Your username changes across all Xbox services at once

When you change your Xbox username, that change applies everywhere you use your account — including Xbox Cloud Gaming. You do not change it separately for cloud gaming. Instead, you change it once through your Microsoft account settings, and it takes effect on any device where you sign in, whether that is a console, the Xbox app on PC, or a web browser running cloud games.

The process takes about five minutes and costs 800 Microsoft Points (roughly $10 USD, though pricing varies by region). You get one free username change when you first create your account; after that, each change costs the same amount. The new name becomes active when ready, though it may take a few minutes to appear in all the places you play.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Xbox username through your Microsoft account settings, not through the Xbox Cloud Gaming app or website.
  • The change costs 800 Microsoft Points after your first free change, and it applies to your account everywhere — console, PC, and cloud gaming all at once.
  • Your new username becomes active when ready, though it may take a few minutes to show up in games and on your profile across all services.
  • You cannot use a username that is already taken, contains profanity, or violates Xbox's code of conduct, and Microsoft will reject it during the change process.

Change your username through your Microsoft account

Go to account.microsoft.com in any web browser and sign in with the email address and password you use for Xbox. Once you are signed in, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner and click it. A menu will appear; select View profile or My profile depending on which version of the site you see.

On your profile page, look for an Edit profile button or a pencil icon. Click it. You will see a section labeled Gamertag or Xbox username. Click the Change gamertag or Edit button next to it. The system will show you the cost (800 Microsoft Points if this is not your first change) and ask you to enter your new username.

Type the username you want. Xbox will check it when ready and tell you whether it is available. If it is taken or violates the code of conduct, try a different one. Once you find one that works, confirm the purchase. You will be charged the Microsoft Points, and your new username becomes active right away.

Change your username from the Xbox app on Windows or Mac

If you prefer to change it from your computer without opening a browser, you can do it through the Xbox app. Open the app and sign in. Click your profile picture in the top left corner, then select View profile. On your profile page, look for Customize profile or a similar button.

Find the section showing your current gamertag and click Change gamertag. The app will walk you through the same process as the website: it will show the cost, let you type a new name, check availability in real time, and ask you to confirm the purchase. The change takes effect when ready across all your devices.

What happens to your username in Xbox Cloud Gaming

Once your new username is active, it will appear in Xbox Cloud Gaming the next time you sign in. If you are already playing a game in the cloud when you change your username, you may need to sign out and sign back in to see the change reflected in that session. Your friends list, achievements, and game saves all stay attached to your account — only the display name changes.

Other players will see your new username in multiplayer games, in party chat, and on leaderboards. If you were using cloud gaming to play with friends before the change, they will see the new name the next time you appear online or join a game with them.

Things that will stop your username change

Microsoft will reject a username if it is already taken by another player. The system checks this when ready as you type, so you will know right away if your choice is not available. You can try variations — adding numbers, underscores, or different spelling — until you find one that works.

The system will also reject names that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names used in a way that could impersonate them. Names that reference illegal activity or hate speech are blocked as well. If your choice is rejected, Microsoft will not tell you the specific reason, but trying a completely different name usually works.

You also cannot change your username if your account has an outstanding balance or if your account has been suspended. If either of these applies to you, you will see an error message explaining why the change cannot go through.

How long the change takes to show up everywhere

Your new username becomes active in your account settings when ready after you confirm the purchase. However, it may take a few minutes to appear in all the places you play. In Xbox Cloud Gaming, you should see it within a few minutes of signing back in. In multiplayer games, it may take up to an hour for the name to update on leaderboards or in other players' friend lists, depending on how often each game syncs with Xbox's servers.

If you are playing a game in the cloud when you change your username, sign out completely and sign back in to make sure the new name appears in that session. This is especially important if you are in a party with friends or playing a competitive game where your name is displayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but it costs the same as any other change — 800 Microsoft Points — unless it is your first change ever. If you regret the new name, you can change it back, but you will be charged again. Your first change is always free, so choose carefully.

Will my achievements and game progress disappear when I change my username?

No. Your achievements, game saves, and play history all stay attached to your account. Only the display name changes. Friends will see your new name, but all your progress and unlocks remain exactly as they were.

Do I need Microsoft Points in my account before I change my username?

You can purchase Microsoft Points during the change process if you do not have enough. When you click to confirm the change, the system will give you the option to buy points if your balance is too low. You can use a credit card, debit card, or other payment method linked to your Microsoft account.

How long do I have to wait before changing my username again?

You can change your username as often as you want, as long as you pay the 800 Microsoft Points each time. There is no waiting period between changes. However, if you change your name and then change it back within 30 days, the old name may not be available yet because Microsoft holds it briefly.

Will my friends see the change right away in Xbox Cloud Gaming?

Your friends will see your new username the next time you sign in or the next time they refresh their friends list. In multiplayer games, it may take a few minutes to an hour for the name to update on their end, depending on how the game syncs with Xbox's servers.