You can change your Xbox username once per year, with one free change every 12 months

Microsoft allows you to change your Xbox username one time every 12 months at no cost. The 12-month window resets from the date you last changed your name, not on a calendar year. If you change your username on March 15, your next free change becomes available on March 15 of the following year.

If you need to change your username more than once per year, you can do so, but each additional change within that 12-month period costs 750 Microsoft Points (roughly $10 USD, though pricing varies by region). The cost applies only to changes beyond your one free annual change — your first change each year remains free.

Key Takeaways

  • You get one free Xbox username change every 12 months, calculated from your last change date rather than the calendar year.
  • Additional username changes within the same 12-month period cost 750 Microsoft Points each, which is approximately $10 but varies by your region and current exchange rates.
  • You can change your username through the Xbox app on your console, the Xbox website, or the Xbox mobile app on your phone.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after you change it, so you cannot reserve it or switch back to it later without paying the fee.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game saves, achievements, or friends list — those stay connected to your account.

How the 12-month reset works

The 12-month period is tied to when you actually made your last change, not to January 1 or any other fixed date. This matters because it means you cannot predict your next free change based on the calendar alone. If you changed your name on June 10, 2024, your next free change window opens on June 10, 2025, regardless of what month it is.

You can check when your next free change becomes available by going to your Xbox profile settings. On your console, navigate to Settings, then Account, then Personalization, then choose Gamertag. The system will show you whether your next change is free or will cost Microsoft Points. On the Xbox website or mobile app, the same information appears in your profile settings under the account section.

What happens if you change your username multiple times

Each paid change costs 750 Microsoft Points. If you change your username twice in one 12-month period, the first change is free and the second costs 750 points. If you change it three times, the first is free and the second and third each cost 750 points. The cost resets once you reach the 12-month anniversary of your last change.

Microsoft Points can be purchased through the Xbox store on your console, through your Xbox account on the web, or through the Xbox mobile app. You buy points in bundles — the smallest bundle is usually 100 points, and larger bundles offer better value per point. You do not have to spend exactly 750 points; you can buy a larger bundle and use the remaining points for other purchases like games or Game Pass.

Your old username and what you can do with it

Once you change your Xbox username, your old name becomes available for any other Xbox player to claim. You cannot reserve it, hold it, or ask Microsoft to keep it unavailable. If you want to use that old username again later, you would have to pay the 750 Microsoft Points fee to change back to it — but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

This is why some players choose their usernames carefully before making a change. If you think you might want to use your current name again, changing to a temporary name and then back to your original name would cost you two paid changes (750 points each) if you do it within 12 months. Planning ahead can save you money if you are uncertain about a permanent change.

What stays the same when you change your username

Your Xbox account itself does not change. Your gamerscore, achievements, game library, and play history all stay attached to your account under your new username. Friends who had you on their friends list will still see you there, though your name will update to show your new username. You do not lose access to any games, subscriptions, or in-game progress.

Some games store their own usernames or profiles separately from your Xbox username. In those cases, the game's internal username might not update automatically. For example, if you play a game that lets you create a character name, that character name stays the same even though your Xbox username changed. Check the game's settings if you want to update your in-game name as well.

Changing your username on different devices

You can change your Xbox username from your console, from the Xbox website on a computer, or from the Xbox mobile app on your phone. The change takes effect across all devices and all games when ready — you do not have to update it separately on each device.

On your Xbox console, go to Settings, then Account, then Personalization, then select Gamertag. On the Xbox website, sign in, go to your profile, select Edit Profile, and choose Change Gamertag. On the Xbox mobile app, open your profile, tap the three dots, and select Change Gamertag. All three routes lead to the same system, so use whichever is most convenient for you.

Restrictions on usernames you can choose

Xbox has rules about what usernames are allowed. Your new username must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. It cannot contain profanity, slurs, or hateful language. It also cannot impersonate a real person, celebrity, or brand — for example, you cannot use "Bill Gates" or "Microsoft" as your username.

If you try to claim a username that violates these rules or is already taken, the system will reject it and ask you to choose a different one. You can check whether a username is available before you commit to the change. The system will tell you when ready if the name you want is taken or not allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Xbox username more than once in a year if I pay for it?

Yes. You can change your username as many times as you want within a 12-month period, but only your first change is free. Each additional change costs 750 Microsoft Points. After 12 months from your last change, you get another free change, and the cycle repeats.

What if I change my mind right after changing my username?

You can change it back, but if you do so within 12 months of your first change, the second change will cost you 750 Microsoft Points. There is no grace period or undo option. Make sure you are happy with your new username before you confirm the change.

Do my friends still see me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and your friends will see your new username the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. You stay connected to the same account, so nothing is lost.

Can I use a username that someone else used before?

Only if that username is currently available. When someone changes their username, their old name becomes available for anyone to claim. If you want a specific old username, you would have to claim it before someone else does. There is no way to reserve or hold a username.

Does changing my username affect my Game Pass or Xbox Live subscription?

No. Your subscription and all your account settings stay exactly the same. Only your display name changes. You do not have to renew anything or update your subscription after a username change.