You can change your Xbox username through your Microsoft account settings, either on your console or online
Your Xbox username is tied to your Microsoft account, so changing it means going into your account settings rather than into Xbox itself. You have two routes: change it directly on your Xbox console, or log into your Microsoft account online. Both take about five minutes. The console route is faster if you are already playing; the online route works if you do not have your console handy.
One thing to know upfront: you can change your username once for free. After that, Microsoft charges $9.99 per change. So if you have never changed it before, this is your free shot — pick something you will want to keep.
Key Takeaways
- Your first username change is free; changes after that cost $9.99 each through Microsoft.
- You can change your username on your Xbox console by going to Settings, then Account, then Personalization, then Gamertag.
- You can also change it online by signing into account.microsoft.com, selecting your profile, and choosing to edit your gamertag.
- Your new username takes effect when ready, but it may take a few minutes to show up in all games and on your profile.
- You cannot use spaces, special characters, or profanity in your username; Microsoft will reject it and ask you to try again.
Changing your username on your Xbox console
Start on your home screen and press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Go to Profile & system, then select Settings. From there, choose Account, then Personalization, then Gamertag. You will see your current username and a button to change it.
When you select the change button, a text entry screen appears. Type your new username — it can be up to 15 characters long. As you type, Xbox will tell you whether the name is available. If it is taken, you will see a red X; if it is free, you will see a green checkmark. Once you have a name that works, select Confirm. Your new username is live when ready.
Changing your username online through Microsoft
Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with the email address and password for your Microsoft account. Once you are logged in, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner and click it, then select View profile.
On your profile page, find the section that shows your gamertag or Xbox username. Click Edit gamertag or the edit icon next to your name. A box will appear where you can type your new username. Check that it is available (you will see a message telling you yes or no), then click Save. The change takes effect right away.
What happens if your chosen username is already taken
If the name you want is taken, Xbox will not let you use it — the system will show you a red X or an error message saying the gamertag is unavailable. You have two choices: pick a different name, or try adding numbers or underscores to the end of the name you want. For example, if "ShadowKnight" is taken, you might try "ShadowKnight42" or "ShadowKnight_99".
Microsoft also blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names. If you try to use one of these, the system will reject it and ask you to choose something else. There is no way around this — you have to pick a different name.
How long it takes for your new username to show everywhere
Your username changes when ready in your account settings and on your Xbox console. However, it may take a few minutes to show up in games, on your profile page when other people look at it, or in your friends' friend lists. This delay is normal and usually clears within 5 to 10 minutes. If it has been longer than an hour and your old name still shows in some places, sign out of your console, wait a few minutes, and sign back in.
In rare cases, a game you play may cache your old username and take longer to update. If you see your old name in a specific game but your new name everywhere else, that is the game catching up — it will update on its own.
Paying for a second or third username change
If you have already used your free change and want to change your username again, you will need to pay $9.99 through Microsoft. You can do this on the same screen where you edit your gamertag — when you try to change it a second time, the system will ask you to confirm the $9.99 charge before it lets you proceed. You can use a credit card, debit card, or Microsoft account balance to pay.
There is no limit to how many times you can change your username after the first free change, as long as you pay each time. Some people change theirs once a year or more; others keep the same one forever. It is entirely up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?
Yes. Your friends list does not disappear, and they will still see you as a friend even though your name changed. Your profile will show your new username, and they can find you by searching for it. The change is seamless on their end.
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
You can change it to anything available, including a name you used in the past — but you would have to pay $9.99 to do so (unless it is your first change). If someone else has claimed your old username in the meantime, you cannot use it again.
What characters and symbols can I use in my username?
You can use letters, numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or most special characters. Xbox will tell you when ready if a character is not allowed and ask you to try a different one.
Does changing my username affect my game saves or achievements?
No. Your game saves, achievements, and account history stay exactly the same. Only your display name changes. Everything you have earned or unlocked remains on your account.
Why does it say my username is unavailable when I know it is not taken?
Microsoft reserves certain usernames to prevent impersonation or abuse. Some names that seem available may be blocked for policy reasons. If this happens, try a slight variation — add a number, use an underscore, or pick a different name altogether.