You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app or your Microsoft account settings

Your Xbox username change happens in one place: your Microsoft account online. You do not need to visit an Xbox store or contact support. The process takes about five minutes, and the new name shows up on your profile and in games within a few minutes. You get one free username change every 30 days; after that, each change costs money through the Xbox app.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use a computer or phone, but both routes lead to the same Microsoft account page where the change actually happens. Once you pick a new name and confirm it, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim.

Key Takeaways

  • Change your username by logging into your Microsoft account online at account.microsoft.com, finding your Xbox profile, and selecting "Edit gamertag".
  • Your first username change every 30 days is free; additional changes in that same 30-day window cost money through the Xbox app.
  • The new username appears on your profile and in multiplayer games within a few minutes of confirmation.
  • You cannot reserve a username before changing to it, and your old name becomes available for others to use when ready.
  • Some usernames are blocked by Xbox because they contain profanity, hate speech, or impersonation of real people or brands.

Change your username on a computer

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email and password for your Microsoft account. This is the same account linked to your Xbox console or Xbox app. If you are not sure whether you have a Microsoft account, you can check by trying to sign in; if the email does not exist in the system, you will see that message when ready.

Once you are signed in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu. Click on "Xbox profile" or "Gaming" — the exact label depends on your account type. Find the section that shows your current gamertag or username. Click "Edit gamertag" or "Change gamertag". Type your new username into the field. Xbox will tell you right away if the name is taken or blocked. If it is available, click "Check availability" or "Next", then confirm the change. You will see a message saying the change is complete.

Change your username on a phone or tablet

Open the Xbox app on your phone or tablet and sign in. Tap your profile picture in the top left corner, then tap "View profile". Look for an option that says "Edit profile" or "Manage account". Tap "Change gamertag" or "Edit gamertag". Type your new username and tap "Check availability". If the name is free, tap "Confirm" or "Next" to finish.

Some phones show a slightly different layout. If you cannot find "Change gamertag" in the profile menu, try going to Settings inside the Xbox app, then Account, then Xbox profile. The option to change your gamertag should appear there. After you confirm the change, close the app and reopen it to see your new username on your profile.

Understanding the 30-day free change window

Xbox gives you one free username change every 30 days. This means if you change your name on January 5th, your next free change is available on February 5th. Any changes you make between those dates will cost money — the price varies but is typically a few dollars per change through the Xbox app.

The timer resets on the same day each month, not 30 days from your last change. So if your free change window opened on the 5th, it will open again on the 5th of the next month, even if you changed your name on the 20th. Plan your changes accordingly if you are not sure about a new name right away.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for anyone else to claim when ready. You cannot hold onto it or reserve it for later. If you think you might want to use that name again someday, you will have to compete with other players to claim it when your next free change comes around.

Your friends list and game history stay attached to your account, not to your old username. People who had you added as a friend will still see you on their friends list under your new name. Your achievements, game saves, and play history do not change. Only the name that appears on your profile and in multiplayer games changes.

Usernames that Xbox will not let you use

Xbox blocks certain usernames automatically. The system rejects names that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or references to illegal activity. It also blocks names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or well-known brands — for example, you cannot use "Microsoft" or "Elon Musk" as your username. Names that are too similar to existing usernames may also be rejected, though this is less common.

If you try to use a blocked name, Xbox will tell you it is unavailable and suggest that you try a different one. You do not lose your free change attempt if you pick a blocked name and then try again. Keep trying different variations until you find one that the system accepts.

Troubleshooting a stuck or failed change

If your username change does not go through after you confirm it, sign out of your account completely and sign back in. Sometimes the change takes a few minutes to sync across Xbox servers. If you still see your old name after 10 minutes, try restarting the Xbox app or your console.

If you are charged for a change but your new username does not appear, check your Microsoft account transaction history to confirm the charge went through. Then wait 30 minutes and restart your device. If the problem persists, you can contact Xbox Support through the Xbox app by going to Settings, then Help, then Contact Us. Have your transaction receipt ready if you were charged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on my Xbox console without using a computer or phone?

You can start the process on your console by going to Settings, then Account, then Xbox profile, but you will be directed to sign into your Microsoft account online to complete the change. The actual username change must happen through the web version of your Microsoft account, not through the console itself.

What if my new username is taken but I really want it?

You cannot reserve a username or put yourself on a waiting list. If the name is taken, it belongs to another player. Your only option is to pick a different name or wait to see if that player ever changes their username and releases it back into the pool.

Do I lose my achievements or game progress if I change my username?

No. Your achievements, game saves, play history, and everything else attached to your account stays exactly the same. Only the name that displays on your profile and in games changes. Your friends will still see all your stats and history under your new name.

How much does it cost to change my username after the first free change?

The price varies by region but is typically a few dollars per change. You can see the exact cost in the Xbox app when you attempt a second change within the same 30-day window. The cost appears before you confirm the purchase, so you can cancel if you do not want to pay.

Will my old username be held for me if I want to switch back later?

No. Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you want to use it again, you will have to claim it during your next free change window and hope no one else has taken it in the meantime.