Change your username through the Xbox app or website

You can change your Xbox username (also called your gamertag) through either the Xbox app on your console, the Xbox app on your phone or computer, or the Xbox website. The process takes about five minutes and costs 0 USD for your first change, then 9.99 USD for each change after that. You'll need to know your current password and have access to the email address linked to your account.

The fastest route is usually the Xbox website because you don't have to navigate console menus. Go to xbox.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and look for your profile in the top right corner. Click your profile picture, then select "Customize profile". From there, you'll see an option to change your gamertag. Click it, type your new name, and Xbox will tell you right away if it's available or if another player already has it.

If you prefer to change it on your console, go to Settings, then Account, then Profile, then Customize profile. The steps are the same — you'll search for availability and confirm the change. On mobile, open the Xbox app, tap your profile picture at the bottom, select "Customize profile", and follow the same path.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free, but each change after that costs 9.99 USD.
  • You can change your gamertag through the Xbox website, the Xbox app on console, or the Xbox mobile app — all take about five minutes.
  • Xbox checks availability when ready when you type a new name, so you'll know right away if someone else has it.
  • You need your Microsoft account password to confirm the change, so have that ready before you start.

What names Xbox will not allow

Xbox blocks usernames that contain profanity, hate speech, or references to real people's names without permission. The system also rejects names that are too similar to existing ones — if your new name is only one letter different from another player's gamertag, Xbox will tell you it's unavailable. Names that impersonate Microsoft staff or Xbox moderators are blocked as well.

If you try a name and Xbox says it's unavailable, it either means another player has it or the name violates the content policy. You won't get a detailed reason why — just that it can't be used. Try a different variation: add a number, use an underscore, or pick a completely different name. Most common words are taken, so adding numbers or special characters (like underscores or hyphens) usually works.

How to find your current username if you forgot it

If you don't remember your current gamertag, go to xbox.com and sign in. Your username appears in the top right corner next to your profile picture. On console, go to Settings, then Account, then Profile — your gamertag is displayed at the top of the screen. On the Xbox mobile app, tap your profile picture at the bottom and your gamertag appears right there.

You can also ask any friend who plays with you — they'll see your gamertag in their friends list. If you're locked out of your account entirely, you'll need to recover your Microsoft account first through account.microsoft.com before you can change your username.

What happens after you change your username

Your new gamertag takes effect when ready on all devices where you're signed in. Friends will see your new name in their friends list right away, and your old name becomes available for someone else to use after a few minutes. Your game library, achievements, and game progress stay exactly the same — changing your username doesn't affect any of that.

If you're in the middle of playing a game when you change your username, you might need to restart the game to see the change reflected in-game. Some older games may take longer to update your name across their servers, but this is rare. Your Xbox Live subscription and any Game Pass membership continue without interruption.

If you want to change back to an old username

If you change your mind, you can change your username again, but you'll pay the 9.99 USD fee unless you're within 30 days of your last change. Within that 30-day window, you can revert to your previous gamertag for free by going through the same change process and selecting your old name. After 30 days, your old name is treated like any other name change and costs the standard fee.

This 30-day window applies only to your when ready previous username, not to usernames from years ago. If you had a name five years ago and want it back now, you'll need to pay the fee and hope no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

Troubleshooting if the change won't go through

If you try to change your username and get an error message, the most common cause is that you're not signed in with the right account. Make sure you're using the Microsoft account that owns the Xbox profile you want to change. If you have multiple accounts on your console, sign out completely and sign back in with the correct one.

If the website says your password is wrong, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it through your email. If you're getting a message that says the name is unavailable but you're sure it's not taken, wait a few minutes and try again — sometimes the system needs time to refresh. If the problem persists, restart your console or close and reopen the Xbox app, then try the change again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once?

Yes, you can change it as many times as you want. Your first change is free, and each change after that costs 9.99 USD. If you change your mind within 30 days, you can revert to your previous name for free.

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

Yes. Your friends list updates when ready, and they'll see your new gamertag. You stay in their friends list — changing your name doesn't remove you from anyone's contacts.

What if someone else takes the username I want before I can change to it?

Usernames are first-come, first-served. If you see a name you like, change to it right away. If it's taken, you'll have to pick a different one or wait to see if that player ever changes their name and makes it available again.

Do I need Xbox Game Pass to change my username?

No. You only need an Xbox account and a Microsoft password. Game Pass is not required for any username changes.

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

You can use hyphens and underscores, but not spaces. Most other special characters are blocked. Stick with letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores for the best chance of your name being available.