You can change your Xbox username through your Microsoft account settings on any device with internet access

Your Xbox username is tied to your Microsoft account, not to Xbox itself. That means you change it the same way you would change any other Microsoft account setting — by logging into your account online or through the Xbox app on your console. The process takes about five minutes and costs nothing. You can change your username once per year for free; after that, Microsoft charges $9.99 per change.

The easiest route is through a web browser on your computer or phone. You do not need to be at your Xbox console, and you do not need to contact Microsoft support. The change takes effect when ready across all your devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with your Microsoft account email and password, and select "Your info" to find the username field.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 20 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or most special characters.
  • You get one free username change per year; additional changes within that year cost $9.99 each.
  • The new username appears on your Xbox profile, in multiplayer games, and on your friends' friend lists within minutes.
  • If you change your mind within 30 days, you can change it back to your old username for free as a one-time exception.

Change your username through the Microsoft website

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with the email address and password for your Microsoft account — this is the same account linked to your Xbox profile. If you use a Microsoft password manager or two-factor authentication, complete that step.

Once you are signed in, look for "Your info" in the left menu and click it. On the next page, you will see your current username displayed near the top. Click "Manage your Microsoft account" or the edit icon next to your username. Type your new username into the field, then click "Check availability" to make sure no one else is using it. If it is available, click "Next" and confirm the change. Microsoft will send you a confirmation email, but the username change is active when ready — you do not need to click anything in that email.

Change your username through the Xbox app on your console

If you prefer to stay on your Xbox, you can change your username there too. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then go to "Profile & system" and select "Profile." Choose "Customize profile" and then "Change my profile name." Type your new username and check that it is available. Select "Next" and confirm.

The Xbox app method works the same way as the website — you get one free change per year, and the new name appears everywhere within minutes. Some users find the website faster because you can see your current username and the availability check on one screen, but both routes work equally well.

Rules for your new username

Microsoft has specific rules about what characters and words you can use. Your username must be between 3 and 20 characters long. You can use letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and these special characters: hyphen (-), period (.), and underscore (_). You cannot use spaces, and you cannot use characters from other languages or alphabets.

Microsoft also blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity. If you try to use a blocked word, the system will tell you the name is unavailable and suggest alternatives. You cannot use a username that is already taken by another player, even if that player has not used their account in years.

What happens if you change your mind

If you change your username and regret it within 30 days, you can change it back to your old username for free. This is a one-time exception — you cannot use this to get around the one-free-change-per-year rule. After 30 days, changing back to your old username costs $9.99 like any other change.

If someone else takes your old username after you change it, you cannot reclaim it. The 30-day grace period only works if the old name is still available. Plan your username change carefully if you have built a reputation under your current name, because your friends will see the new name on their friend lists and in games.

Costs and timing for additional changes

Your first username change in a calendar year is free. Any changes after that cost $9.99 each until January 1 of the next year, when your free change resets. Microsoft charges your payment method on file (usually a credit card linked to your Microsoft account) at the time you make the change. The charge appears as "Microsoft Store" on your statement.

The change itself is when ready — your new username appears on your profile, in your friends' lists, and in multiplayer games within a few minutes. You do not need to restart your console or sign out and back in. If you are in the middle of a game when you change your username, you may need to restart the game to see the new name in the game itself, but your Xbox profile updates right away.

What does and does not change when you update your username

Your username is separate from your gamertag in some older Xbox games, and separate from your email address. When you change your username, your email address stays the same — you still sign into your account with the same email. Your friends can still find you by email if they know it. Your Xbox Live Gold subscription, Game Pass membership, and all your games and achievements stay attached to your account.

In newer games built for Xbox Series X|S or that use cross-platform play, your username is what appears to other players. In older games, you may still see your old gamertag or a different display name. This is a quirk of how those games were built, not a problem with your account. Your account itself has only one username, but the game may display it differently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have an outstanding balance on my Microsoft account?

No. If you owe money for Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, or any other Microsoft service, you must pay the balance before you can change your username. Sign into account.microsoft.com, go to "Billing," and pay any outstanding charges. After payment clears, you can change your username when ready.

What if the username I want is taken?

You cannot use a username that another player has claimed, even if that account has been inactive for years. Microsoft does not release old usernames. Try variations: add a number at the end, use an underscore or period in the middle, or choose a different name altogether. The availability checker will tell you when ready whether a name is free.

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

Yes. Your friends will see your new username on their friend list within minutes. If they search for you by your old username, they will not find you, but if they search by your email address or your new username, they will. You can also tell them your new username directly.

Can I change my username on mobile or through the Xbox app on PC?

Yes. The Xbox app on Windows PC has the same username-change option as the console. On mobile, use a web browser to go to account.microsoft.com instead — the mobile Xbox app does not have a direct username-change button, but the website works on any phone.

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

No. Your achievements, game saves, and all your games stay attached to your account. Only the name displayed changes. Anyone who looks at your profile will see your new username, but your history and progress are unchanged.