Change your username through the Xbox app or website
You can change your Xbox username on any device with internet access. The fastest way is through the Xbox app on Windows or the web version at account.xbox.com. Sign in with your Microsoft account, go to your profile settings, and select the option to change your gamertag. Xbox will show you available names and let you pick one right away — the change takes effect within minutes.
If you're on a console, you can also change your gamertag directly from your Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360. Go to Settings, select your profile, then choose to change your gamertag from there. The process is the same: you'll see what names are available and confirm your choice.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app, the website at account.xbox.com, or directly on your console in Settings.
- Your first gamertag change is free, but changing it again costs 800 Microsoft Points (about $10).
- The new username takes effect within minutes and applies to all your Xbox games and services tied to that Microsoft account.
- You cannot use spaces, special characters, or names that are already taken or violate Xbox's code of conduct.
- Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it.
What happens to your old username after you change it
Once you pick a new gamertag, your old one enters a holding period. Xbox keeps it reserved under your account for 30 days, which means no one else can use it during that time. After 30 days, the old name becomes available for any other player to claim.
This matters if you've built a reputation under your old name — friends, teammates, or people who know you online will see the new one. Your game library, achievements, and friends list all stay with your account and transfer to the new name automatically. The change is permanent on your end, but you can change it again later if you pay the fee.
The cost of changing your username more than once
Your first gamertag change is free. If you want to change it a second time or more, Xbox charges 800 Microsoft Points. The current price for 800 Points is roughly $10, though the exact amount can vary slightly by region and currency.
You don't have to buy Points separately — you can use any Microsoft account balance you already have, or purchase Points through the Xbox app, the website, or your console. The charge goes through when ready, and your new name takes effect within minutes.
Rules for what you can name yourself
Xbox has specific rules about what gamertags are allowed. You cannot use spaces, most special characters, or numbers in certain positions. Names that are offensive, contain slurs, reference illegal activity, or impersonate real people or public figures will be rejected. Xbox also blocks names that are already taken by another player.
When you search for a name during the change process, Xbox will tell you when ready whether it's available. If it's not, you'll see suggestions for similar names you can use instead. The system checks these rules in real time, so you'll know before you confirm whether your choice will work.
How to change your username on a specific console
On Xbox Series X or Series S, press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Go to Profile & system, then select your profile. Choose Customize profile, then Gamertag, and follow the prompts to search for and confirm a new name.
On Xbox One, the steps are similar: go to Settings, select your profile, choose Customize profile, then Gamertag. On Xbox 360, go to Settings, select your profile, choose Edit Profile, then change the gamertag from there. All three console generations let you see available names and complete the change without leaving the console.
Changing your username through the Xbox website
Go to account.xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on your profile picture or name in the top right corner, then select "View profile." Look for the option to edit your profile or change your gamertag — it's usually near your current name at the top of the page.
Click the change option, type in the new name you want, and Xbox will show you whether it's available. If it is, confirm the change and you're done. The new name will show up across all your Xbox services within a few minutes. If you're changing your gamertag for the first time, there's no charge.
What to do if your preferred name is already taken
If the name you want is already in use, Xbox will suggest similar alternatives during the search. These suggestions swap letters, add numbers, or change the spelling slightly to create available options. You can accept one of these suggestions or try a completely different name.
There's no way to reserve a name or put yourself on a waiting list if someone else has it. Your only option is to pick a different name now, or wait and try again later if the person using that name eventually changes it or their account becomes inactive. Xbox does not publicly say how long an inactive account keeps its gamertag, so there's no reliable way to predict when a name will free up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Xbox username back to my old one?
Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. Your old gamertag is reserved for 30 days after you change it. If you change back within that window, there's no additional charge. After 30 days, if someone else has taken it, you cannot use it again unless they change their name first.
Will my friends see my old username or my new one?
Your friends will see your new gamertag when ready. Their friends lists update within minutes of your change. Your old username disappears from their view, though they'll still have your account in their friends list under the new name.
Does changing my username affect my game saves or achievements?
No. Your game saves, achievements, and all progress stay with your account and are tied to your Microsoft account, not your gamertag. Everything transfers automatically to your new username.
What if I see an error when I try to change my username?
Common errors include trying to use special characters or spaces, picking a name that's already taken, or having an issue with your Microsoft account. Try a different name first. If the error persists, sign out of your account completely, wait a few minutes, and sign back in before trying again.
Can I change my username on mobile?
Yes. Open a web browser on your phone or tablet, go to account.xbox.com, and follow the same steps as on a computer. You can also use the Xbox app if it's installed on your mobile device, though the web version is usually faster for this task.