Change your username through the Xbox app or website
You can change your Xbox username (also called your gamertag) directly through your Xbox account settings on any device with internet access. The process takes about five minutes and doesn't require you to own an Xbox console — you can do it from a computer, phone, or tablet.
The fastest route is through the Xbox website. Go to xbox.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select your profile icon in the top right corner. Choose My profile, then look for the option to edit your profile or change your gamertag. Xbox will show you whether your new name is available before you confirm the change.
If you're on a phone or tablet, open the Xbox app (available on iOS and Android), sign in, tap your profile picture at the bottom, and select Customize profile. From there, tap your current gamertag to edit it. The steps are the same as on the website — type your new name and check availability before saving.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your gamertag through xbox.com, the Xbox app on your phone, or the settings menu on an Xbox console.
- Your first gamertag change is free, but each change after that costs money (the exact amount varies by region).
- Gamertags must be between 3 and 15 characters, cannot contain spaces, and cannot include certain words Xbox blocks.
- The change takes effect when ready, and your friends will see your new name the next time they check their friends list.
- You cannot change your gamertag more than once every 30 days after your first free change.
What happens to your old username and friends list
When you change your gamertag, your old name becomes available for someone else to use after a short waiting period. Your friends list stays exactly the same — your friends don't lose you, and you don't lose them. The next time they look at their friends list, they'll see your new gamertag instead of the old one.
Your game progress, achievements, and saved data all stay attached to your account. Nothing is lost or reset when you change your name. Messages you sent before the change will still show your old gamertag in the conversation history, but your profile and all future messages will display the new one.
Understanding the cost and timing rules
Your first gamertag change is free. After that, each change costs money — the price varies depending on your region and whether you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Check the cost before you confirm by looking at the price shown on the change screen.
You cannot change your gamertag again for 30 days after you make a change. This rule applies whether you paid for the change or used your free one. If you try to change it before 30 days have passed, Xbox will show you a countdown timer telling you when you can change it again.
Gamertag rules and why some names get rejected
Your new gamertag must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces (though spaces count as characters). You cannot use special characters like hyphens, underscores, or symbols. Xbox also blocks certain words and phrases — if you see a message saying your name isn't available, it usually means Xbox's filter flagged it, not that someone else already has it.
If your chosen name gets rejected, try adding a number, removing a letter, or picking a different word entirely. The availability check will tell you when ready whether your new choice works. You don't have to decide on your final name right away — you can close the page and come back to try again later.
Changing your gamertag on an Xbox console
If you're sitting in front of an Xbox console, you can change your gamertag without leaving the device. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then go to Profile & system and select Profile. Choose Customize profile, then select your current gamertag to edit it.
The process is identical to the website and app — type your new name, check that it's available, and confirm the change. The same cost and timing rules explore: your first change is free, and you cannot change again for 30 days.
What to do if you cannot find the change option
If you're signed into a child account or a supervised account, you may not be able to change your gamertag without permission from the account owner. Ask the adult who manages the account to change it for you, or to adjust the privacy settings to allow you to make changes yourself.
If you're on an adult account and still cannot find the option, make sure you're signed into the correct Microsoft account. Some older accounts or accounts with restrictions may have limited options. Sign out completely, then sign back in and try again. If the option still doesn't appear, your account may need to be reviewed by Xbox support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?
Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Your old gamertag becomes available for others to use after a waiting period, so there's no may provide it will still be free. If someone else has taken it, you'll need to choose a different name.
Will my friends know I changed my name?
Your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they check their friends list or play with you. You won't be removed from their list, and they won't be removed from yours. Some games may take a few hours to update your name in their systems.
What if I change my mind right after changing my gamertag?
You cannot change it again for 30 days. If you made a mistake, you'll have to wait the full 30 days before you can pick a new name. Plan your gamertag carefully before you confirm the change.
Can I use special characters or spaces in my gamertag?
You can use spaces, but they count toward your character limit. You cannot use hyphens, underscores, periods, or other special characters. Stick to letters and numbers for the most reliable option.
Do I need an Xbox console to change my gamertag?
No. You can change it on any device with internet access by going to xbox.com or using the Xbox app on your phone. You don't need to own a console at all.