Change your username through the Xbox app or website

You can change your Xbox username by signing into your Microsoft account on either the Xbox app (on Windows or console) or the Xbox website. The process takes about five minutes and costs 800 Microsoft Points — roughly $10 USD, though the price may vary by region. Once you change it, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days.

The fastest route is the Xbox app on your console. Go to your profile, select "Customize profile", then "Change gamertag". Type your new name, review it, and confirm the purchase. On a computer, sign in at xbox.com, select your profile icon in the top right, go to "Customize profile", and follow the same steps.

If you are on the Xbox website, you will see the cost displayed before you confirm. Microsoft will charge your account when ready, and the change takes effect right away — you do not need to restart your console or app.

Key Takeaways

  • Changing your Xbox username costs 800 Microsoft Points (around $10 USD) and takes effect when ready after purchase.
  • You can make the change through the Xbox app on your console, the Xbox app on Windows, or the Xbox website.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to use after 30 days, so choose a new one you plan to keep.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days if you want to switch again later.

What happens to your profile and friends list

Your friends, achievements, game library, and play history all stay attached to your account — they follow your new username automatically. People on your friends list will see your new name the next time they log in, and any messages or party invites sent to your old username will not reach you.

Games you own and your progress in those games remain yours. Your Xbox Live subscription, Game Pass membership, and any balance in your Microsoft account stay the same. The change is purely cosmetic — it affects only the name that appears when you play online.

Choosing a username that will not be rejected

Xbox filters out usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names without permission. The system also blocks names that are too similar to existing ones or that impersonate Microsoft staff or Xbox moderators. If your chosen name is rejected, you will see a message telling you why, and you can try again without being charged.

Names can be 3 to 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. Avoid names that look like they are trying to impersonate someone famous or official — Xbox's filter catches most of these, but if one slips through and gets reported, Microsoft can force you to change it without refunding the cost.

If you want to change it again soon

You can change your username once every 30 days. If you change it and then want a different name a week later, you will have to wait the remaining time before you can make another change. There is no way to speed this up or request an exception.

If you change your mind within a few minutes of purchasing the new name, contact Xbox Support through the Xbox app or the Xbox website. They can sometimes reverse the transaction if you have not logged out yet, but this is not may provide. After you log out, the change is final.

Changing your username on a specific console

If you have multiple Xbox consoles linked to your account, changing your username changes it on all of them. You cannot have different usernames on different consoles — your Microsoft account controls the name across every device.

If someone else uses your console under their own account, their username stays separate from yours. Each account on the console has its own name, achievements, and friends list. Changing your username does not affect anyone else's profile on that console.

What to do if you cannot afford the cost right now

If you do not have 800 Microsoft Points in your account, you can add funds through the Xbox app, the Xbox website, or by buying a Microsoft gift card from a retailer. You need the full amount before you can complete the change — there is no payment plan or way to change your name without paying.

Some people use Microsoft Rewards points to earn credit toward the cost. You can check your Rewards balance in the Xbox app under "Rewards" and see how many points you have earned. Depending on how many points you have, you may be able to cover part or all of the cost without spending money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only after 30 days have passed since you changed it the first time. Your old username becomes available after that waiting period, and you can claim it again by paying the 800 Microsoft Points fee a second time.

What if someone else takes my old username before I can change back?

Once your old username is available, anyone can claim it. If someone else takes it first, you cannot get it back unless they change their name later. Choose a new username you are happy with long-term to avoid this problem.

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

No. Your subscription, membership, and any balance in your Microsoft account stay exactly the same. The change affects only the name that shows up when you play online.

Can I change my username if I have an active ban or suspension?

You can change your username even if your account is suspended, but if your account is banned, you may not be able to access the Xbox app or website to make the change. Contact Xbox Support if you are unsure about your account status.

Will my friends know it is me if I change my username?

Your friends will see your new username in their friends list, and they will know it is you because your profile picture and achievements stay the same. If you want to let them know in advance, send them a message before you change it.