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

If you have a Microsoft account linked to Xbox, you can change your gamertag — the name other players see when you play online. The steps are straightforward and take about five minutes. However, Microsoft charges a fee for the first change and for any changes after that, unless you are changing your gamertag for the first time ever on that account.

The change happens through your Microsoft account settings, not through the Xbox console itself. You can do it on a computer, phone, or tablet. Your old gamertag stops working when ready, and your new one becomes active right away. Friends and party members will see the new name the next time they look at their friends list.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free, but any change after that costs money (the exact amount varies by region).
  • You change your gamertag through your Microsoft account online, not on your Xbox console.
  • The change takes effect when ready, and your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to use.
  • You can change your gamertag as often as you want, but you must wait 30 days between changes after the first one.
  • Your Xbox achievements, game progress, and friends list stay with your account — they do not disappear when you change your name.

How to change your gamertag on a computer or phone

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email address and password you use for Xbox. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "View profile" or "Manage your Microsoft account."

Look for a section called "Customize your profile" or "Profile settings." You should see an option that says "Gamertag" or "Change gamertag." Click it. Type in the new name you want. Microsoft will tell you right away if the name is already taken or if it breaks their code of conduct (names with slurs, hate speech, or impersonation are blocked). If the name is available, confirm the change. On your first gamertag change, you will not be charged. On any change after that, you will see the cost before you confirm.

What happens to your account when you change your name

Your achievements, game progress, and saved files all stay with your account. Nothing is lost. Your friends list remains the same, though your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they refresh their friends list or log back in.

Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to use when ready. If you change your mind within a short window, you cannot claim it back — someone else may have already taken it. For this reason, think through your new name before you confirm the change.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

After your first free change, you must wait at least 30 days before you can change your gamertag again. This rule applies whether you pay for the change or not. If you try to change your gamertag before 30 days have passed, the system will tell you the exact date when you can make your next change.

This waiting period exists to prevent people from constantly switching names to avoid being reported or to confuse other players. It is a hard limit — there is no way to bypass it, even if you contact Xbox support.

Cost and payment methods

Your first gamertag change is free. Every change after that costs money. The exact price depends on your region and currency. In the United States, the cost is typically a few dollars, but you should check the price on your account page before you confirm, because it may vary.

When you change your gamertag, you pay through your Microsoft account using whatever payment method you have on file — a credit card, debit card, or gift card balance. The charge appears on your statement under Microsoft or Xbox.

If your gamertag is reported or suspended

If another player reports your gamertag for violating Xbox's code of conduct, Microsoft may force you to change it. When this happens, you get a notification in your account that your gamertag has been flagged. You will have a set number of days to choose a new one yourself. If you do not change it in time, Microsoft will assign you a random gamertag.

If you are forced to change your gamertag because it was reported, that change does not count against your 30-day waiting period. You can change it again after 30 days from the forced change, or you can change it when ready if you want to pick something different right away.

Changing your gamertag on Xbox console

You cannot change your gamertag directly on your Xbox console. You must go through your Microsoft account online. However, once you have changed it online, the new name will show up on your console the next time you sign in or restart the console.

If you are signed into your console and you change your gamertag on a computer or phone, you may need to sign out and sign back in on the console to see the change reflected. This usually happens automatically within a few minutes, but restarting the console speeds it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. Your old gamertag becomes available for others to use when ready after you change it, so if it is popular, someone may have taken it. If it is still available, you can change back to it, but you will pay the standard fee (unless it is your first change ever).

What if someone else is using the gamertag I want?

Gamertags are unique — no two accounts can have the same one. If the name you want is taken, you will see a message saying it is unavailable. You can try a variation, like adding numbers or underscores, or pick a different name altogether.

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

No. Your games, achievements, game pass subscription, and all progress stay with your account. Only the name changes. Your account history and everything you have earned remains exactly the same.

How long does it take for my new gamertag to show up everywhere?

The change is when ready on the website and in most games. On your Xbox console, it may take a few minutes or require a restart to display the new name. Friends will see the change the next time they refresh their friends list or log back in.

Can I change my gamertag if my account is suspended?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your gamertag until the suspension is lifted. If you need to change it for safety or privacy reasons while suspended, contact Xbox support to explain your situation.