Change your username directly in the Xbox app on your phone

Open the Xbox app on your phone and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Select View profile, then tap the three dots next to your gamertag. Choose Change gamertag and enter your new username. The app will check if it's available and show you the cost — most changes cost $9.99, though your first change is free if you've never changed it before.

After you confirm the new name, the change takes effect when ready across all your Xbox devices and services. Your friends list, achievements, and game progress all stay with your account — only the name displayed changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; any change after that costs $9.99 through the Xbox app.
  • The Xbox app checks availability in real time, so you'll know right away if someone else has the name you want.
  • Your change appears everywhere you play — console, PC, mobile — within seconds.
  • You need a payment method on file to complete a paid change, even if you're using a gift card balance.
  • Changing your gamertag does not affect your account security, saved games, or friends list.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your gamertag, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim. Your account history and achievements stay attached to your new name — nothing is lost on your end. However, if you change your mind later, you cannot reclaim your old gamertag if someone else has already taken it.

Friends who had you added under your old name will see your new gamertag the next time they open the app or console. You do not need to re-add them or send new friend requests.

Naming rules and restrictions

Xbox has specific rules about what characters and words are allowed in a gamertag. Your new name must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. You cannot use symbols like hyphens, underscores, or periods, and Xbox will reject names that contain profanity or impersonation of real people or brands.

The app will tell you when ready if a name breaks these rules or is already taken. If you see an error message, try a different combination. Some common words are also reserved by Xbox and cannot be used, even if they seem harmless.

Payment and billing for your change

If this is not your first gamertag change, you'll need to pay $9.99. The Xbox app will ask you to confirm a payment method — this can be a credit card, debit card, or an existing Xbox gift card balance. The charge goes through when ready after you confirm the new name.

If you don't have a payment method saved, the app will prompt you to add one before you can complete the change. You cannot use Microsoft Rewards points or Game Pass credits to pay for a gamertag change.

Troubleshooting a failed change

If your change doesn't go through, the most common reason is a payment issue — your card may have expired, been declined, or your account may have insufficient balance. Check that your payment method is current and has available funds, then try again.

If the name you want suddenly shows as taken, someone claimed it between when you checked and when you tried to confirm. Go back and search for a different name. If the app keeps showing an error even for names that should be allowed, try closing the app completely and reopening it, or restart your phone.

Changing your username on other devices

You can also change your gamertag on an Xbox console or through the web version of Xbox.com, and the change will sync to your phone app within seconds. The process is the same on all platforms — you access your profile, select the option to change your gamertag, and pay if it's not your first change.

If you're already on your console or computer, you may find it easier to make the change there, since you might already be signed in. The Xbox app is most useful if you're away from home or prefer managing your account on your phone.

How long the change takes to show everywhere

Your new gamertag appears in the Xbox app and on your profile within seconds of confirmation. On an Xbox console, it may take a few minutes to update if you're currently signed in — you might need to sign out and back in to see the change reflected everywhere on that device.

Friends and other players will see your new name the next time they refresh their friends list or encounter you in a game. There is no delay on their end — the change is live across Xbox's servers when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one if I don't like the new one?

You can change it again, but you'll pay another $9.99 (unless it's your first change overall). Your old gamertag is only free to reclaim if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. If someone else took it, you'll have to choose a different name or pay to change to your old name if it becomes available again.

What if the name I want is taken?

The Xbox app will show you that it's unavailable when you search. You'll need to pick a different name. Try adding numbers, spaces, or slight variations to your preferred name. The app checks availability in real time, so you'll know when ready if your choice works.

Do I need Xbox Game Pass to change my gamertag?

No. You only need a valid payment method on file if this isn't your first change. Your first gamertag change is free regardless of whether you have Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, or any subscription.

Will my friends know when I change my gamertag?

Your friends will see your new name the next time they open the app or console. You don't need to tell them or send new requests — they're still friends with your account, just under your new gamertag.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new gamertag?

You can use spaces, but not symbols like hyphens, underscores, periods, or other special characters. Stick to letters, numbers, and spaces. The app will reject your choice if it contains characters Xbox doesn't allow.