You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app or website, and the process takes about five minutes

Your Xbox username is tied to your Microsoft account, so changing it means going through Microsoft's account settings rather than Xbox itself. The change happens when ready across all your Xbox devices and services. You get one free username change per account; after that, each additional change costs money (the price varies by region). You can change it back to a previous username at any time without extra cost.

The easiest route is the Xbox app on your console or PC, but you can also do it on the web through your Microsoft account page. Either way, you need to know your current password and have access to the email address linked to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; subsequent changes cost money, with pricing that varies by your region.
  • You can change your username through the Xbox app on console or PC, or through your Microsoft account settings on the web.
  • The change takes effect when ready across all Xbox services, but your old username becomes available for someone else to claim.
  • You can revert to any previous username you have used without paying an additional fee.

Changing your username through the Xbox app on console

On your Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or older console, press the Xbox button to open the guide. Navigate to your profile in the top left corner and select it. Choose "Customize profile" and then "Change my profile name."

You will see your current username and a field to enter a new one. Type in the username you want. Xbox will check whether it is available and show you the result when ready. If it is taken, you will need to try a different one. Once you find one that works, confirm the change. If this is your first change, it will process for free. If you have already used your free change, you will see the cost before you confirm.

Changing your username on the web

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials. Select "Your info" at the top, then look for the section labeled "Manage your Microsoft account" or "Account settings." Find the option for "Change your Xbox gamertag" or "Manage your profile name."

Enter the new username you want and check availability. The system will tell you right away if someone else has claimed it. Once you pick an available name and confirm, the change is live. You will see a confirmation message, and the new name will show on your profile within seconds.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for another player to claim. This means someone else could take it. If you think you might want it back later, you should know that you can reclaim any previous username you have used without paying extra — but only if no one else has taken it in the meantime.

Your game library, achievements, and friends list all stay with your account and follow you to your new username. Other players will see your new name going forward, but your account history and progress remain unchanged.

When you have already used your free change

After your first free change, Xbox charges a fee for each additional change. The cost varies depending on your region and currency. You will see the exact price before you confirm any change, so there are no surprises.

If you want to go back to a username you used before, you can do that without paying extra — as long as no one else has claimed it. This is useful if you changed your mind about a previous name or want to reclaim something you used years ago.

Usernames that won't work

Xbox has rules about what usernames are allowed. You cannot use profanity, hate speech, or content that violates Microsoft's code of conduct. You also cannot use names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or official accounts. Names that are too similar to existing ones may be rejected.

Your username must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols. Spaces are not allowed. If you try a name and it gets rejected, Xbox will tell you why and you can try a different one.

Troubleshooting if the change does not go through

If you see an error message when you try to change your username, the most common reason is that you are not signed in with the right account or your password has expired. Sign out completely and sign back in, then try again.

If the name you want keeps showing as unavailable, someone else has claimed it. Try a variation — add a number, a symbol, or a different word. If you are having trouble on the Xbox app, try the web version instead, or vice versa. If neither works, restart your console or clear your browser cache and try once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username affect my game saves or achievements?

No. Your game saves, achievements, and entire account history stay with you. Only the name that displays changes. Friends will see your new username, but everything you have earned and played remains on your account.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, if no one else has claimed it. You can reclaim any previous username you have used without paying extra. If someone else took it, you will need to pick a different name or wait to see if they abandon it.

What if someone else is using a username I want?

You cannot take someone else's active username. If the account is inactive for a very long time, Microsoft may eventually free up the name, but this is rare and unpredictable. Your best option is to choose a variation of the name you want.

Does my username change on other Microsoft services?

Your Xbox username is separate from your Microsoft account email and display name. Changing your Xbox username does not change your email, Outlook account, or how you appear in other Microsoft services. It only affects how you show up in Xbox and gaming.

How long does it take for the change to show everywhere?

The change is when ready on your console and the web. Your new username will show to friends and in multiplayer games right away. In rare cases, it may take a few minutes to update across all Xbox services, but this is unusual.