You get one free change, then paid changes after that

Xbox allows you to change your username once for free. After that first change, each additional username change costs 800 Microsoft Points, which is roughly $10 USD. There is no limit to how many times you can change your username after the first one — you can change it as often as you want, as long as you pay for each change.

The free change applies to your entire Microsoft account, not just your Xbox profile. If you change your username through the Microsoft account settings on a computer or phone, that change affects your Xbox profile, Outlook email display name, OneDrive, and any other Microsoft service tied to that account. You cannot use your free change on Xbox and then get another free change elsewhere.

Your original username is permanent and cannot be reclaimed once you change away from it. If you change to a new name and later want your old name back, you would have to pay the 800 Points fee to switch to it — and only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free, and every change after that costs 800 Microsoft Points (around $10).
  • You can change your username as many times as you want once you have used your free change, with no waiting period between changes.
  • Changing your username through Microsoft account settings changes it across Xbox, Outlook, OneDrive, and other Microsoft services at the same time.
  • Your original username cannot be reclaimed after you change it unless you pay to switch back and no one else has claimed it.
  • You must wait a few minutes after each change before the new username appears everywhere on Xbox Live.

Where to make the change and what happens next

You can change your username either through Xbox.com or through the Microsoft account website. On Xbox.com, sign in, go to your profile, select "Customize profile," and choose "Change gamertag." On the Microsoft account site, sign in, select "Your info," then "Manage your Microsoft account," and look for the username or gamertag section.

After you submit a new username, Xbox checks whether it is available and whether it violates the Xbox Code of Conduct — names with slurs, hate speech, or sexual content are rejected when ready. If your name is rejected, you can try again right away with a different name. If it is accepted, the change takes effect within a few minutes, though it may take up to an hour to show up everywhere across Xbox Live, your profile, and your friends' friend lists.

During that transition period, your old username may still appear in some places. This is normal and does not mean the change failed. Refresh your profile page or sign out and back in to see the new name sooner.

What counts as a paid change and what does not

Only changes to your actual username trigger the 800 Points fee. Changing your profile picture, bio, location, or other profile details does not cost anything. You can customize those elements as many times as you want without spending money.

If you change your username and then want to change it again the next day, that second change costs 800 Points. There is no waiting period — you can change it when ready, but you will be charged each time. Some players change their username for seasonal events, holidays, or just because they want a fresh name, and they pay the fee each time.

How to check if a username is available before you pay

When you go through the change process on Xbox.com or the Microsoft account site, the system tells you when ready whether a name is taken. You can type in a username and see "This gamertag is available" or "This gamertag is not available" before you commit to paying. If you are using your free change, there is no risk — you can try the name and back out if you change your mind.

If you are paying for a change, you see the 800 Points charge before you confirm. Do not click the final confirmation button until you are sure about the name and ready to spend the points. Once you confirm, the charge goes through and the name is yours.

Names that get rejected and why

Xbox rejects usernames that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, sexual content, or references to drugs. The filter is automated and sometimes catches names that seem innocent — for example, names that happen to contain a substring that matches a banned word. If your name is rejected and you believe it should not have been, you can try a slight variation, like adding a number or underscore.

Names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or Xbox staff are also rejected. You cannot use a name like "Xbox Support" or "Bill Gates" even if you add numbers to it. Names that are too similar to existing famous accounts may be flagged as well.

If you think a rejection was a mistake, you can contact Xbox Support through the Xbox app or Xbox.com. They can review the name and tell you why it was rejected, but they cannot override the automated filter. Your best option is to choose a different name that does not trigger the filter.

Microsoft Points and where to buy them

You need 800 Microsoft Points to pay for a username change. You can buy Microsoft Points through the Microsoft Store on Xbox, on Xbox.com, or through the Xbox app on Windows. Points are sold in bundles — typically 400, 800, 1,600, or larger amounts — and the price varies slightly depending on your region and current promotions.

If you have a gift card for Xbox or Microsoft, you can use it to buy points. You can also use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal linked to your Microsoft account. The points appear in your account when ready after purchase and can be used for the username change right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my original one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it and you pay 800 Points. Your original username is not reserved for you after you change away from it. If you want it back and it is still available, you can pay to switch to it like any other paid change.

Does changing my username affect my game saves or achievements?

No. Your game saves, achievements, and all your gaming history stay with your account. Changing your username is purely cosmetic — it only changes what other players see when they look at your profile or play with you online.

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

The change usually takes effect within a few minutes, but it can take up to an hour to appear everywhere across Xbox Live, your profile, and your friends' lists. If you see your old name still showing somewhere, refresh the page or sign out and back in.

What if someone else takes the username I want while I am deciding?

Usernames are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you see a name you like, you can check if it is available through the change process, but you do not have to pay until you confirm. If someone claims it while you are thinking about it, you will see "not available" when you try to reserve it.

Can I change my username on mobile, or do I have to use a computer?

You can change your username through the Xbox app on your phone or through the Microsoft account website on mobile. The process is the same — sign in, go to your profile settings, and select the option to change your username. You will still be charged 800 Points if it is not your free change.