The quickest way to change your username

You can change your Xbox username directly from your console or from the Xbox website. The process takes about five minutes and costs nothing the first time — Xbox lets you change your name once for free, then charges $9.99 for each change after that. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a few months, so pick a name you plan to keep.

The steps are the same whether you use the console or the website, and the change takes effect when ready across all your games and your profile. Friends will see your new name right away, and your game history stays attached to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change on Xbox One is free; changes after that cost $9.99 each.
  • You can change your username from your console, the Xbox app on Windows, or the Xbox website — all three methods take about five minutes.
  • Your new username appears everywhere when ready: on your profile, in games, and to your friends.
  • You cannot change your username if your account has an outstanding balance or an active enforcement action from Xbox.

Changing your username from your Xbox One console

Start at the home screen and press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Move to the top of the screen where your profile picture appears, then press A to open your profile menu. Select Customize profile, then choose Gamertag.

Type your new username into the field that appears. Xbox will check whether the name is available and show you a green checkmark if it is. If the name is taken, the system suggests similar alternatives. Once you have chosen an available name, press A to confirm, then select Change gamertag to finalize the change. If this is your first change, you will not see a charge; if you have changed your name before, you will be asked to confirm the $9.99 fee.

Changing your username from the Xbox website

Go to account.xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Select Your profile from the left menu, then click Customize profile. Click the pencil icon next to your current gamertag to edit it.

Type your new username and click Check availability. If the name is available, you will see a confirmation button. Click it, and if this is your first change, the system will process it when ready at no cost. If you have changed your name before, you will be prompted to pay $9.99 before the change goes through.

What happens if your username is unavailable

If the name you want is already taken, Xbox shows you a list of similar suggestions with slight variations — usually adding numbers or underscores. You can browse these suggestions or type a completely different name and check that one instead. There is no waiting list for usernames; you either choose from what is available now or pick something else.

If you have your heart set on a specific name, you can try again in a few months. Usernames from inactive accounts are released back into the pool periodically, though Xbox does not publish a schedule for when this happens. Checking back every few weeks is the only way to know when a name becomes available again.

When you cannot change your username

Xbox will block a username change if your account has an outstanding balance — for example, if you owe money on a Game Pass subscription or a previous purchase. You must pay the balance first before you can change your name. The system will tell you exactly what balance is preventing the change.

You also cannot change your username if your account is under an enforcement action, which means Xbox has suspended or restricted your account for violating the Code of Conduct. These actions are temporary in most cases, and your username becomes changeable again once the enforcement period ends. Contact Xbox Support if you believe an enforcement action was applied in error.

Changing your username on the Xbox app for Windows

Open the Xbox app on your Windows PC and select your profile picture in the top left corner. Click View profile, then select Customize profile. Click the pencil icon next to your gamertag and type your new username.

Click Check availability to see if the name is free. If it is, click Change gamertag to confirm. The process is identical to the website method, and the change takes effect when ready across all your devices and games.

What to know before you change your name

Your old username will not appear in your profile history or game records — your account will show only your current name everywhere. Friends who had you added under your old name will still have you in their friends list; the name will straightforward update to your new one. You do not need to re-add anyone or notify them manually.

Some games store your username in their own systems separately from Xbox, so your in-game name might not change automatically. Games like Minecraft or Fortnite may still show your old name in-game even though your Xbox profile shows the new one. Check the game's settings to see if you can update your display name there as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once?

Yes. Your first change is free, and each change after that costs $9.99. You can change your name as many times as you want, as long as your account has no outstanding balance and is not under an enforcement action.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?

Yes. Friends who have you added will see your new name automatically in their friends list. You do not need to re-add anyone or send new friend requests.

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

You can change your name back when ready, but you will have to pay $9.99 for the second change. The first change is free, but every change after that costs money, including changing back to your old name.

Does changing my username affect my game saves or achievements?

No. Your game saves, achievements, and entire game library stay attached to your account. The username change is purely cosmetic and does not affect any of your progress or data.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new username?

Xbox usernames can include letters, numbers, and some special characters like hyphens and underscores, but not spaces. If you try to use a space or an unsupported character, the system will reject it and ask you to choose a different name.