Yes, you can change your Xbox username, but the process and cost depend on your account type and how many times you have changed it before

Xbox allows you to change your gamertag — the name other players see — through your account settings on any device connected to your Microsoft account. The first change is free. After that, each change costs money through the Xbox app, Xbox.com, or an Xbox console. You cannot change your username back to a previous one, and the change takes effect when ready across all Xbox services and linked accounts.

The steps are straightforward, but the rules around frequency and cost matter before you start. Understanding what you can and cannot do prevents wasted time or unexpected charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; every change after that costs a set fee through Microsoft.
  • You can change your gamertag on the Xbox app, Xbox.com, or directly on an Xbox console without needing to own the console.
  • The new gamertag takes effect when ready across Xbox Live, Game Pass, and any other services tied to your Microsoft account.
  • You cannot revert to a previous gamertag or reserve a name before you change to it, so choose carefully.
  • Some gamertags are blocked by Xbox because they violate content policies, and you will see that message before you pay.

How to change your gamertag on Xbox.com or the Xbox app

Log into your Microsoft account on Xbox.com or open the Xbox app on your phone, computer, or console. Go to your profile or account settings — the exact menu name varies by device, but it is always under your account or profile section. Look for "Customize profile" or "Change gamertag" and select it.

Type the new gamertag you want. Xbox will tell you when ready if the name is taken or blocked. If it is available, you will see the cost: free for your first change, or a fee for any change after that. Confirm the purchase, and the change goes live right away. Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to claim after a short delay.

Changing your gamertag on an Xbox console

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Select your profile picture, then go to "Profile" and choose "Customize profile." Select "Change gamertag" and follow the same steps as the web version. You do not need to own the console — you can change your gamertag on any Xbox you have access to as long as you are signed into your account.

The console method works the same way as the app or website: the first change is free, and you see the cost before you confirm. The change takes effect when ready on that console and everywhere else your account is signed in.

What happens to your old gamertag and previous names

Once you change your gamertag, Xbox releases the old one back into the pool of available names. Other players can claim it, usually within a few hours. You cannot get it back, even if you change your mind when ready after.

You also cannot change back to any gamertag you have used before, even if you owned it years ago. This rule prevents people from cycling through names or reclaiming old identities. If you want to use a name you had in the past, you have to wait for someone else to claim it first, then hope they change it again — which is not a reliable plan.

Gamertags that Xbox will not let you use

Xbox blocks gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or references to illegal activity. The system also blocks names that impersonate Xbox staff, celebrities, or well-known streamers. If you try to use a blocked name, you will see an error message before you pay, so you will not be charged for a name you cannot have.

If you are unsure whether a name violates the policy, try entering it. The system will reject it if there is a problem. You can then choose a different name without any cost or penalty.

The cost of changing your gamertag after the first time

Microsoft charges a flat fee for each gamertag change after your first free one. The exact amount varies by region and currency. Check Xbox.com or the Xbox app in your account settings to see the current price in your location before you confirm the change.

This fee applies whether you change your gamertag once a year or multiple times in a month. There is no discount for changing frequently, and there is no way to change your gamertag for free after you use your first free change. Some players save their free change for when they are certain about the name they want.

How long the change takes to show up everywhere

The gamertag change is when ready on Xbox Live and the Xbox app. Friends will see your new name right away, and it shows up in your profile, your game achievements, and your Game Pass account when ready. You do not need to restart your console or sign out and back in.

In some older games or third-party services that are linked to your Xbox account, the name change may take a few hours to sync. If you see your old name in a game you have not played in years, wait a few hours and check again. The delay is rare and usually resolves on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to what it was before?

No. Xbox does not allow you to revert to any previous gamertag, even your original one. Once you change away from a name, you cannot use it again unless someone else claims it first and then changes away from it themselves. Plan your new gamertag carefully before you confirm.

Do I lose my achievements or games if I change my gamertag?

No. Your achievements, game library, Game Pass subscription, and all account data stay exactly the same. Only the name changes. Friends will see your new gamertag, but your progress and purchases do not move or reset.

What if the gamertag I want is taken?

Xbox will show you that the name is unavailable before you pay. You will need to choose a different name. There is no way to reserve a name or put yourself on a waitlist. If you see a name you want, you can try adding numbers or underscores to create a variation, or you can check back later to see if the person who has it changes it.

Can I change my gamertag on mobile or do I need a console?

You can change your gamertag on the Xbox app for iPhone, Android, or any web browser without owning a console. You do not need to be near an Xbox device. Log into your Microsoft account anywhere and follow the same steps as the console method.

Will my friends know I changed my gamertag?

Your friends will see your new name the next time they look at their friends list or see you online. Xbox does not send a notification that you changed your name, so some friends might not notice right away. If you want them to know, you can tell them directly.