You can change your Xbox username through your Microsoft account settings on any device with internet access
Your Xbox username is tied to your Microsoft account, not to Xbox itself. That means you change it the same way you'd change any other Microsoft account detail — by logging into your account online or through the Xbox app. The process takes about five minutes and costs nothing, though Microsoft limits how often you can change it.
The username you see on Xbox is called your gamertag. This is different from your Microsoft account email address. You can change your gamertag without changing your email, your password, or anything else about how you sign in.
Key Takeaways
- You change your gamertag through your Microsoft account settings, either on the web or in the Xbox app — not through Xbox console settings.
- Your first gamertag change is free, but each change after that costs money (the price varies by region and changes over time).
- You can change your gamertag once every 30 days, and the new name takes effect when ready across all Xbox services.
- If someone else has already taken the gamertag you want, you cannot use it — the system will tell you it is unavailable before you pay.
Changing your gamertag on the web
Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email and password you use for Xbox. Once you are logged in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu, then find the option that says "Manage your Microsoft account" or "Edit profile".
Look for a section labeled "Gamertag" or "Xbox profile". Click the button to change it. The system will show you the gamertag you currently have and a text box where you can type a new one. Type what you want, and the system will when ready tell you whether it is available. If it is taken, try another name. Once you find one that is free, you can proceed to pay (or skip payment if it is your first change).
After you confirm the change, your new gamertag appears on your profile right away. It shows up on your Xbox console, in the Xbox app, and on the Xbox website within a few minutes.
Changing your gamertag in the Xbox app
Open the Xbox app on your PC or phone and sign in. Tap or click your profile picture in the top left corner, then select "View profile" or "Profile". Look for an edit button (usually a pencil icon) near your gamertag.
Tap or click that button and type your new gamertag in the box that appears. The system checks availability as you type. Once you see a name that is free, you can proceed. If this is your first change, you will not be charged. If you have changed your gamertag before, you will see the cost before you confirm.
What happens if your desired gamertag is already taken
If someone else has the gamertag you want, the system will show you a message saying it is unavailable. You cannot reserve a gamertag or put yourself on a waiting list. Your only option is to choose a different name.
Many people add numbers, underscores, or slight variations to get around taken names. For example, if "ShadowKnight" is taken, you might try "ShadowKnight42" or "Shadow_Knight". The system will tell you when ready whether each variation is free.
Cost and frequency limits
Your first gamertag change is free. After that, Microsoft charges a fee each time you change it. The price varies depending on your region and can change over time, so you will see the exact cost before you confirm the change.
You can change your gamertag once every 30 days. If you changed it recently, the system will tell you when you are allowed to change it again. This limit applies whether you paid or not.
What stays the same when you change your gamertag
Your friends list does not change. People who had you added will still see you as a friend, and you will still see them. Your game library, achievements, and game progress all stay exactly the same — they are tied to your Microsoft account, not to your gamertag.
Your email address and password do not change. You still sign in the same way you always have. Only the name that appears to other players changes.
Troubleshooting a stuck or failed change
If you tried to change your gamertag but it did not go through, wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes the system is slow to process the change, especially if you are trying from the Xbox app.
If you were charged but the name did not change, or if you see an error message, sign out completely and sign back in. If the problem continues, go to support.xbox.com and search for "change gamertag" to find the official support page. You can also contact Xbox support directly through that page if you need help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my gamertag back to what it was before?
Yes, but you have to follow the same rules. If you changed your gamertag and want to go back to the old one, you can do that — but you have to wait 30 days, and you will be charged the standard fee (unless it is your first change ever). The old name is not reserved for you.
What if I forgot my Microsoft account password?
You cannot change your gamertag without signing into your Microsoft account. Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" to reset your password. You will need access to the email address or phone number linked to your account.
Does changing my gamertag affect my Xbox Game Pass or subscriptions?
No. Your Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, and any other subscriptions stay active and attached to your account. Changing your gamertag does not touch your billing or subscription status.
Can I use special characters or spaces in my gamertag?
You can use underscores and hyphens, but not spaces or most special characters. The system will tell you which characters are allowed when you type your new name. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, the system will not let you proceed.
How long does it take for my new gamertag to show up everywhere?
It usually appears on your console and in the Xbox app within a few minutes. On the Xbox website and in other players' friend lists, it may take up to an hour. If it has been longer than that, try signing out and signing back in.