The cost depends on whether it's your first change

Your first Xbox username change is free. Microsoft lets you change it once at no charge, whether you're switching from your original gamertag or from a previous change you made years ago. After that first free change, each additional username change costs $9.99 USD. The price is the same whether you change it on your console, through the Xbox app on Windows, or on the Xbox website.

The $9.99 fee applies to your entire Microsoft account, not per device. So if you change your username on your Xbox Series X, that change carries across to your PC, phone, and any other device where you use that account. You won't be charged again if you update your profile picture or other account details — only the username itself triggers the fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; every change after that costs $9.99 USD.
  • The fee applies once per account, not per console or device.
  • You can change your username through your Xbox console, the Xbox app on Windows, or Xbox.com.
  • Microsoft processes the change when ready, though it may take a few minutes to appear across all your devices.
  • If you change your mind within a short window, contact Xbox Support to see if they can reverse the charge.

How the free change works

When you first sign into an Xbox console or create an Xbox account, you choose a gamertag. That original tag is yours to change once for free. You don't have to use that free change right away — it stays available until you decide to use it. Some people hold onto it for years and then change their username when they want a fresh start or a name that fits them better now.

The free change applies whether your original gamertag was assigned to you automatically or whether you picked it yourself. It also doesn't matter how long ago you created the account. If you've never changed your username before, you have one free change waiting.

What happens after you use your free change

Once you've used that single free change, the next time you want a different username, you'll pay $9.99. This applies whether you want to change it a week later or five years later. The fee stays $9.99 for every change after the first one, with no bulk discounts or subscription options that waive the charge.

Some players change their username multiple times over years of gaming — for example, if they want to rebrand their streaming channel, move away from an old username they've outgrown, or just try something new. Each of those changes after the first costs the same $9.99 fee. There's no limit to how many times you can change it, as long as you're willing to pay each time.

Where to make the change and how long it takes

You can change your username in three places: on your Xbox console itself, through the Xbox app on Windows 10 or Windows 11, or on Xbox.com from any web browser. The process is the same in all three locations — you go to your account settings, find the profile or account section, and select the option to change your gamertag.

The change takes effect when ready after you confirm it and pay (if applicable). However, it can take a few minutes to show up everywhere — your friends list, your profile on the Xbox website, and other players' screens may still show your old name briefly. By the next time you sign in, the new username should be live across all your devices and services tied to that Microsoft account.

Restrictions on what you can choose

Not every username is available. Microsoft blocks names that contain profanity, hate speech, or references to real people without permission. The system also won't let you use names that are too similar to existing ones — for example, you can't use a name that's just the original with numbers added in an obvious way to copy someone else's tag.

Your new username has to be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and some special characters (spaces and hyphens are allowed). If you try to claim a name that's already taken or violates the policy, the system will reject it and ask you to pick something else before you're charged.

Refunds and reversals

If you change your username and when ready realize you made a mistake, contact Xbox Support as soon as possible. They sometimes reverse the charge if you reach out within a short window — usually within an hour or two of the change. However, this is not may provide, and support may decline if too much time has passed or if you've already used the new username extensively.

Microsoft's standard policy does not offer refunds for username changes once they're processed, so your best option is to act quickly if you change your mind. If support does reverse the charge, you'll get your $9.99 back, but you'll still have used up your free change (if you hadn't already). You'd need to pay again if you want a different username.

Why Microsoft charges for this

The fee exists partly to prevent spam and abuse — people creating fake accounts with similar names to impersonate others, or constantly changing names to evade blocks or reports. It also covers the cost of updating your name across Xbox Live, the Xbox app, Game Pass, and other Microsoft services that are tied to your account. The $9.99 is low enough that genuine players who want a new name can afford it, but high enough to discourage frivolous changes.

The one free change is Microsoft's way of letting you fix a username you regret without paying. After that, the fee applies consistently — there are no exceptions for long-time players, streamers, or other groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on my phone?

You can't change it through the Xbox mobile app on iOS or Android. You'll need to use your Xbox console, a Windows PC with the Xbox app, or visit Xbox.com from any web browser on your phone. The change syncs to your phone automatically once you've made it.

Do I lose my achievements or game progress if I change my username?

No. Your achievements, game saves, and all your progress stay attached to your account. Only the name displayed changes. Friends will see your new username, but your history and unlocked content remain exactly the same.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Usernames are first-come, first-served. If someone else has claimed the name you want, it won't be available for you to choose, even if that person hasn't used their account in years. You'll need to pick a different name or wait to see if they ever abandon the account (which can take a very long time).

Is the $9.99 fee the same in every country?

The price varies by region and currency. In the United States it's $9.99 USD. Other countries have equivalent prices in their local currency — for example, it may be £7.99 in the UK or €9.99 in the EU. Check your local Xbox store to see the exact price in your region.

Can I change my username back to my old one for free?

No. If you change your username and then want to go back to your previous one, you'll have to pay the $9.99 fee again. The free change only applies once per account, regardless of whether you're changing to something new or reverting to an old name.