Yes, you can change your Xbox username, but the process and limits depend on your account type

You can change your Xbox username through your Microsoft account settings on any device with internet access. The change takes effect when ready across Xbox Live, your profile, and any games that use your Xbox identity. However, Microsoft limits how often you can change it: your first change is free, and each change after that costs money through the Microsoft Store.

The username you choose must be between 3 and 15 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or most special characters. Once you change it, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first Xbox username change is free; subsequent changes cost a fee that you pay through the Microsoft Store.
  • You can change your username on Xbox.com, through the Xbox app on Windows, or on your Xbox console itself.
  • The new username takes effect when ready in Xbox Live, your profile, and most games, though some older games may still show your old name.
  • Your gamertag and your Xbox username are the same thing — changing one changes the other across all Microsoft services.
  • You must wait a certain number of days between changes, and your old username becomes available for others to use after you abandon it.

How to change your username on Xbox.com

Go to Xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "View profile." On your profile page, look for the option to edit your profile or account settings — this is usually near your current username or in a menu labeled "Settings" or "Edit Profile."

Select the option to change your gamertag or username. Enter your new username in the text field, and Xbox will check whether it is available. If the name is taken or violates Xbox's content policy, you will see a message telling you so and can try another name. Once you find an available name you want, confirm the change. If this is your first change, it will process when ready at no cost. If you have changed your username before, you will be directed to the Microsoft Store to complete the purchase.

Changing your username on your Xbox console

On your Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360, press the Xbox button to open the guide menu. Navigate to your profile and select "Customize profile" or "Edit profile," depending on your console model. Look for the option labeled "Change gamertag" or "Change your name."

Enter your new username using the on-screen keyboard. Xbox will show you whether the name is available. Confirm your choice, and if this is your first change, it will complete without any additional steps. For subsequent changes, you will need to authorize the purchase through your account's payment method or use Microsoft Store credit.

Using the Xbox app on Windows

Open the Xbox app on your Windows PC and sign in. Click on your profile picture in the top left corner and select "View profile" or "Profile settings." Find the section for your gamertag or username and select "Change gamertag."

Type in your new username and check availability. The same rules explore: your first change is free, and you will be prompted to pay for any changes after that. The change syncs to your console and Xbox.com within a few minutes.

What happens to your old username

When you change your Xbox username, your old name does not disappear when ready. Microsoft holds it for a period of time — typically 30 days — before making it available for other players to claim. During that holding period, no one else can use your old username, but you cannot reclaim it either.

Some games and services may continue to display your old username for a short time after you change it, especially if they cached your profile information. This usually updates within a few hours to a few days. If a friend has you added by your old gamertag, they will still see you in their friends list, but your profile will show your new name.

Restrictions on how often you can change your username

Microsoft enforces a waiting period between username changes. You cannot change your username again when ready after making a change — there is a mandatory gap of several days. This prevents people from cycling through names rapidly or abandoning usernames too frequently.

The exact waiting period is not published by Microsoft, but it is typically at least 30 days between changes. If you try to change your username before the waiting period ends, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next. This timer resets each time you make a change.

Costs for changing your username after the first time

Your first username change through your Microsoft account is free. Every change after that requires a payment, which you complete through the Microsoft Store using your account's payment method or Microsoft Store credit. The exact price varies by region and can change, so check the Microsoft Store at the time you want to make the change.

You can view your payment history and any pending charges in your Microsoft account settings. If you have a gift card or store credit balance, you can use that to cover the cost instead of charging a card.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your friends will see your new username in their friends list and in-game. If they had you added by your old gamertag, the connection does not break — it updates to show your new name. They do not need to re-add you.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Only if no one else has claimed it during the holding period. After 30 days, your old username becomes available for anyone to use. If someone takes it, you cannot reclaim it. You would need to choose a different name or wait to see if the person abandons it later.

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username does not affect your password or your account security. You can change your password independently in your Microsoft account settings if you want to.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Xbox will tell you the name is unavailable when you try to claim it. You will need to choose a different name. You can try adding numbers, abbreviations, or variations until you find something available that you like.

Does changing my username affect my game progress or achievements?

No. Your achievements, game saves, and progress are tied to your Microsoft account, not your username. Changing your gamertag does not erase or move any of your data. You will keep all your progress and achievements under your new username.