Change your username directly from your Xbox account settings

You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app on your console, through the Xbox website, or through the Xbox mobile app. The process takes about five minutes and costs 800 Microsoft Points (roughly $10 USD, though pricing varies by region). You get one free username change when you first create your account; after that, each change costs the same amount.

Your username is different from your gamertag — your gamertag is what other players see in games, while your username is what you use to sign into your account. Changing your username does not automatically change your gamertag, though you can change both if you want.

Before you start, make sure you are signed into the account you want to change. If you are on a shared console, sign out of any other accounts first to avoid changing the wrong one by mistake.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Xbox username through your console, the Xbox website, or the Xbox mobile app — all three methods work the same way.
  • The first username change is free; every change after that costs 800 Microsoft Points, which is roughly $10 USD in most regions.
  • Your username is separate from your gamertag, so changing one does not change the other unless you change both intentionally.
  • The change takes effect when ready, but it may take a few minutes for the new name to show up across all Xbox services and games.

Change your username on your Xbox console

Start by pressing the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu. Navigate to your profile in the top left corner and select it. From there, select Customize profile, then choose Gamertag. This screen shows your current username and gives you the option to change it.

Type your new username into the text field. Xbox usernames can be 3 to 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. You cannot use special characters like hyphens or underscores. If the name you want is already taken, Xbox will tell you when ready and suggest alternatives.

Once you have entered a name that is available, select Next. If this is not your free change, you will be asked to confirm the purchase of 800 Microsoft Points. Review the cost, then select Confirm to complete the change. Your new username takes effect right away, though it may take a few minutes to show up in all games and services.

Change your username on the Xbox website

Go to account.xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Select Your info from the left menu, then choose Manage your Xbox profile. You will see your current gamertag displayed at the top of the page.

Click on the gamertag itself to edit it. A text field will appear where you can type your new username. Follow the same rules as on the console: 3 to 15 characters, letters and numbers only, no special characters. Xbox will check availability as you type and show you whether the name is taken.

Once you have chosen an available name, click Save. If you have already used your free change, you will be prompted to pay 800 Microsoft Points before the change goes through. The new username appears on your account when ready, though it may take a few minutes to sync across Xbox services.

Change your username on the Xbox mobile app

Open the Xbox app on your phone or tablet and sign in if you are not already. Tap your profile picture in the top left corner, then select Profile. You will see your current gamertag displayed on your profile page.

Tap the gamertag to open the edit screen. Type your new username following the same character rules: 3 to 15 characters, letters and numbers only. The app will show you in real time whether the name you want is available.

Once you have selected an available name, tap Save. If this is not your free change, confirm the 800 Microsoft Points charge. The change takes effect when ready on your account, though it may take a few minutes to appear in games and across other Xbox services.

What happens after you change your username

Your new username becomes active right away on your account. However, the change may not show up when ready in every game or service — some games cache your old name and update it within a few minutes, while others may take longer. If you are playing a game when you change your username, you may need to restart the game to see the new name reflected in your profile.

Your friends list does not change, and your friends will still see you in their list under your new username. Any achievements, game progress, or purchases you made under your old username stay with your account — nothing is lost when you change your name.

If you change your username and then want to change it again, you will need to pay 800 Microsoft Points for each additional change. There is no limit to how many times you can change your username, but each change after the first one costs the same amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but it costs the same as any other username change — 800 Microsoft Points. Your old username is not reserved for you, so if someone else has taken it in the meantime, you will not be able to use it again.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Xbox will show you that the name is unavailable and suggest similar alternatives. You can modify the name slightly — add numbers, change the spelling, or add a space — to create a variation that is available. You cannot reserve a username before you change to it.

Does changing my username change my gamertag?

No. Your username and gamertag are separate. Your username is what you use to sign in; your gamertag is what other players see. You can change your gamertag separately if you want both to be different, but changing one does not change the other automatically.

Will I lose my games or achievements if I change my username?

No. Everything stays with your account — all your games, achievements, game progress, and purchases remain exactly the same. Only your name changes; nothing else is affected.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

Your account shows the new name when ready, but games and services may take a few minutes to sync the change. If you are in the middle of playing a game, restart it to see your new username in your profile.