Change your username directly from your Xbox console

The fastest way to change your Xbox username is through your console settings. Go to your profile on the home screen, select Customize profile, then choose Gamertag. You will see your current name and a field to enter a new one. Type your new username — it can be 3 to 15 characters and include letters, numbers, and some symbols, but not spaces. Xbox will check if the name is available as you type.

Once you enter a name that is not taken, select Check availability to confirm it is yours to claim. The system will show you the cost: your first username change is free, but each change after that costs 800 Microsoft Points (about $10 USD, though pricing varies by region). If you want to proceed, select Change gamertag and confirm with your Xbox password. The change takes effect when ready.

If you do not see the Customize profile option, make sure you are signed in to the account you want to change. You cannot change another person's gamertag from your console — each person must change their own from their own profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; every change after that costs about $10 USD through Microsoft Points.
  • You can change your gamertag from your console by going to your profile, selecting Customize profile, then Gamertag, and entering a new name.
  • Usernames must be 3 to 15 characters and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols, but not spaces.
  • The change takes effect when ready once you confirm it with your Xbox password.
  • You can also change your username through the Xbox website if you prefer not to use your console.

Change your username through the Xbox website

If you do not have your console nearby, you can change your gamertag on the Xbox website. Go to xbox.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select your profile icon in the top right corner. Choose Customize profile, then Edit gamertag. Enter your new username in the same way you would on your console — 3 to 15 characters, letters and numbers allowed, no spaces.

The website will show you the cost and ask you to confirm. If this is your first change, it will be free. If you have changed your gamertag before, you will be charged 800 Microsoft Points. Select Change gamertag and sign in again if prompted. The change will be live within a few minutes.

What happens to your old username

When you change your gamertag, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period. Your account history, achievements, and friends list stay with your new gamertag — nothing is lost. Games you own and your Xbox Game Pass subscription move with you as well.

People on your friends list will see your new gamertag the next time they log in. If you were in the middle of a multiplayer game when you changed your name, you may need to restart the game to see the change reflected in-game.

Usernames that Xbox will not allow

Xbox blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people without permission. The system also rejects names that are too similar to existing ones — for example, if someone already has "ShadowKnight", you cannot use "ShadowKnight1" or "ShadowKnight_". Names that impersonate Xbox staff or Microsoft employees are not allowed either.

If you try to enter a name and the system says it is unavailable or violates the code of conduct, choose a different one. The rejection happens before you are charged, so you can try as many names as you want until you find one that works.

If you cannot change your username

Some accounts cannot change their gamertag if they have been suspended or banned. Xbox suspends accounts for violations of the code of conduct — things like harassment, hate speech, or cheating. If your account is suspended, you will see a message when you try to change your gamertag explaining why.

If you believe your account was suspended by mistake, you can appeal through the Xbox Enforcement page. Go to enforcement.xbox.com, sign in, and you will see details about your suspension and an option to submit an appeal. Microsoft reviews appeals and may lift the suspension if they find it was made in error.

Changing your username on mobile or the Xbox app

You can also change your gamertag through the Xbox app on your phone or computer. Open the app, tap or click your profile picture, select Customize profile, then Edit gamertag. The process is the same as on the website — enter your new name, confirm the cost, and sign in to complete the change.

The mobile app and desktop app use the same account system as your console and the website, so your new gamertag will appear everywhere you use Xbox within a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. If your old gamertag is still available, you can change back to it for free the first time, or for 800 Microsoft Points after that. If someone else has taken it, you will need to choose a different name.

Do I lose my games or achievements if I change my gamertag?

No. Your game library, achievements, and play history all stay with your account. Only your display name changes — everything else follows you to your new gamertag.

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

The change is when ready on the console or website where you made it. On other devices and in multiplayer games, it may take a few minutes to sync. If you are in an active game, restart it to see your new name.

What if someone else already has the username I want?

You will see "not available" when you search for it. Choose a different name — you can add numbers, underscores, or other allowed characters to create a variation that is unique to you.

Do I have to pay to change my username every time?

Your first change is free. After that, each change costs 800 Microsoft Points, which is roughly $10 USD depending on your region. You can change your username as often as you want, but you will be charged each time after the first.