If you change your gamertag on your console, it updates in the app automatically.

The app is often the fastest route because you can do it anywhere, anytime, without needing to sit down at a console or computer. But if you're already at your Xbox, changing it there works just as well.

What you cannot change about your account name

Your gamertag is the name everyone sees when you play online. It's separate from your Microsoft account email address, which is what you use to sign into the Xbox app and your console. You cannot change your email address through the Xbox app — that's done through your Microsoft account settings on a computer or web browser.

You also cannot change your profile name (the display name on your profile page) through the Xbox app. That's a different setting from your gamertag. If you want to change your profile name, you'll need to do that through your Xbox console or a web browser instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but it costs the same as changing to any other name. If your old gamertag is still available, you can claim it again by paying the standard fee. If someone else has taken it, you'll have to wait until they stop using it, which could take years.

What if I change my mind right after paying?

Once you confirm a gamertag change and pay, the change is permanent. Xbox does not refund the cost or undo the change. Make sure you're happy with your new name before you confirm the payment.

Do my friends have to do anything when I change my gamertag?

No. Your friends see your new name automatically the next time they open their friends list. You stay in their friends list under your new name — they don't have to re-add you or do anything on their end.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my gamertag?

Gamertags can include letters, numbers, and some special characters like hyphens and underscores, but not spaces. The app will reject any name with spaces or characters it doesn't allow, so you'll know when ready if your choice won't work.

How long does it take for my new gamertag to show up everywhere?

Your new gamertag appears on all your devices within seconds. Games you're currently playing may take a few more seconds to update, but by the time you finish a match or restart the game, your new name will be showing everywhere.