The quickest way to change your Xbox username
You change your Xbox username through the Xbox app on your console or through the Xbox website — not through settings on the Xbox One dashboard itself. The process takes about five minutes and does not require you to create a new account. Your gamerscore, achievements, and game library stay attached to your existing account.
The easiest route is the Xbox app on your console. Go to your profile, select Customize profile, then choose Change my profile name. Type your new username, check that it is available, and confirm. The change takes effect when ready.
If you prefer to use a computer or phone instead, you can make the same change at xbox.com. Sign in, go to your profile settings, select Customize profile, and follow the same steps. Either way, the new name appears on your console within seconds.
Key Takeaways
- You change your username through the Xbox app on your console or at xbox.com, not through the Xbox One settings menu.
- Your gamerscore, achievements, and all your games stay with your account when you change your username.
- The new username takes effect when ready and appears to other players right away.
- You can change your username once every 30 days at no cost; additional changes within that period cost money.
- If your desired username is taken, Xbox suggests alternatives or you can try a different spelling or number combination.
Changing your username on the Xbox One console
Start by pressing the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu. Scroll to your profile tile at the top left and press A. Select Customize profile from the menu that appears.
Look for the option labeled Change my profile name or Gamertag depending on your console version. Select it and type your new username. Xbox will tell you when ready whether the name is available. If it is taken, you can either try a different name or accept one of Xbox's suggestions, which usually add numbers or underscores to your preferred choice.
Once you confirm your new username, the change is live. Friends see the new name in their friends list within seconds. Your old username is released and becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period.
Changing your username on the Xbox website
Go to xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select My profile.
On your profile page, look for the Customize profile button or link. Select it, then choose Change gamertag or Change profile name. Type your new username and check availability. If it is available, confirm the change. If it is taken, try variations or use Xbox's suggestions.
The new name appears on your console and across Xbox services within a few seconds. You do not need to restart your console or sign out and back in.
Understanding the 30-day rule and costs
Xbox allows you to change your username once every 30 days at no cost. This means if you changed your name today, you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed. The timer resets from the date of your last change, not from a calendar month.
If you want to change your username before 30 days have passed, Xbox charges a fee. The cost varies by region but is typically a few dollars. You can see the exact price before you confirm the change, so you will know the cost before your payment is processed.
If you are unsure when your last change was, you can check your account history on xbox.com. Go to your profile settings and look for account activity or change history. This shows the date of your most recent username change.
What happens to your account when you change your username
Your gamerscore, achievements, and game library do not change when you switch usernames. Everything stays attached to your Microsoft account. Friends who had you on their friends list will see your new name, but the friendship itself does not break.
Messages you sent before the change still show your old username in the message history, but your profile and all future messages show the new name. Games you own and your play history remain exactly the same.
If you had a custom profile picture or bio, those stay with your account too. The username change affects only your display name, not any other part of your profile or account.
What to do if your desired username is taken
When you search for a username and it is already in use, Xbox shows you a list of similar names that are available. These suggestions usually add numbers, underscores, or slight spelling changes to your preferred choice. You can accept one of these or go back and try a completely different name.
If you want to keep trying variations yourself, you can search for each one individually. Common strategies include adding your birth year, a favorite number, or an underscore between words. Names with numbers at the end are more likely to be available than names without them.
Keep in mind that Xbox has rules against certain words and phrases. If your desired name is rejected as unavailable but you do not see it in use, it may have been flagged for violating Xbox's code of conduct. In that case, you will need to choose a different name.
Troubleshooting if the change does not go through
If you see an error message when trying to change your username, the most common cause is that the name you chose is no longer available — someone else claimed it between when you checked and when you confirmed. Go back and search for your desired name again, or try a different one.
If you get an error about your account or payment, make sure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account. You can only change the username on the account you are currently signed into. If you have multiple Xbox accounts, confirm you are on the right one before trying again.
If the change still does not work after trying a different username, sign out of your console completely, wait 30 seconds, and sign back in. Then try the change again through the Xbox app. If the problem persists, restart your console and attempt the change through the Xbox website instead of the console app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to my old one?
Yes, but only after 30 days have passed since you changed away from it. Your old username becomes available for anyone to claim after a short period, so if someone else took it, you would need to choose a different name. If no one claimed it, you can change back to it once the 30-day window opens.
Do my friends have to re-add me after I change my username?
No. Your friends list does not break when you change your username. Friends who had you added will see your new name in their list automatically. You do not need to send new friend requests or have them re-add you.
Will my old username show up in my game history?
Game achievements and play history show your current username, not your old one. Messages and party chat from before the change may still display your old name in the message history, but your profile shows only your current username.
Can I change my username if I have an outstanding ban or suspension?
No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your username until the suspension is lifted. You can still change it once the ban period ends and your account is active again.
What if I want to change my username but keep the same Microsoft account?
That is exactly what happens when you change your username. Your Microsoft account stays the same — only the display name changes. Your email, password, and all account settings remain unchanged.