Change your username through the Xbox app or website

You can change your Xbox username (also called your gamertag) through either the Xbox app on your console, the Xbox app on your PC, or the Xbox website. The process is the same on all three: you navigate to your account settings, find the profile section, and select the option to change your gamertag. Microsoft lets you change it once for free, then charges a small fee for each change after that.

The fastest route is usually the Xbox website if you're already on a computer. You'll log in with your Microsoft account, go to your profile settings, and the gamertag change option appears in the same menu where you'd update your email or password. The whole process takes about two minutes once you've decided on a new name.

If you're at your console, the Xbox app works identically — the steps are just in a slightly different order because you're navigating with a controller instead of a mouse. Either way, you'll need to know your current password to confirm the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; each change after that costs a small fee that varies by region.
  • You can change your gamertag through the Xbox website, the Xbox app on your console, or the Xbox app on your PC.
  • Your new gamertag takes effect when ready, but your old name may stay visible in some games or friend lists for a few hours.
  • If your desired name is already taken, Xbox will suggest similar alternatives or let you add numbers to make it unique.
  • You cannot change your gamertag if your account has an outstanding balance or an active suspension.

Step-by-step on the Xbox website

Go to account.xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Once you're logged in, look for your profile picture or avatar in the top right corner and click it. A dropdown menu will appear with several options — select My profile.

On your profile page, you'll see a button or link that says Customize profile or Edit profile. Click that. You should now see a section labeled Gamertag with your current name displayed. Next to it is an Edit button or pencil icon — click that to open the change screen.

Type your new gamertag into the text field. Xbox will when ready tell you whether that name is available. If it's taken, you'll see a red X and suggestions for similar names you could use instead. Once you've found a name that's available (shown with a green checkmark), click Check availability to confirm, then Save or Confirm. You'll be asked to enter your password to verify the change. Type it in and submit — your new gamertag is now active.

Changing your gamertag on Xbox console

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu. Navigate to Profile & system at the top, then select Profile. You should see your current gamertag displayed with your avatar. Highlight your profile and press A to open your profile menu.

Look for an option labeled Customize profile or Edit profile and select it. You'll see several customization options — find Gamertag in that list. Select it, and you'll be taken to the gamertag change screen. Type your new name, wait for Xbox to show you whether it's available, and if it is, press A to confirm. You'll need to enter your password using the on-screen keyboard to complete the change.

What happens to your old gamertag

Your new gamertag takes effect when ready in most places — your profile, your friends list, and new messages will all show your new name right away. However, some games and older chat logs may continue to display your old gamertag for a few hours or even a day while their servers catch up to the change. This is normal and not a sign that something went wrong.

Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period. You cannot reclaim it yourself later, so choose your new name carefully. If you change your mind within a few minutes, contact Xbox Support to see if they can reverse the change before it fully propagates through their system — this is not may provide, but it's worth asking if you made a mistake.

Dealing with unavailable names and suggestions

If the gamertag you want is already taken, Xbox will show you a list of similar alternatives. These suggestions usually add numbers to your desired name or swap out a letter for a similar-looking character (like replacing an O with a zero). You can accept one of these suggestions, or you can try a completely different name of your own.

Keep in mind that Xbox has content filters built into the gamertag system — certain words or combinations are blocked automatically, even if no one else is using them. If you see a message saying your name violates the code of conduct, try removing numbers, changing the spelling slightly, or choosing a different word entirely. The system will let you know when ready whether your new attempt is allowed.

Understanding the cost and free change

Microsoft gives you one free gamertag change. After you've used that free change, each additional change costs a small fee. The exact amount varies depending on your region and currency, but it's typically a few dollars. You can see the current price in your region before you confirm any paid change — Xbox will show you the cost and ask you to approve it.

Your free change doesn't expire, so you can use it whenever you want. Some people save it for later if they're not sure about their current name. Once you've used your free change and want to change again, you'll need to pay the fee each time. There's no limit to how many times you can change your gamertag as long as you're willing to pay.

Reasons your gamertag change might not work

If you're trying to change your gamertag and the system won't let you, check whether your account has an active suspension or a balance owed to Microsoft. Suspended accounts cannot change their gamertag until the suspension is lifted. Similarly, if you have an unpaid charge or outstanding balance on your account, you'll need to settle that before you can make changes to your profile.

Another common reason is that you're trying to change to a name that violates Xbox's code of conduct. The system will tell you this directly, but if you're unsure why a name was rejected, try removing numbers, avoiding slang, or choosing a completely different name. If you believe your name was blocked in error, you can contact Xbox Support to request a review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag on my phone?

No, you cannot change your gamertag through the Xbox mobile app. You'll need to use the Xbox website on a web browser, the Xbox app on a PC, or your console. The website is usually the fastest option if you have access to a computer.

Will my friends see my old gamertag in old messages?

Yes. Messages you sent before the change will still show your old gamertag next to them. Your friends will see your new name in new messages and on your profile, but the history of old conversations will keep your old name. This is how most online services work and is not something you can change.

What if someone else takes my old gamertag after I change it?

Once you change your gamertag, your old name becomes available for anyone else to claim. You cannot get it back. If you're worried about this, you might want to think carefully before changing — but if you do change and regret it, Xbox Support sometimes can help if you reach out when ready.

Do I need to change my password when I change my gamertag?

No. Your password stays the same. Changing your gamertag only changes the name that appears on your profile and in games — it doesn't affect your account security or login credentials at all.

How long does it take for my new gamertag to show up everywhere?

Your new gamertag shows up on your profile and in most games within a few minutes. Some older games or services may take a few hours to update. If you're still seeing your old name in a specific game after a day, that game's servers may not have synced with Xbox yet, but this is rare.