You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app or your Microsoft account settings

Your Xbox username is tied to your Microsoft account, so changing it means going into your account settings rather than the Xbox console itself. The process takes about five minutes and works the same whether you play on Xbox, PC, or mobile. You'll need to know your current Microsoft password, and you can change your username once every 30 days — if you change it again before that window closes, you'll pay a small fee (usually a few dollars, though the exact amount varies by region).

The fastest route is through the Xbox app on Windows or the web version of your Microsoft account. If you're on console, you can start there too, but you'll end up in the same web browser window either way.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Xbox username lives in your Microsoft account settings, not on the console itself, so you change it through the web or the Xbox app.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days for free; changing it again within that window costs a fee that varies by region.
  • You'll need your Microsoft password to confirm the change, and the new name takes effect when ready across all your devices.
  • Xbox usernames can be 3 to 15 characters and cannot contain spaces, though they can include numbers and some symbols.

Changing your username through the Xbox app on Windows or Mac

Open the Xbox app and sign in with your Microsoft account. In the top left corner, select your profile picture, then choose "View profile." On the next screen, look for "Customize profile" or "Edit profile" — the exact wording depends on your app version. Select "Change gamertag" or "Change username" (again, the label varies slightly).

Type your new username into the field. Xbox will tell you when ready if the name is taken or violates the naming rules — no spaces, no leading or trailing numbers, 3 to 15 characters total. Once you've found a name that's available, select "Check availability" or "Next," then confirm your Microsoft password. The change goes live right away.

Changing your username through your Microsoft account online

Go to account.microsoft.com in any web browser and sign in. Select "Your info" or "Account" from the left menu, then look for "Manage your Microsoft account" or a similar option. Find the section labeled "Xbox profile," "Gaming," or "Gamertag" — Microsoft reorganizes these pages periodically, so the exact label shifts.

Select "Change gamertag" or "Edit gamertag." Enter your new username, and the system will show you whether it's available. If it is, confirm your password and select "Next" or "Save." The new name appears on your profile and in your games within a few seconds.

Changing your username from your Xbox console

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Navigate to "Profile & system" > "Profile" > "Your profile." Select "Customize profile," then choose "Change gamertag." You'll be taken to a web browser window that works exactly like the online method above — enter your new name, confirm it's available, and verify your password.

Console-based changes take the same amount of time as the web version, but you're typing on a controller, which is slower. If you have a keyboard or phone nearby, using the Xbox app or the web browser directly is usually faster.

What happens if your username is taken or breaks the rules

Xbox checks availability in real time as you type. If the name you want is already taken, you'll see a message saying so — you cannot reserve a name or join a waitlist. You have to pick something else. The naming rules are strict: no spaces, no special characters except hyphens and underscores, and the name cannot start or end with a number. Names that contain slurs, hate speech, or impersonation of real people or brands will be rejected.

If you've already changed your username once in the past 30 days, you can still change it again, but you'll be charged a fee. The fee amount varies by region and currency, but it's typically between $5 and $10 USD equivalent. You'll see the cost before you confirm the change, so you won't be surprised.

Your old username and what happens to your game progress

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim after a waiting period (usually 30 days). Your game progress, achievements, and friends list stay exactly the same — changing your name does not reset your account or affect your games. Other players will see your new username in multiplayer lobbies and on your profile, but your account ID (a long number behind the scenes) never changes.

If you want to keep your old username reserved so no one else can take it, you cannot do that. Once you change away from it, it enters the pool of available names. Some players change their username, then change it back within 30 days to keep the original — that second change will cost the regional fee mentioned above.

Troubleshooting if the change won't go through

If you see an error message when you try to confirm the change, the most common cause is that your password is wrong or your account has a security hold. Sign out completely, wait a few minutes, and sign back in. If the problem persists, go to account.microsoft.com directly in a fresh browser window (not the Xbox app) and try the change there.

If you're told your account is locked or restricted, you may have triggered a security review — Microsoft does this sometimes if it detects unusual activity. Check your email for a message from Microsoft, or visit account.microsoft.com/security to see if there's a pending action. You usually have to verify your identity (by email or phone) before you can make account changes. This is a safety measure and typically resolves within a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one after I change it?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. If you change your username and then change it back within 30 days, the second change costs the regional fee. If someone else took your old name, you cannot get it back — you'll have to pick something new.

Does changing my Xbox username affect my Microsoft account email or password?

No. Your username is separate from your email address and password. Changing your gamertag does not change how you sign into your account or receive emails from Microsoft. Your email stays the same.

Will my friends see my old username in our chat history?

No. Once you change your username, it updates everywhere — in chat history, on your profile, and in your friends' friend lists. They'll see your new name retroactively in old messages.

What if I want to change my username but I don't remember my Microsoft password?

You'll need to reset your password before you can change your username. Go to account.microsoft.com, select "Sign in," then choose "Can't access your account." Follow the steps to verify your identity by email or phone, and Microsoft will let you set a new password. Once that's done, you can change your username.

How long does it take for my new username to show up in games?

Your new username appears on your profile when ready, but it may take a few minutes to show up in active games or multiplayer lobbies. If you're in the middle of a game when you change it, restart the game to see the new name in your next session.