The fastest way to change your Xbox username from your phone
You can change your Xbox username directly in the Xbox mobile app on iOS or Android without needing a computer. Open the app, tap your profile picture in the top left corner, select your gamertag, and choose "Edit profile." From there, tap "Change gamertag" and follow the prompts to pick a new one. The whole process takes about two minutes.
Xbox charges a fee for the first gamertag change and every change after that. The cost varies by region — it is not free anywhere. You will see the exact price before you confirm the change, so you know what you are paying before your payment goes through.
If you have never changed your gamertag before, you get one free change. That free change is a one-time offer and does not renew. If you have already used it, every change from that point forward costs money.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Xbox app, tap your profile picture, select your gamertag, and choose "Edit profile" to reach the gamertag change screen.
- Your first gamertag change is free; every change after that has a fee that varies by your region and account type.
- You will see the price before you pay, and the change takes effect when ready once you confirm.
- If you forget your current gamertag or cannot access your profile, you may need to sign in on a web browser or contact Xbox Support instead.
- Some gamertags are reserved by Xbox or already taken by other players, so your first choice might not be available.
Step-by-step instructions for the Xbox app
Start by opening the Xbox app on your phone. Make sure you are signed in to the account whose gamertag you want to change. If you have multiple accounts on your phone, tap your profile picture in the top left corner and confirm you are on the right one.
Tap your profile picture again. A menu will appear with several options. Look for "Profile" or your gamertag name at the top of that menu and tap it. This takes you to your profile page within the app.
On your profile page, find the section that shows your current gamertag. Tap "Edit profile" or the pencil icon next to your gamertag. A new screen will open with editable fields. Tap "Change gamertag" — this is a separate button from the general edit option.
Type your new gamertag into the text field. Xbox will check in real time whether the name is available. If it shows a green checkmark, the name is yours to take. If it shows a red X or a message, that name is taken or reserved. Keep trying different names until you find one that is available.
Once you have a name that works, tap "Next" or "Confirm." The app will show you the fee for the change (or "Free" if this is your first one). Review the price, then tap "Buy" or "Confirm purchase" to complete the change. Your new gamertag takes effect when ready.
What happens if the app will not let you change your gamertag
If you see an error message or the "Change gamertag" button is grayed out, your account may have restrictions. Xbox sometimes locks gamertag changes on accounts that are new, have been reported for violations, or have unpaid balances. These restrictions are temporary in most cases.
If you cannot find the "Change gamertag" option at all, make sure you are signed in to the account you want to change. Some accounts — particularly child accounts or accounts linked to a family group — have limited permissions. A parent or guardian account holder may need to make the change instead.
If you have tried everything and the button still will not work, you can change your gamertag on a web browser instead. Go to account.xbox.com, sign in, and look for "Gamertag" under your profile settings. The process is the same, and it sometimes works when the app does not.
Understanding gamertag availability and naming rules
Xbox reserves certain gamertags for its own use or for players who had them first. You cannot use a name that is already taken by another player on Xbox Live. The system checks this in real time as you type, so you will know when ready if your choice is available.
Some words and phrases are blocked entirely — Xbox does not allow gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names. If you try to use a blocked word, the app will tell you the name is unavailable without explaining why. This is intentional; Xbox does not list every forbidden word.
Gamertags can be 3 to 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and some special characters like hyphens and underscores. Spaces are not allowed. If a name you want is too short, too long, or uses characters Xbox does not accept, the app will show an error message.
Payment methods and regional pricing
The cost of a gamertag change is charged to the payment method linked to your Xbox account. If you have Xbox Game Pass or a balance in your Microsoft account, Xbox may draw from that first. Otherwise, it charges your credit card, debit card, or PayPal account on file.
Pricing varies by country and currency. In the United States, a gamertag change typically costs a few dollars, but the exact amount depends on your region and whether you have any active subscriptions or promotions. The app shows you the price before you confirm, so you always know what you are paying.
If you do not have a payment method set up, you will need to add one before you can complete a paid gamertag change. You can do this in the Xbox app under "Settings" and "Payment options," or through your Microsoft account online.
What to do if you change your mind after paying
Once you confirm a gamertag change and pay, the change is final. Xbox does not refund gamertag change fees, and you cannot undo the change to get your old name back. If someone else takes your old gamertag when ready after you change it, you cannot reclaim it.
If you made a typo or chose a name you regret, you can change it again — but you will have to pay the fee again. Think carefully about your new gamertag before you confirm the purchase, because there is no grace period or money-back option.
If you believe you were charged by mistake or your account was compromised and someone changed your gamertag without permission, contact Xbox Support through the app or at support.xbox.com. They can investigate and may be able to help, though they cannot reverse a legitimate purchase you made yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?
Only if no one else has claimed it. Once you change your gamertag, your old name goes back into the pool of available names. If another player takes it, you cannot get it back. You can try to change to your old name when ready after switching, but you will have to pay the change fee again.
Do I need to change my password after I change my gamertag?
No. Your gamertag and your password are separate. Changing your gamertag does not affect your account security or login credentials. You sign in with your email address or phone number, not your gamertag, so the change has no impact on how you access your account.
Will my friends still see me after I change my gamertag?
Yes. Your friends list and your friends' friend lists update automatically. They will see your new gamertag the next time they open the app or refresh their friends list. You do not need to re-add anyone or send new friend requests.
Can a child account change its own gamertag?
It depends on the account settings. If the child account is part of a family group, the parent or guardian may have restricted gamertag changes. The parent can change the setting in the family group settings on Xbox.com, or they can change the gamertag themselves on behalf of the child.
What if my new gamertag is taken while I am trying to pay?
Xbox reserves your chosen name while you are in the payment screen, so another player cannot claim it while you are checking out. If the payment fails or you cancel, the name goes back into the available pool. If the payment succeeds, the name is yours when ready.