You can change your Xbox username once per year at no cost through your Microsoft account

Xbox lets you change your gamertag once every 12 months without paying. You do this through your Microsoft account settings, not through the Xbox console itself. The change takes effect when ready across all your Xbox devices and services, including Xbox Live, Game Pass, and any games that use your Microsoft profile.

If you have changed your gamertag within the past year, you will need to wait until the 12-month window closes before you can change it again for free. After that period, Microsoft charges $9.99 USD for each additional change, though this price may vary by region.

Key Takeaways

  • You get one free gamertag change every 12 months from the date of your last change.
  • The change happens through your Microsoft account online, not on your console.
  • Your new gamertag appears when ready on Xbox Live, in Game Pass, and in all your games.
  • If you change your mind within 30 days, you can revert to your old gamertag for free.
  • Offensive or inappropriate gamertags can be changed by Microsoft without using your free change.

Steps to change your gamertag online

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Xbox profile. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select View profile. On your profile page, look for the option to edit your profile or change your gamertag — this is usually near your current gamertag display.

Click Edit gamertag or Change gamertag. You will see a message telling you whether you have a free change available and when your next free change will be available. Enter your new gamertag in the text field. Xbox will check in real time whether the name is available and whether it violates the code of conduct. If the name is taken or contains banned words, you will see a message and need to try a different one.

Once you have entered an available name that passes the filter, click Change gamertag or Save. The system will confirm the change, and your new gamertag will be live within seconds. You do not need to restart your console or sign out and back in.

Changing your gamertag on Xbox console

You can also change your gamertag directly from your Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Navigate to Profile & system, then select Profile. Choose Customize profile, then select Gamertag.

Enter your new gamertag using the on-screen keyboard. The console will check availability and content policy in real time, just as the website does. Once you confirm, the change takes effect when ready. This method uses your free annual change if you have one available, just like changing it online.

What happens to your old gamertag

When you change your gamertag, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period. Microsoft holds the old name for a grace period (typically 30 days) during which you can revert to it for free if you change your mind. After that window closes, the old gamertag enters a pool of available names.

Your game progress, achievements, friends list, and Game Pass subscription all stay with your account. Nothing is lost when you change your gamertag — it is purely a display name change. Games you own remain in your library, and your play history stays attached to your profile.

If you have already used your free change this year

Once you have used your one free change in a 12-month period, Microsoft charges $9.99 USD per additional change. You can still change your gamertag as often as you want, but each change after the first one in the year costs money. The 12-month timer resets on the anniversary of your last change, not on a calendar year.

If you are unsure when your last change was, sign into your Microsoft account and navigate to your profile. The system will display the date of your last gamertag change and tell you exactly when your next free change will be available. This prevents accidental paid changes.

Gamertag rules and restrictions

Your new gamertag must be between 3 and 15 characters long. It can contain letters, numbers, and spaces, but cannot start or end with a space. Xbox filters out gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity. The system also blocks names that impersonate Microsoft employees, Xbox staff, or well-known public figures.

If you choose a gamertag that violates the code of conduct, you will see an error message when ready and can try a different name. Microsoft reserves the right to change your gamertag without using your free change if it is reported and found to violate the code of conduct after you have already claimed it.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see a message that your gamertag is unavailable even though it looks unique, it may contain a word or phrase that Xbox filters automatically. Try removing numbers, changing the spelling slightly, or using a different word entirely. The system will not tell you specifically why a name was rejected — only that it does not meet the requirements.

If you cannot find the option to change your gamertag on your console, make sure you are signed into the correct account and that your console is connected to the internet. On older Xbox 360 consoles, the process is slightly different — you may need to go to Settings > Account > Manage Account instead. If you are still stuck, sign into your Microsoft account online instead, which works the same way on all devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag more than once per year if I pay?

Yes. After you use your free annual change, you can change your gamertag as many times as you want for $9.99 USD each time. There is no limit on paid changes — only on free ones. Each change takes effect when ready.

Will my friends still see me if I change my gamertag?

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they log in. You will still appear in their friends list under your new name. Your chat history and shared game sessions remain linked to your account.

What if someone else takes my old gamertag after I change it?

Microsoft holds your old gamertag for approximately 30 days after you change it. During that time, you can revert to it for free. After 30 days, the name becomes available to anyone. If someone claims it, you cannot get it back unless you pay to change your gamertag again and then wait for that name to become available.

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

No. Your gamertag and your password are separate. Changing your gamertag does not affect your account security or password. You only need to change your password if you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission.

Can I change my gamertag if my account is suspended?

No. If your Xbox account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your gamertag until the suspension is lifted. You must resolve the account issue first through the Xbox enforcement appeals process.