Yes, you can change your Xbox username, but there are limits
You can change your Xbox username once every 30 days. The first change is free; after that, each change costs $9.99. You make the change through your Xbox account settings online or on your console, and it takes effect when ready across all your games and services tied to that account.
The username you choose must be between 3 and 15 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or most special characters. Xbox will reject names that are already taken, contain profanity, or violate their code of conduct — which includes slurs, hate speech, or sexually explicit content.
Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. If you change your mind within a short window, you may be able to reclaim it, but this is not may provide. Once another player takes it, it is gone.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Xbox username once every 30 days, with the first change free and subsequent changes costing $9.99 each.
- Your new username must be 3 to 15 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or special characters like hyphens or underscores.
- Xbox rejects usernames that are already taken, contain profanity, or violate their code of conduct, and you will see the reason if your choice is denied.
- Your old username becomes available for other players to claim when ready after you change it, so choose your new name carefully.
How to change your username on console
Start on your Xbox console and press the Xbox button to open the guide. Navigate to your profile in the top left corner and select it. From your profile menu, choose Customize profile, then select Gamertag.
You will see your current username and a button to change it. Select that button, type your new username into the field, and Xbox will tell you when ready whether it is available. If the name is taken or violates the code of conduct, you will see a message explaining why and can try a different one. Once you find an available name you want, confirm the change. It takes effect right away.
How to change your username online
Go to account.xbox.com in any web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account. Select Your info or Profile from the menu on the left side of the page.
Look for the option labeled Gamertag or Xbox username and select Change gamertag or Edit. Type your new username, and the system will show you whether it is available. If it is, confirm the change and you are done. The change appears on your console within a few minutes.
What happens to your old username
Once you change your username, your old one enters a holding period. During this time, no one else can claim it. The length of this holding period varies — it can be anywhere from a few days to several weeks — but Xbox does not publish the exact timeframe.
After the holding period ends, your old username becomes available for any other player to claim. If someone takes it before you decide you want it back, you cannot reclaim it. For this reason, think carefully about your new username before you confirm the change. If you realize within a day or two that you made a mistake, contact Xbox Support to ask whether they can reverse the change, but this is not may provide.
Restrictions and things that will get your name rejected
Xbox will reject your username if it contains profanity, slurs, hate speech, or sexually explicit language. The system also blocks names that reference illegal activity, violence, or self-harm. Names that impersonate Xbox staff, celebrities, or well-known brands are rejected as well.
You cannot use spaces in your username, and most special characters — including hyphens, underscores, periods, and apostrophes — are not allowed. Some numbers and letters work fine, but the system will tell you when ready if a character is not permitted. If your chosen name is rejected and you are not sure why, the error message will usually point you toward the specific rule it violates.
The cost of changing your username more than once
Your first username change is free, no matter when you make it. If you change your username a second time, the cost is $9.99. Every change after that also costs $9.99, and you can only make one change every 30 days. This means if you change your name on day one, you cannot change it again until day 31.
The 30-day timer starts from the date you confirmed your most recent change, not from when you started the process. If you are charged for a change you did not intend to make, contact Xbox Support within a reasonable time to request a refund. They may reverse the charge if it was a mistake or unauthorized use of your account.
If your username change does not go through
If you see an error message when you try to change your username, the most common reasons are that the name is already taken, it violates the code of conduct, or it contains characters Xbox does not allow. The error message should tell you which one it is. Try a different name and check whether it works.
If the system says your account is not may be able to access to change its username, you may have changed it within the last 30 days. Wait until the 30-day period has passed and try again. If you are still having trouble after waiting, or if you believe your account has been restricted unfairly, contact Xbox Support through their website or the support app on your console.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to my old one after I change it?
Not when ready. Your old username enters a holding period where no one else can claim it, but you cannot reclaim it during that time either. Once the holding period ends — which can take days or weeks — your old username becomes available for anyone to claim. If no one has taken it by then, you can change to it again, but you will have to pay $9.99 unless it is your first change.
What if someone else takes my old username?
Once another player claims your old username, it belongs to them and you cannot get it back. This is why you should think carefully before confirming a new username. If you realize when ready that you made a mistake, contact Xbox Support and ask if they can reverse the change before your old name enters the holding period.
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 only need to change your password if you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission.
Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?
Yes. Your friends list stays the same, and they will see your new username the next time they sign in. They do not need to re-add you or do anything on their end. Your game progress, achievements, and all other account data remain unchanged.
Can I use special characters like hyphens or underscores in my new username?
No. Xbox usernames can only contain letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9). Spaces, hyphens, underscores, periods, and most other special characters are not allowed. The system will reject your name if you try to use them and will let you know which characters are not permitted.