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

Your Xbox username is the gamertag that appears when you play online and in your profile. Microsoft lets you change it, but the first change is free and each change after that costs money. The exact price varies by region. You make the change through your Xbox account settings on any device — console, phone, or computer — and it takes effect when ready across all your games and services tied to that account.

The change applies everywhere your Xbox account is used: your console, the Xbox app on Windows, the mobile app, and any game that reads your Xbox profile. Friends see your new name right away. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; each change after that costs a fee that varies by your region and currency.
  • You change your gamertag through Account Settings on your Xbox console, the Xbox app on Windows, or the Xbox website.
  • The change takes effect when ready across all games and services connected to your Xbox account.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to use after Microsoft's holding period ends, so you cannot reclaim it later.
  • Some usernames are blocked by Microsoft and cannot be chosen, including those with profanity, hate speech, or references to real people without permission.

How to change your gamertag on Xbox console

On your Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or older console, go to the home screen and press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Select your profile icon in the top left corner, then choose Customize profile. Select Gamertag and enter your new username. If the name is available, you will see the option to confirm the change and pay if it is not your first change.

The system will tell you when ready if the name is taken or blocked. You can try different variations — adding numbers, underscores, or changing capitalization — until you find one that works. Once you confirm, the change is live within seconds.

Changing your gamertag through the Xbox app or website

On Windows, open the Xbox app, select your profile picture in the top right, and go to View profile. Select Edit profile, then choose Gamertag. Type your new name and follow the same confirmation and payment steps as on console.

You can also change it on the Xbox website at account.xbox.com. Sign in, go to your profile, select Customize profile, and choose Gamertag. The website method works from any computer or phone and is useful if you do not have your console nearby.

What happens to your old username

When you change your gamertag, your old one does not stay reserved for you. After a holding period — typically 30 days, though Microsoft does not publish an exact timeline — your previous username becomes available for anyone else to claim. This means you cannot change back to it later unless no one has taken it, which is unlikely for a good name.

Your game history, achievements, and friends list stay with your account and your new gamertag. Nothing is lost on your end. Games you own and progress you have made remain tied to your account regardless of what name it displays.

Usernames Microsoft will not allow

Microsoft blocks certain gamertags automatically. You cannot use names that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or references to real people, public figures, or organizations without permission. Names that impersonate Microsoft staff or Xbox support are also blocked. The system checks your choice against a filter before you can confirm the change.

If you try a name and it is rejected, the system usually tells you it violates the Code of Conduct but does not always explain why. Try a different variation. If you believe a name was blocked in error, you can contact Xbox Support, though they rarely overturn these decisions.

Cost of changing your gamertag after the first time

Your first change is free. After that, each change costs a fee. The exact amount depends on your region and local currency — it is not the same everywhere. When you attempt a change that is not your first, the system shows you the price before you confirm. You pay through your Xbox account payment method, the same way you would buy a game or Game Pass.

If you are unsure whether you have used your free change, go to your profile settings and try to change your gamertag. The system will tell you whether the change is free or will cost money before you commit to anything.

What to do if your desired name is taken

If the gamertag you want is already in use, you have a few options. You can add numbers to the end — for example, changing "Shadow" to "Shadow42" — or use underscores or hyphens to create variations like "Shadow_42" or "Shadow-42". Some players add their birth year or favorite number. The Xbox system accepts these characters and they count as different names.

You can also wait and hope the person using the name stops playing and their account becomes inactive, at which point Microsoft may recycle the gamertag. This is unpredictable and can take years. The most practical approach is to choose a variation you like and move forward rather than holding out for a name that may never become available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag on mobile?

You cannot change it directly in the Xbox mobile app, but you can use the Xbox website on your phone's web browser. Go to account.xbox.com, sign in, and follow the same steps as on a computer. The mobile browser version works the same way as the full website.

Will my friends see my old username after I change it?

No. Your friends will see your new gamertag when ready in their friends list and in any game you play together. There is no delay or transition period where both names show up.

What if I change my gamertag and then want to change it back?

You can try, but your old name may no longer be available. If someone else has claimed it, you cannot use it again. If no one has taken it yet, you can change back to it, but you will pay the change fee again since it is not your first change.

Does changing my gamertag affect my Game Pass or Xbox Live subscription?

No. Your subscription and all services tied to your account stay exactly the same. Only the display name changes. You remain subscribed and your account status does not change.

Can I change my gamertag if my account is suspended?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot make any changes to it, including your gamertag. You would need to resolve the suspension first by contacting Xbox Support.