Where to change your username

You change your Xbox username through the Xbox app on your console, the Xbox website, or the Xbox mobile app on your phone. The process is the same on all three, and takes about two minutes. You'll need to be signed into your Microsoft account — the email address you use to log into Xbox.

Microsoft lets you change your username once every 30 days at no cost. If you change it again within that 30-day window, the second change costs $9.99. After 30 days from your most recent change, the fee resets and your next change is free again.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Xbox username for free once every 30 days through the Xbox app, Xbox website, or mobile app.
  • Changing your username does not affect your Microsoft account email, your friends list, or your game saves and achievements.
  • Your new username takes effect when ready, but some games may take a few hours to show the updated name.
  • If you change your username and then want to change it back within 30 days, you will be charged $9.99 for the second change.

Steps to change your username on 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 your profile page, scroll down and select Customize profile.

Select Gamertag from the menu. You'll see your current username and a text box where you can type a new one. Enter the username you want — it can be up to 15 characters and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols. As you type, Xbox will tell you whether the name is available or already taken by another player.

Once you've entered a username that's available, select Check availability to confirm it's still free, then select Save. A confirmation screen will appear. Select Yes, save it to finalize the change. Your new username is now active.

Steps to change your username on the Xbox website

Go to account.xbox.com in your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account email and password. Select your profile picture or avatar in the top right corner, then select My profile.

On your profile page, look for the Gamertag section and select Edit next to it. Type your new username in the text box. Xbox will show you in real time whether the name is taken. Once you find one that's available, select Save.

You may be asked to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone number. Check your email or text messages, enter the code on the Xbox website, and your username change is complete.

Steps to change your username on the Xbox mobile app

Open the Xbox app on your phone and tap your profile icon at the bottom of the screen. Tap Profile to view your account details. Scroll down and tap Customize profile.

Tap Gamertag and enter your new username in the text box. The app will show you whether the name is available as you type. Once you've found an available name, tap Save. You may need to confirm your identity with a code sent to your email or phone, just as on the website.

What stays the same after you change your username

Your Microsoft account email address does not change. You still log in with the same email you've always used. Your friends list, game saves, achievements, and all your game progress stay exactly as they are. People on your friends list will see your new username the next time they log in, but they don't need to re-add you or do anything on their end.

Games you own remain in your library. Your subscription to Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold continues without interruption. The only thing that changes is the name other players see when you're playing online.

What to do if your desired username is taken

If the username you want is already taken, Xbox will tell you when ready as you type. You have a few options: try a variation of the name (adding numbers, underscores, or abbreviations), choose a completely different name, or wait and check back later in case the other player stops using that account.

Some older accounts that haven't been used in years may still hold usernames even though the account is inactive. There's no way to request that Microsoft release a taken username, so your best approach is to find a variation you like and use that instead.

How long the change takes to show up everywhere

Your new username appears when ready on your Xbox console, the Xbox website, and the Xbox mobile app. However, some games may take a few hours to update and show your new name to other players. This delay happens because games store player names in their own databases and sync with Xbox periodically rather than in real time.

If you're playing online and someone doesn't see your new username right away, ask them to restart the game or wait a few hours. By the next day, your new username will be visible everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one for free?

Only if you change it back within 30 days of your original change. After 30 days, your old username is treated like any other username, and changing to it costs $9.99. If you think you might want to go back, make the change within the 30-day window.

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

Yes. Your friends list doesn't change, and they'll see your new username automatically. You don't need to re-add them or send them a new friend request. They can still message you and join your games as before.

What characters can I use in my new username?

You can use letters, numbers, and some symbols like underscores and hyphens. Spaces are not allowed. Xbox will let you know if a character isn't permitted as you type. Usernames are limited to 15 characters total.

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your password stays the same. You log in with your Microsoft account email address, not your username, so changing your username doesn't affect how you sign in.

What if I see an error message when I try to save my new username?

The most common error is that the username was taken by another player between when you checked and when you tried to save. Go back and choose a different username. If you get a different error, try signing out and signing back in, or try the change on a different device (console, website, or app).