Change Your Username in the Xbox App on Your Phone

You can change your Xbox username directly in the Xbox app on Android or iPhone without opening a web browser. Open the Xbox app, tap your profile picture in the top left corner, select Profile, then tap Customize profile. Choose Gamertag and enter your new username. The app will check if it is available and let you know the cost — your first change is free, but changing it again costs 800 Microsoft Points (about $10 USD, though prices vary by region).

After you enter a new gamertag and confirm the purchase, the change takes effect when ready in the app. Your friends will see the new name right away, and it will appear on your Xbox console and Xbox.com profile within a few minutes. If the name you want is already taken, the app will suggest similar alternatives you can choose from instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first Xbox username change is free; any change after that costs 800 Microsoft Points.
  • The Xbox app checks availability in real time, so you will know right away if your chosen name is taken.
  • Changes appear when ready in the app and sync to your console and Xbox.com within a few minutes.
  • You must have a payment method on file to complete the change, even though the first one is free.
  • Usernames can be 3 to 15 characters and cannot contain spaces or most special characters.

What Happens If Your Chosen Name Is Taken

When you type a new gamertag into the Xbox app, it checks Microsoft's servers to see if anyone else is using it. If the name is taken, the app will not let you proceed with that choice. Instead, it shows a red X next to the name and displays a message saying it is unavailable.

The app then suggests alternative names based on what you typed — usually your original choice with numbers added at the end, or slight variations. You can accept one of these suggestions or go back and type a completely different name. Keep trying until you find one that is available and that you like.

Understanding the Cost and Payment Method

Microsoft gives you one free gamertag change. This applies whether you have never changed your name before or you changed it years ago — you get one free change per account, period. After you use that free change, any future changes cost 800 Microsoft Points.

To complete a paid change, you need a payment method attached to your Microsoft account. This can be a credit card, debit card, or gift card balance. The Xbox app will prompt you to confirm the purchase before charging you. If you do not have a payment method on file, you can add one during the change process, but the app will not let you proceed without one.

Rules for Choosing a New Gamertag

Xbox usernames must be between 3 and 15 characters long. You can use letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and a few special characters: spaces, hyphens, and underscores are allowed, but most other symbols are not. The app will tell you if your choice breaks these rules before you try to buy the change.

Microsoft also blocks names that contain profanity, hate speech, or references to real people without permission. If you choose a name that violates these rules, the app will reject it and ask you to try something else. Names are not case-sensitive — Xbox treats "MyName" and "myname" as the same gamertag.

Syncing Your New Name Across Devices

Once you confirm the change in the Xbox app, your new gamertag appears in the app when ready. However, it may take a few minutes to show up on your Xbox console, on Xbox.com, or in games you are playing. If you are in the middle of a game when you change your name, you may need to restart the game to see the new name in the game itself.

Your friends will see your new gamertag right away in their friends list, even if your console has not synced yet. If you are playing online multiplayer, other players will see your new name as soon as the game refreshes its player list, which usually happens within a minute or two.

What to Do If the Change Does Not Go Through

If you tap Confirm but the change does not appear in your profile after a few minutes, first check that you have an active internet connection. Close the Xbox app completely and reopen it — sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the change. If your new gamertag still does not appear, sign out of the Xbox app and sign back in.

If you were charged but the name did not change, or if you see an error message during the process, restart your phone and try again. If the problem persists, you can contact Xbox Support through the Xbox app by tapping your profile picture, selecting Settings, then Help & feedback. Describe what happened, and support can check whether the transaction went through and help you complete the change.

Changing Your Name Back to Your Original Gamertag

If you change your mind and want to go back to your original Xbox username, you can do so, but it counts as a paid change (unless it is your one free change). Your original gamertag is reserved for you for 30 days after you change away from it, so you can reclaim it during that window. After 30 days, someone else can claim your old name.

To reclaim your original gamertag, follow the same steps: open the Xbox app, go to your profile, select Customize profile, tap Gamertag, and type your old name. If it is still within the 30-day window, it will show as available. If more than 30 days have passed, the name will be taken and you will not be able to use it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Xbox username on the app if I do not have a payment method on file?

No. Even though your first change is free, Microsoft requires a payment method on your account to process the change. You can add a credit card, debit card, or gift card balance during the change process. Once a payment method is on file, you can complete the free change without being charged.

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

Your new name appears in the Xbox app when ready. It usually reaches your console, Xbox.com, and online games within a few minutes, but can take up to an hour in rare cases. Your friends will see the change right away in their friends list.

What if someone takes my old gamertag before the 30-day window closes?

Your original gamertag is reserved for you alone for 30 days. No one else can claim it during that time. After 30 days, it becomes available to anyone, and if someone takes it, you cannot get it back.

Can I change my username more than once?

Yes. You get one free change, and you can change your gamertag as many times as you want after that by paying 800 Microsoft Points each time. There is no limit on how many times you can change it.

Will changing my gamertag affect my game saves or achievements?

No. Your game saves, achievements, and account history stay with your account no matter how many times you change your gamertag. Everything is tied to your Microsoft account, not your username.