You can change your Xbox username once for free, then pay for each change after that

Microsoft lets you change your Xbox gamertag one time at no cost. After that first change, each additional gamertag costs $9.99. This applies whether you play on Xbox console, PC, or mobile — your gamertag is the same across all Microsoft platforms, and the pricing is the same everywhere.

The free change is a one-time offer per account. Once you use it, you cannot get another free change later, even if years pass. If you change your mind about a gamertag you picked during that free window, the next change will cost the standard fee.

You make the change through your Xbox account settings online or through the Xbox app on console or PC. The new name takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to show up in games and on your profile across all services.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; every change after that costs $9.99 each.
  • The free change applies to your entire Microsoft account, not per device or per game.
  • You change your gamertag through your Xbox account settings, and the change shows up right away.
  • Certain words and phrases are blocked by Microsoft's content filter, so your chosen name must pass their automated check before you can save it.

How to use your free change

Sign into your Xbox account on the Xbox website or open the Xbox app on your console or PC. Go to your profile settings and select "Customize profile" or "Gamertag". You will see an option to change your gamertag. Enter the new name you want, and the system will check it against Microsoft's content policy in real time. If the name is available and passes the filter, you can save it when ready.

The change takes effect right away on your profile. In games and on your friends list, the new name shows up within a few minutes. Any achievements or game history stays attached to your account — changing your gamertag does not reset your progress or your stats.

What happens if you want to change it again

Once you have used your free change, the next gamertag change costs $9.99. You pay through your Xbox account using a credit card, debit card, or Microsoft account balance. The payment goes through when ready, and you can choose your new gamertag right after.

There is no limit to how many times you can change your gamertag after the first free change — you just pay each time. Some players change their gamertag multiple times a year for different reasons: to match a new gaming group, to rebrand their streaming channel, or straightforward because they want a different name.

Names that will not work

Microsoft blocks gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or references to real people's names without permission. The system also rejects names that look like they are impersonating Microsoft staff or Xbox support. Names that are too similar to existing popular gamertags may be flagged, though this is less common.

If your chosen name is rejected, you will see a message explaining why. You can then try a different name. There is no penalty for rejected attempts — you can keep trying different names until you find one that passes the filter, and you only pay the $9.99 fee once you successfully save a new gamertag.

Gamertags across Xbox, PC, and mobile

Your gamertag is tied to your Microsoft account, not to a specific device. Whether you play on Xbox console, Windows PC, or Xbox Game Pass on mobile, you use the same gamertag everywhere. When you change it, the change shows up on all platforms at once.

This means you do not need to change your name separately on different devices, and you do not pay multiple times for the same change. The $9.99 fee covers your gamertag change across your entire Microsoft account.

Why Microsoft charges for changes after the first one

The free first change is meant to let you fix a name you chose quickly or correct a typo. After that, Microsoft treats gamertag changes as a paid service. This also reduces the number of people constantly switching names to avoid being found or reported, which can complicate moderation and community safety.

The $9.99 price has stayed the same for years. It is not a subscription — you pay once per change, and you own that new gamertag until you decide to change it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my free change back if I did not use it yet?

No. The free change is a one-time offer that you either use or lose. If you have not changed your gamertag yet, you still have one free change available. Once you use it, it is gone permanently, even if you change back to your original name later.

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

Changing back to your original gamertag counts as a new change and costs $9.99 if you have already used your free change. Microsoft does not treat reverting to an old name as a special case — it is just another gamertag change.

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

No. Your games, achievements, game pass subscription, and all account data stay exactly the same. Only your display name changes. Friends will see your new gamertag, but your game library and progress are unaffected.

Can someone else take my old gamertag after I change it?

Yes. Once you change your gamertag, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim. If you think you might want it back, you should change to something you are confident about before using your free change.

Is there a way to change my gamertag without paying after the first time?

No. After your free change, every additional gamertag change costs $9.99. There are no exceptions, promotions, or ways around this fee. Microsoft does occasionally run promotions for other Xbox services, but gamertag changes are not included.