You get one free username change on Xbox, then paid changes after that

Xbox allows you to change your username once at no cost. After that first change, each additional username change costs $9.99. The free change is a one-time offer tied to your Microsoft account, not your console, so you cannot get another free change by buying a new Xbox or signing in on a different device.

The change takes effect when ready across all Xbox services — your profile, your games, your messages, and any communities you belong to. People on your friends list will see the new name right away. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; you make this change through your Microsoft account settings, not through your Xbox console.
  • The change appears everywhere at once — in games, on your profile, in messages — and takes effect within minutes.
  • After your free change, each new username costs $9.99 and requires the same process through your account settings.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to use after a waiting period, but your game progress and achievements stay with your account.
  • You cannot undo a username change, so choose carefully — you can always pay to change it again if you regret it.

How to use your free username change

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Xbox. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select View profile. On your profile page, look for Edit profile and click it.

Find the field labeled Gamertag and click Edit next to it. Type your new username — it must be between 3 and 15 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or most special characters. Xbox will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or breaks the naming rules. Once you choose an available name, click Save. The change goes live within a few minutes.

If you prefer to change it on your console instead, go to Settings, then Account, then Profile, then Customize profile. Select Gamertag and follow the same steps. The result is identical — you are making the same change through a different door.

What happens to your games and achievements

Your game library, achievements, game pass subscription, and play history all stay with your account. The username change does not reset your progress in any game or remove anything you own. Friends who had you on their list will see your new name, but the friendship itself does not break.

In games that track leaderboards or statistics by username, your old scores may still appear under your old name for a while — this depends on how each game stores data. Over time, most games update to show your new username alongside your old records. Some older games may not update at all, but your actual progress in those games is unaffected.

When you have already used your free change

If you have already changed your username once, the next change costs $9.99. You make paid changes through the same process: go to account.microsoft.com, find your Gamertag, and click Edit. Instead of seeing a free option, you will see the price and a prompt to pay. You can use a credit card, debit card, or Microsoft account balance to pay.

There is no limit to how many times you can change your username after the first one, as long as you pay each time. Some people change their username multiple times a year; others never change it again after the free one. The choice is yours, but each change after the first will cost $9.99.

Usernames that break Xbox rules

Xbox has a code of conduct that covers usernames. Names cannot contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or references to illegal activity. They also cannot impersonate real people, celebrities, or Xbox staff. If your username violates these rules, Xbox can force you to change it without warning, and you may lose access to your account temporarily.

If Xbox forces a change on you, you get a free change to pick a new compliant name. You do not lose this as your one free change — it is separate. However, if you choose a username that violates the rules again, Xbox may suspend your account rather than give you another free change.

Usernames that are already taken

If the username you want is taken, Xbox will not let you use it. You will see a message saying the name is unavailable. You have three options: pick a different name, add numbers or underscores to the name you want (for example, PlayerName_1 instead of PlayerName), or wait to see if the person using it ever changes their username or deletes their account.

There is no way to reserve a username or put yourself on a waiting list. Usernames do not expire if someone stops using their account — they stay taken indefinitely unless the account holder changes it or Microsoft deletes the account for inactivity (which is rare and takes years).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Go to account.microsoft.com in your mobile browser, sign in, and follow the same steps as on a computer. The process is identical. You can also use the Xbox app on Android or iOS, though the web method is more straightforward.

What if I change my mind right after changing my username?

You cannot undo a username change. If you regret it, you can change it again, but the next change will cost $9.99 (unless it was your first change, in which case you have already used your free one). There is no grace period to reverse it for free.

Do I lose my Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold when I change my username?

No. Your subscriptions stay active and tied to your account. Changing your username does not affect any paid services, memberships, or content you own.

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

Yes. Your friends list updates automatically, and anyone who had you added will see your new username. You will still appear in their friends list under the new name. People searching for you by your old username will not find you, but searching by your new username will work.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new username?

No. Xbox usernames can only contain letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores. Spaces, periods, hyphens, and other special characters are not allowed. If you try to use them, Xbox will reject the name and ask you to pick a different one.