Change Your Username Directly in the Xbox App

You can change your Xbox username from within the Xbox app on your phone or tablet without opening a web browser. Open the Xbox app, tap your profile icon in the top left corner, then select Profile. Tap Customize profile, then choose Gamertag. Enter your new username and tap Check availability to see if it's taken. If it's available, tap Save to confirm the change.

The app will tell you when ready if your chosen name is already in use by another player. If it is, you'll need to try a different one. Xbox usernames can be up to 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.

Your new username takes effect right away. Friends will see the updated name the next time they refresh their friends list, and your profile will show the new gamertag across all Xbox services.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Xbox app, tap your profile icon, select Profile, then Customize profile to find the Gamertag option.
  • Xbox usernames can be up to 15 characters and include letters and numbers, but not spaces or most special characters.
  • The app checks availability when ready, so you'll know right away if your chosen name is taken.
  • Your new username appears across all Xbox services when ready after you save it.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days at no cost; additional changes within that period may require payment.

What Happens If Your Chosen Name Is Taken

If the name you want is already taken, the app will show "This gamertag is not available" when you check. You'll need to choose something different. Try adding numbers to the end, using underscores or periods between words, or picking a completely different name.

Xbox does not have a waitlist or reservation system for usernames. Once someone claims a name, it stays theirs unless they delete their account or Microsoft removes it for violating the Code of Conduct. You cannot request that someone else's username be released to you.

Understanding the 30-Day Change Window

Microsoft allows you to change your Xbox username once every 30 days at no cost. This means if you changed your name today, you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed. The timer resets from the date of your last change, not from a calendar month.

If you want to change your name again before 30 days have passed, you can do so, but it will cost money. The exact price varies by region, but it is typically a few dollars. The Xbox app will show you the cost before you confirm the purchase.

Changing Your Name Back to a Previous Username

If you change your mind about your new username, you can change it back to a previous one you used, even if you've already used that name before. However, you still have to wait 30 days between changes, and the same cost applies if you change within that window.

Keep in mind that if you change to a different name and then want to go back to your original username, someone else might claim it in the meantime. There is no way to reserve or hold a username you are not currently using.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the app won't let you change your username, check that you're signed into the correct account. You must be the account owner to change the gamertag. If you're using a child account or a guest account, you won't have permission to make this change.

If you see an error message after tapping Save, try closing the app completely and opening it again. Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the internet. If the problem continues, sign out of the Xbox app, wait a few minutes, and sign back in.

Some usernames are blocked by Xbox for containing words that violate the Code of Conduct, even if they don't seem offensive to you. If a name is rejected, the app usually won't explain why—you'll just see that it's not available. Try a different combination of letters and numbers.

How Your Username Appears Across Xbox Services

Your gamertag is your identity across all Xbox platforms: the Xbox app on mobile, Xbox consoles, the Xbox website, and Xbox Game Pass. When you change your username in the app, it updates everywhere automatically. Your friends will see the new name in their friends list, on your profile, and in multiplayer games.

Your Xbox Live profile also includes a separate display name, which is different from your gamertag. The display name is what appears in some games and social features, while your gamertag is your permanent identifier. You can change your display name separately if you want a different name to show in certain games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have an active Game Pass subscription?

Yes. Your Game Pass subscription is tied to your account, not your username, so changing your gamertag does not affect your subscription or your access to games. Your Game Pass will continue to work when ready after you change your username.

What if I change my username and then want to use my old name again?

You can reclaim a previous username you used, but you must wait 30 days from your last change. If you change your name today and want to go back to your original name tomorrow, you'll have to pay to do so. After 30 days, the first change is free again.

Do I need to update my username on my Xbox console too?

No. Your console is linked to your account, so when you change your username in the Xbox app, it updates on your console automatically. You don't need to do anything on the console itself.

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

No. Xbox usernames can only contain letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and a few symbols like underscores (_) and periods (.). Spaces, @ symbols, # symbols, and most other special characters are not allowed.

What happens to my old username after I change it?

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period. If you want to use it again later, you'll need to change back to it within 30 days of your last change, or wait for it to cycle back into availability if someone else has claimed it in the meantime.