You get one free username change on Xbox, then paid changes after that
Xbox allows you to change your username once for free. 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 if you have multiple Xbox accounts on the same console, each account gets its own single free change.
The change takes effect when ready across all Xbox services: your console, the Xbox app on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and your Xbox profile online. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period, usually within a few days.
Key Takeaways
- Your first username change is free; log into your account on xbox.com, go to your profile settings, and select "Change gamertag" to make the change right away.
- After your free change, each new username costs $9.99 and you can change it as often as you want, but you must wait 30 days between paid changes.
- Your new username appears on your console, in multiplayer games, and on your Xbox profile page within minutes of the change.
- If you change your mind within 30 days of a paid change, Xbox does not refund the $9.99, so choose carefully before you confirm.
How to make your free username change on Xbox.com
Go to xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Profile" from the dropdown menu. On your profile page, look for the section that shows your current gamertag and click "Change gamertag."
Type your new username into the text box. Xbox will tell you when ready whether the name is available — if it is taken, you will see a red X and need to try a different one. Once you find an available name you like, click "Check availability" to confirm, then click "Change gamertag" to finalize the change. The new name takes effect right away.
If you prefer to change your username on your console instead, go to Settings, select "Account," then "Profile," then "Customize profile," and choose "Gamertag." The process is the same: type the new name, check availability, and confirm.
What happens to your old username and your game progress
Your old username does not disappear from your game history or achievements. All your games, progress, friends list, and Xbox Live history stay attached to your account. Other players will see your new username in multiplayer games and on leaderboards going forward, but your past accomplishments remain under your account.
Your old username becomes available for someone else to use after a waiting period. Microsoft typically holds the old name for a few days before releasing it, but the exact timeline varies. If you change your mind about your new username, you can use your second paid change ($9.99) to switch back to something else, but you cannot reclaim your original username if someone else has taken it in the meantime.
Rules for choosing a new Xbox username
Xbox usernames must be between 3 and 15 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, and spaces, but not special characters like hyphens, underscores, or symbols. Xbox does not allow usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names without permission.
If you try to use a name that violates these rules, Xbox will reject it and ask you to try again. The system checks availability and content rules at the same time, so you will know right away if your choice works. There is no waiting period or review process — if the name passes the check, it is yours when ready.
Paid username changes and the 30-day waiting period
After you use your free change, each additional username change costs $9.99. You can change your username as often as you want, but you must wait 30 days between each paid change. This means if you pay to change your username today, you cannot pay to change it again until 30 days have passed.
The 30-day timer starts from the moment you confirm the change, not from when you purchase it. If you change your username on day one and then change your mind on day two, you still have to wait until day 31 to make another paid change. Microsoft does not refund the $9.99 if you change your mind, so think through your choice before you confirm.
How to check if you have already used your free change
Go to xbox.com and sign in. Click on your profile picture and select "Profile." Look for the "Change gamertag" option. If you see a price listed (usually $9.99), you have already used your free change. If there is no price shown, your free change is still available.
You can also check on your console: go to Settings, select "Account," then "Profile," then "Customize profile," and choose "Gamertag." The screen will show whether the change is free or paid. There is no way to transfer your free change between accounts or to another person — each Microsoft account has its own single free change.
What to do if your username was reported or suspended
If Xbox suspended your username because it violated their code of conduct, you will not be able to change it through the normal process. Instead, you will receive a message from Xbox explaining why the name was suspended and what you need to do. In most cases, you can contact Xbox Support to request a one-time username change without using your free change or paying the $9.99 fee.
Provide Xbox Support with details about why you want to change the name and what your new username will be. They will review your request and either grant you a free change or explain what steps you need to take. This process can take a few days, so plan ahead if you need your username changed quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username on my phone or through the Xbox app?
You can change your username through the Xbox app on Windows PC using the same steps as xbox.com. On mobile phones, you must use a web browser to go to xbox.com — the mobile Xbox app does not have the username change feature built in. The easiest route is usually your console or a computer.
What if someone else takes my old username before I can reclaim it?
Once your old username is released into the pool of available names, anyone can claim it. If someone takes it before you decide you want it back, you cannot get it back. You would have to choose a different username or wait to see if that person stops using it and releases it later, which is unlikely.
Do I have to pay to change my username if I want to remove profanity or offensive language?
If Xbox flags your username as offensive, they may force a change and grant you a free one-time change without counting against your free change allowance. Contact Xbox Support with your account details and explain the situation. They can review whether a forced change qualifies for a free reset.
Will my friends see my old username in our chat history?
No. Once you change your username, it updates everywhere — including in past messages and group chats. Your friends will see your new username when they look back at old conversations. Your friends list itself updates when ready, so they will see your new name the next time they log in.
Can I change my username more than once if I pay each time?
Yes. You can change your username as many times as you want after your free change, but each change costs $9.99 and you must wait 30 days between paid changes. There is no limit to how many times you can change it over the life of your account, as long as you are willing to pay and wait.