Change your username directly from your Xbox One console

The fastest way to change your Xbox username is through your console itself. Go to the home screen, press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then select your profile in the top left corner. Choose Customize profile, then Gamertag. You will see your current username and a button to change it.

When you select the change option, Xbox will show you whether your desired username is available. If it is taken, the system suggests alternatives by adding numbers or slight variations. You can accept one of these suggestions or try a completely different name. The change takes effect when ready on your console and across all Xbox services.

Keep in mind that changing your gamertag costs 800 Microsoft Points if you have changed it before. Your first change is free. If you have never changed your username since creating your account, you will not be charged.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your profile from the Xbox One home screen, select Customize profile, then Gamertag to start the change process.
  • Your first username change is free; any changes after that cost 800 Microsoft Points.
  • The new username takes effect when ready across your console and all connected Xbox services.
  • If your chosen name is taken, Xbox suggests alternatives or you can enter a different one yourself.
  • You can also change your username through the Xbox app on Windows or through xbox.com if you prefer not to use your console.

Change your username through the Xbox app or website

If you are not at your console, you can change your gamertag using the Xbox app on a Windows computer or through xbox.com from any browser. Sign in with your Microsoft account, go to your profile settings, and look for the Gamertag option. The process is the same as on the console: you enter a new name, check availability, and confirm the change.

Using the website or app is useful if you want to try out several username options before committing, since you can see what is available without being at your console. The change still costs 800 Microsoft Points if it is not your first one, and the fee is the same regardless of which method you use.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your gamertag, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period. This means another player could eventually use the name you had before. Your game library, achievements, and friends list all stay with your account under your new username.

People on your friends list will see your new gamertag the next time they log in. If you are worried about losing contact with friends, let them know about the change beforehand so they recognize your new name. Your account history and all your games remain tied to you, not to the old username.

Restrictions on what you can choose as a username

Xbox has rules about what usernames are allowed. Your gamertag cannot contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names. It also cannot impersonate a celebrity, public figure, or official Xbox account. Usernames that are offensive or designed to harass other players will be rejected when you try to set them.

Gamertags must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. Special characters like hyphens or underscores are not allowed. If you try to set a name that breaks these rules, Xbox will tell you it is unavailable and you will need to choose something different.

Troubleshooting if your change is not working

If you see an error message when trying to change your gamertag, the most common cause is that your account does not have a payment method on file. Even though your first change is free, Xbox requires a valid payment method to be linked to your account before you can make any changes. Add a credit card or other payment method to your Microsoft account and try again.

Another reason the change might fail is if you are trying to use a name that violates Xbox's content policy. If the system rejects your choice without saying it is taken, try a different name that does not include numbers that look like letters (like using 0 instead of O) or other tricks to get around banned words.

If you have changed your gamertag multiple times recently, Xbox may temporarily lock you out of making another change. Wait a few days before trying again. If the problem persists, you can contact Xbox Support through their website for help with your specific account issue.

How to change your display name separately from your gamertag

Xbox lets you set a display name that is different from your gamertag. Your display name is what other players see in some games and social features, while your gamertag is your account identifier. To change your display name, go to your profile, select Customize profile, then Edit profile. You will see a field for display name separate from your gamertag.

Changing your display name is free and can be done as often as you want. This is useful if you want to keep your gamertag stable for friends to find you but change how your name appears in games. Not all games use the display name, so some will still show your gamertag instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my gamertag affect my game saves or achievements?

No. Your game saves, achievements, and entire game library stay with your account. Only the name displayed changes. Friends will see your new gamertag, but all your progress and history remain exactly the same.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but you will have to pay the 800 Microsoft Points fee again if you have already used your free change. Your old username must also be unclaimed by another player. If someone else has taken it, you cannot use it again.

What if I do not have 800 Microsoft Points for a second change?

You can purchase Microsoft Points through the Xbox store on your console, through the Xbox app, or on xbox.com. Points are sold in bundles starting at small amounts. You only need 800 points, so you may end up with leftover points for other purchases.

Will my friends know when I change my gamertag?

Your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. You will still appear in their friends list under the new name. Sending them a message about the change beforehand helps avoid confusion.

Can I change my username on Xbox One if I am a child account?

Child accounts can change their gamertag, but the account owner or parent may need to approve the change depending on the account settings. Check your parental controls settings or contact the account owner if you run into restrictions.