You get one free username change on Xbox, then it costs money

Xbox gives you one free username change. After that, changing your username costs $9.99 each time. This applies whether you use Xbox Live on console, PC, or mobile — the change happens across all your devices at once.

The free change is a one-time offer tied to your Microsoft account, not your console. If you have never changed your username before, you can do it now for nothing. If you have already used that free change, your next change will cost $9.99.

Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after you change it. You cannot reserve it or get it back later, so choose carefully before you confirm the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Every Xbox account gets one free username change; additional changes cost $9.99 each.
  • You make the change through your Microsoft account settings on Xbox.com or the Xbox app, not on your console.
  • The new username takes effect when ready across console, PC, and mobile, but your old username becomes available to other players right away.
  • You cannot undo a username change or reclaim your old name, so verify your new choice before confirming.
  • If you have not changed your username yet, you still have your free change available no matter how old your account is.

Where to make the change for free

Go to account.xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click your profile picture in the top right, then select Your Info. Under the Account section, you will see Gamertag — click Edit next to it.

Type your new username into the field. Xbox will tell you when ready if the name is taken or contains blocked words. Once you find a name that works, click Check Availability, then Save. The change happens right away.

You can also change your username through the Xbox app on Windows or the mobile Xbox app, though the website is the fastest route. Console menus do not let you change your username — you have to use the web or app.

What happens to your old username

Your previous gamertag becomes available for anyone else to claim as soon as your change goes through. There is no waiting period or reservation system. If someone else wants your old name, they can take it when ready.

This means you cannot switch back to an old username later unless it happens to be available again — which only occurs if the person who claimed it changes their name. For most accounts, old usernames are claimed within hours or days.

Your friends list, achievements, and game history stay attached to your account and your new username. People who had you added will still see you in their friends list under your new name.

Checking whether you have used your free change

If you are unsure whether you have already used your free username change, the easiest way to find out is to try changing your name. Go to account.xbox.com, navigate to your gamertag, and click Edit. If the system lets you save a new name without asking for payment, you still have your free change.

If you see a charge of $9.99 appear during the process, you have already used your free change. You can cancel at that point without being charged.

Microsoft does not provide a separate page showing your free change status, so attempting the change is the only reliable way to check.

Why the second change costs money

Xbox charges for additional username changes to reduce spam and account takeovers. When changing a username is free, bad actors can cycle through names quickly to evade bans or impersonate other players. The $9.99 fee slows down that behavior.

The fee also discourages people from treating their username like a temporary status message. Players who pay for a change tend to keep that name longer, which makes the community more stable.

This pricing model is standard across gaming platforms. PlayStation charges $9.99 for username changes after the first one, and Steam charges $5.99 per change.

Things to consider before you change

Think about whether your new username will still fit you in a year or two. Usernames tied to games, shows, or trends can feel dated quickly. A name that works across multiple games is usually safer than one tied to a single title.

Check whether your new name might be confused with someone else's. If a popular streamer or player has a similar name, people might mix you up with them, especially in party chat or on forums.

Remember that your old name will be gone. If you have built any reputation under that name — in communities, on forums, or in friend groups — changing it means starting fresh in those spaces. Your achievements and game history follow you, but your name recognition does not.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not directly. Your old username becomes available to other players when ready after you change it. You could claim it again only if the person who took it later changes their own name, which is unlikely. Treat a username change as permanent.

Does changing my username affect my games or achievements?

No. All your games, achievements, game saves, and play history stay attached to your account. Your new username just displays instead of the old one. Friends will still see your achievements under your new name.

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

Yes. People who have you added will see you in their friends list under your new username. You will appear in their recent players list under the new name too. There is no disruption to your friend connections.

Can I change my username on console without going online?

No. You must use the Xbox website or the Xbox app to change your username. The console settings menu does not have a username change option. You need internet access and a web browser or the app.

What if someone takes my old username before I want them to?

You cannot prevent this. Once you change your name, your old one is fair game. If you are not ready to lose it, do not change your username yet. Take time to decide on a new name you will keep for a long time.