Change your username directly from your Xbox One console

You can change your Xbox username without leaving your console. Go to the home screen, press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then select your profile in the top left corner. Choose Customize profile, then select Gamertag. Enter your new username — it can be 3 to 15 characters, letters and numbers only — and confirm the change. Xbox will tell you when ready if the name is taken.

The change takes effect right away on your console and syncs to your Microsoft account within a few minutes. Anyone on your friends list will see the new name the next time they refresh their friends list or restart their console. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period.

Changing your username costs 800 Microsoft Points if you have changed it before. Your first change is free. If you do not have enough points, you can buy them through the Microsoft Store on your console or online at xbox.com.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; later changes cost 800 Microsoft Points each.
  • New usernames must be 3 to 15 characters and can include letters and numbers only — no spaces or special characters.
  • The change takes effect when ready on your console and syncs across all your devices within minutes.
  • If your chosen name is taken, Xbox will suggest alternatives or let you try a different one.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to use after a waiting period, so choose carefully if you plan to keep it.

What happens to your profile history and friends list

Changing your username does not affect your profile, achievements, game saves, or friends list. All your game progress, unlocked trophies, and play history stay attached to your account. Your friends will still see you as the same person — the name change just updates how your profile displays to them.

If you have a custom profile picture or bio, those remain unchanged. Your account level, reputation score, and any badges or titles you have earned all stay with you. The only thing that changes is the name people see when they look at your profile or see you in a game lobby.

Change your username through the Xbox app or website

If you prefer not to use your console, you can change your username on any computer or phone. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select Your info. Look for Manage your Microsoft account and find the Gamertag section. Click Edit gamertag, enter your new name, and confirm.

The process is the same whether you use a Windows PC, Mac, or phone — the website works the same way on all of them. The change will appear on your Xbox One console within a few minutes. You will need to know your current password to make the change through the website.

Rules for choosing a new username

Xbox usernames must follow specific rules. They can be 3 to 15 characters long and can include letters (A–Z, a–z) and numbers (0–9). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, underscores, or any special characters. Xbox will not let you use a name that is already taken, contains profanity, or violates their code of conduct.

Usernames are not case-sensitive — Xbox treats "Player123" and "player123" as the same name. If you want a name that looks similar to one already taken, you will need to use different letters or numbers. Xbox will show you whether a name is available before you pay for the change, so you can check several options before committing.

What to do if your desired username is taken

When you try to claim a username that someone else has, Xbox will tell you it is unavailable and suggest similar alternatives. These suggestions usually add numbers or slight variations to your preferred name. You can accept one of the suggestions or go back and try a completely different name.

If you want a specific name that is taken, you have no way to reserve it or request it from the current owner. Your only option is to choose a different name or wait to see if the current owner stops using their account — inactive accounts may eventually release their usernames, but there is no set timeline for this. Xbox does not hold names for future use or allow you to put in a request for a taken name.

Troubleshooting common problems when changing your username

If the change does not go through, the most common reason is that you do not have enough Microsoft Points. Check your account balance before you try to change your name a second time — you can see this in your account settings under Payment options. If you have the points but the change still fails, try signing out of your console completely, waiting 30 seconds, and signing back in before attempting the change again.

If you see an error message saying your username violates the code of conduct, Xbox has flagged it as inappropriate even if it does not seem offensive to you. This can happen with names that contain hidden words or phrases. Try a different combination of letters and numbers. If you believe the rejection was a mistake, you can contact Xbox Support through your console or at support.xbox.com, though they rarely overturn these decisions.

If you changed your username but it is not showing up on your friends' consoles, wait a few more minutes and have them restart their console or refresh their friends list manually. Changes can take up to 15 minutes to sync across all devices. If it has been longer than that, sign out of your account on your console, wait a minute, and sign back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay every time I change my username?

No. Your first username change is free. After that, each change costs 800 Microsoft Points. You can check your current point balance in your account settings. If you change your mind within a short time, you may be able to change back to your old name for free — contact Xbox Support to ask about this option.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, but only within a limited time after you change it. If you change your mind when ready, you can usually switch back to your previous name without paying the fee again. After that window closes, changing back costs the same as any other username change. Xbox Support can tell you whether your old name is still available if you contact them quickly.

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

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and your account ID stays the same — only the display name changes. Your friends will see your new username the next time they refresh their friends list or restart their console. You will still appear in their recent players list and game invites will still work.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. Xbox only allows letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, underscores, periods, or any other special characters. If you want to separate words visually, you can use numbers — for example, "Player1Name2" instead of "Player Name".

What if I see an error saying my username is inappropriate?

Xbox filters usernames automatically and may reject names that contain hidden words or phrases, even if they seem harmless to you. Try a different combination of letters and numbers. If you believe the rejection was wrong, you can contact Xbox Support, but they rarely change these decisions. It is usually faster to choose a different name.