Change your username through your Xbox account settings

You change your Xbox username by going into your account settings on the console itself, then selecting the option to edit your profile. The process takes about two minutes and you can do it from your Xbox One controller without needing a computer. Your new username takes effect when ready across all Xbox services — your profile, messages, and online play all update at once.

The username you choose must be between 3 and 15 characters long, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces. Xbox will reject names that include profanity or that match another player's name too closely. You get one free username change; after that, each change costs 800 Microsoft Points (roughly $10 USD, though pricing varies by region).

Key Takeaways

  • Start from the Xbox One home screen, press the Xbox button on your controller, and navigate to your profile to find the account settings menu.
  • Your first username change is free, but subsequent changes will cost 800 Microsoft Points each.
  • The new username must be 3 to 15 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or profanity.
  • Your updated username appears when ready on your profile, in messages, and during online play across all Xbox services.

Step 1: Open your profile from the home screen

Press the Xbox button (the large circular button in the center of your controller) to bring up the guide menu on the left side of your screen. This menu shows your profile picture at the top. Select your profile picture or your gamertag name to open your profile page.

If you are signed in as a different profile, you can still access another profile's settings if you have permission on that console. Navigate to the profile you want to change and select it from the list of accounts on your Xbox One.

Step 2: Go to account settings

Once your profile page is open, look for the menu options below your gamertag and profile picture. Select Customize profile or Profile (the exact wording depends on your Xbox One software version). This opens a submenu with several choices.

From this submenu, select Gamertag. This is the option that lets you change your username. Do not confuse it with other profile options like "Bio" or "Avatar" — those change different parts of your profile but not your username.

Step 3: Enter your new username and confirm the cost

A text entry screen will appear. Use your controller to type your new username. The on-screen keyboard works by moving the cursor with the directional pad and pressing A to select each letter. If you have a USB keyboard plugged into your Xbox One, you can type directly on it instead, which is faster.

After you type your new username, Xbox will check whether it is available. If the name is taken or violates Xbox's content policy, you will see a message telling you so, and you can try a different name. Once you find an available name you want, the system will show you the cost: free for your first change, or 800 Microsoft Points for any change after that.

Step 4: Confirm the purchase and wait for the change to process

Select Confirm or Buy to complete the change. If this is your first username change, no payment is needed and the change happens when ready. If you have already used your free change, Xbox will charge your account the cost before proceeding.

Your new username appears on your profile right away. You may see it update in your friends' lists within a few minutes. If you are in the middle of an online game when you change your username, you may need to sign out and back in for the change to show up in that game session.

What to do if your desired username is already taken

If the username you want is taken, Xbox will tell you when ready and suggest similar alternatives. You can either choose one of the suggestions or go back and type a completely different name. There is no way to reserve a username or request that another player give up theirs.

Some players add numbers to the end of a name to make it unique — for example, changing "Shadow" to "Shadow47" if "Shadow" is taken. You can also try variations in spelling or abbreviations. Keep in mind that your username is permanent until you pay to change it again, so take a moment to make sure you are happy with it before confirming.

Understanding the cost of changing your username again

Your first username change is free no matter when you make it. If you change your mind a year later and want a different name, that second change will cost 800 Microsoft Points. The same cost applies to every change after that. There is no way to get a second free change or to reset the counter.

If you are unsure about a username, you can always wait and change it later when you are certain. Because the first change is free, there is no penalty for taking your time to decide on a name you will keep for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on my phone or computer instead of the Xbox One?

Yes. You can change your gamertag by signing into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, going to your profile settings, and selecting the option to change your gamertag. The process is the same and costs the same as changing it on the console.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list updates automatically, and your friends will see your new username the next time they sign in. You will still appear in their friends list under your new name, and they can message you without any extra steps.

What happens to my game saves and achievements when I change my username?

Nothing changes. Your game saves, achievements, and play history all stay with your account. Changing your username is purely cosmetic — it does not affect your account data or your progress in any games.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Only if you have not used your free change yet. If you already used your free change on a different name, changing back to your old username will cost 800 Microsoft Points. There is no special "undo" option or discount for reverting to a previous name.

Why does Xbox say my username violates the content policy?

Xbox blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity, even if the words are spelled differently or abbreviated. The system also blocks names that are too similar to existing usernames or that impersonate public figures. Try a different name that does not include any of these elements.