You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app on your phone, but the actual change happens in your Microsoft account settings

The Xbox app on iOS and Android lets you view your current gamertag, but Microsoft moved the username-change function into your Microsoft account itself. You'll open the Xbox app, navigate to your profile, and then switch to the account settings page — which opens in your phone's web browser. From there, you edit your Microsoft account name, and the change syncs back to Xbox within minutes. The whole process takes about five minutes if your preferred name is available.

Your Xbox username and your Microsoft account name are now the same thing. When you change one, the other changes automatically. This is different from older Xbox systems where they were separate. If you've never changed your gamertag before, you get one free change. After that, each change costs money — currently $9.99 USD, though prices vary by region and may change.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Xbox app on your phone, go to your profile, and tap the account settings option to reach the name-change page.
  • Your first username change is free; any changes after that cost $9.99 USD in most regions.
  • The new name takes effect when ready on Xbox and all Microsoft services that use your account.
  • You cannot use spaces, special characters, or names that are already taken by another player.
  • If you change your mind within 30 days, you can change back to your old name for free.

Step-by-step process on iPhone or Android

Start by opening the Xbox app. If you don't have it, read it from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) — it's free. Sign in with the Microsoft account attached to your Xbox profile.

Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. On most phones this is a circle with your gamerpic inside it. Tap "Profile" or "Account" — the exact wording depends on your app version. You'll see your current gamertag displayed at the top of the screen.

Look for a link or button that says "Edit profile," "Account settings," or "Manage account." Tap it. Your phone will open a web page in your default browser — this is the Microsoft account settings page, not the Xbox app anymore. You may need to sign in again if your session expired.

On the Microsoft account page, find the section labeled "Name" or "Your info." Tap "Edit name" or the pencil icon next to your current name. Type your new gamertag into the field. Check that it follows Xbox rules: no spaces, no special characters except hyphens and underscores, and between 3 and 15 characters long.

Tap "Save" or "Next." If the name is available, the change processes when ready. If it's taken, you'll see an error message and can try a different name. Once saved, close the browser and return to the Xbox app. Your new gamertag should appear within a few minutes. If it doesn't, close the Xbox app completely and reopen it.

What names are not allowed

Xbox blocks names that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people without permission. The system also rejects names that are already taken by another player. You cannot use spaces — hyphens and underscores work instead. Names must be between 3 and 15 characters.

If you try a name and see "This gamertag is not available," it means either someone else has it or it violates Xbox's content policy. Try adding a number, changing a letter, or using a hyphen or underscore in a different spot. The system will tell you when ready whether your new choice is allowed.

Cost and free changes

Your first gamertag change is free, no matter when you created your account. Every change after that costs $9.99 USD in the United States. Prices in other countries vary — check your local Xbox support page for your region's cost.

If you change your name and regret it within 30 days, you can change back to your previous gamertag for free. After 30 days, changing back costs the same as any other change. This is useful if you want to test a new name before committing to paying for another change.

What happens to your old username

When you change your gamertag, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim. You cannot reserve it or get it back unless you pay to change your name again. If you think you might want it later, consider waiting before changing — once it's gone, it's gone.

Your game library, achievements, and friends list all stay with your account. Changing your name doesn't delete anything or reset your progress. People on your friends list will see your new gamertag the next time they open the Xbox app.

Troubleshooting if the change doesn't work

If you've completed the steps but your new name doesn't appear in the Xbox app, try closing the app completely and reopening it. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the change. Wait a few minutes first — the change can take up to 10 minutes to sync across all Microsoft services.

If the name still doesn't appear after 10 minutes and a full app restart, sign out of the Xbox app and sign back in. Go to your profile again to confirm the change took effect. If you're still seeing your old name, open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com to verify the change was actually saved.

If the change shows on the Microsoft account page but not in the Xbox app, the app may have a bug. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the Xbox app. This is rare, but it can happen if the app didn't update properly.

Changing your name on console or PC instead

If you have an Xbox console or a Windows PC with the Xbox app, you can also change your gamertag there. The process is similar: go to your profile, find account settings, and edit your name. The change syncs across all devices — if you change it on your phone, it updates on your console automatically, and vice versa.

Some people find the console or PC interface easier to navigate, especially if they're used to playing on those devices. The end result is the same regardless of which device you use to make the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Xbox username without paying if I've already used my free change?

No. You get one free change per account, ever. After that, each change costs $9.99 USD (or your region's equivalent). The only exception is if you change your name and then change it back within 30 days — the second change is free.

What if someone else has the name I want?

You cannot have it. Gamertags are unique — only one person can use each name. Try a variation: add a number at the end, use a hyphen or underscore, or change a letter. The Xbox app will tell you when ready if a name is available.

Will my friends still see me after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list doesn't change, and your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they open the Xbox app. You stay in all the same groups and parties — only your display name changes.

How long does it take for the name change to show up everywhere?

The change usually appears in the Xbox app within a few minutes. It may take up to 10 minutes to sync across all Microsoft services and devices. If it hasn't appeared after 10 minutes, close and reopen the Xbox app.

Can I change my name back to my old gamertag for free?

Yes, but only within 30 days. If you change your name and then change it back to your previous gamertag within 30 days, the second change is free. After 30 days, changing back costs the same as any other change.