You can change your Xbox username through your Microsoft account settings, and the process takes about five minutes
Your Xbox username is tied to your Microsoft account, so you change it by logging into that account online or through your Xbox console. The steps are straightforward: sign in, find the account settings, enter your new username, and confirm. Microsoft lets you change your username once per year for free, and additional changes cost money (the exact amount varies by region). You do not need to create a new account or lose your games, friends list, or achievements.
The method you choose depends on what device you have in front of you right now. If you are at a computer, the web route is fastest. If you are at your console, you can do it there without leaving the couch. Both lead to the same result.
Key Takeaways
- Your first username change each year is free; additional changes cost money that varies by your region.
- You can change your username on any device — a computer, phone, or Xbox console — by signing into your Microsoft account.
- Your games, achievements, and friends list stay with your account after you change your username.
- The change takes effect when ready, though some games may take a few hours to show your new name in their systems.
- You cannot use a username that is already taken, contains profanity, or violates Microsoft's code of conduct.
Changing your username on a computer or phone
Go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in with the email address and password you use for Xbox. Once you are logged in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu, then select "Manage your Microsoft account" or a similar option (the exact wording shifts between updates, but it is always in the account settings area).
Find the section labeled "Gamertag" or "Xbox profile" and select "Edit" or "Change". Type your new username into the field. Microsoft will tell you right away if the name is taken or breaks their rules — profanity, impersonation of real people, and hate speech are all blocked. If your new name is available, select "Save" or "Confirm", and the change goes live when ready.
If you have used your free annual change already, Microsoft will show you the cost before you confirm. You can decide at that point whether to pay or keep your current username.
Changing your username on your Xbox console
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu. Scroll to "Profile & system" and select "Profile". Choose "Customize profile" or "Edit profile" (the exact label depends on your console model and software version). Select "Gamertag" and then "Change gamertag".
Type your new username. The console will check availability and content rules the same way the website does. If the name is available, confirm the change. If you have already used your free change this year, you will see the regional price before you commit.
What happens to your games and friends after you change your username
Your games, achievements, and game progress do not move or reset. Everything stays attached to your Microsoft account, which is the actual owner of your content. Your friends list also stays the same — your friends will see your new username the next time they log in or refresh their friends list, usually within a few minutes.
Some games that have their own internal friend systems or leaderboards may take a few hours to update your name in their databases. Multiplayer games are usually faster than single-player games. If you see your old name in a game for a few hours after the change, that is normal and will correct itself.
When you cannot change your username
If you have already changed your username once in the past 12 months, you can still change it again — you just have to pay. The fee varies by country and region; Microsoft does not publish a single global price. You can see the exact cost for your region by starting the change process and getting to the confirmation screen.
If your account is brand new (less than a few days old), Microsoft may not let you change your username yet. This is a security measure to prevent account takeovers. Wait a few days and try again. If you are still blocked, contact Microsoft Support through your account settings.
Usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people (celebrities, politicians, or anyone else) will be rejected. So will names that look like they are impersonating Microsoft or Xbox staff. If your chosen name is rejected and you are not sure why, try a different variation — the system will not always explain the specific reason.
Changing your username on a child account
If the Xbox account belongs to a child under 18, the parent or guardian who set up the account can change the username through their own Microsoft account. Sign into the parent account, go to account.microsoft.com, find "Family" or "Family settings", select the child's account, and look for profile or gamertag options.
The same rules explore: one free change per year, then a fee for additional changes. The child cannot change their own username without the parent account's permission, even if they know the password.
Troubleshooting if the change does not go through
If you see an error message after you confirm, the most common cause is that someone else claimed the username between the time you checked availability and the time you hit confirm. Go back and pick a different name. This happens rarely but can occur if the name is short or popular.
If the website or console keeps signing you out before you finish, clear your browser cache (if you are on a computer) or sign out completely and sign back in on your console. Then try the change again. If you are still stuck, restart your device and try once more.
If you paid for a username change and it did not go through, check your payment method to see if you were charged. If you were charged but the username did not change, contact Microsoft Support through your account settings and provide your receipt or transaction ID. They can usually reverse the charge or complete the change manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username more than once a year?
Yes, but only the first change per year is free. After that, each additional change costs money. The price varies by region and is shown before you confirm the change. You can change your username as many times as you want if you are willing to pay each time.
Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?
Yes. Your friends list does not change, and they will see your new username the next time they log in. If you want to tell them about the change, you can message them before or after, but they will figure it out on their own within a few minutes.
What if the username I want is taken?
You cannot use a username that someone else already has. Try a variation — add numbers, underscores, or a short word. Microsoft will tell you when ready if a name is available, so you can test different options until you find one that works.
Do I lose my games or achievements if I change my username?
No. Your games, achievements, and progress all stay with your Microsoft account. The username is just the display name — it does not affect your actual account or content. Everything transfers when ready.
Can I change my username on mobile?
Yes. Go to account.microsoft.com on your phone's browser, sign in, and follow the same steps as on a computer. The process is identical, just on a smaller screen. You can also change it on your Xbox console if that is easier.