You can change your Xbox username directly from your console in about five minutes

Open the Xbox One S and press the Xbox button on your controller to bring up the guide menu. Navigate to your profile (the top-left corner shows your current gamertag), then select Customize profile. Choose Gamertag, and you'll see a prompt to change it. Type your new username, check that it's available, and confirm the change. The new name takes effect when ready on your console and across Xbox Live.

You can also make this change from the Xbox app on Windows 10 or 11, or through the Xbox website at account.xbox.com. All three routes lead to the same result — your gamertag updates everywhere you're signed in within a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; each change after that costs 9.99 USD through Xbox.
  • A new username must be between 3 and 15 characters, contain no spaces, and cannot include symbols or special characters beyond hyphens and underscores.
  • Xbox checks availability in real time, so you'll know when ready whether your chosen name is taken.
  • Your old gamertag becomes available for others to claim after 30 days, so choose carefully if you plan to keep the same name long-term.

What names Xbox will and won't allow

Xbox has a filter that blocks usernames containing profanity, slurs, or references to drugs and alcohol. The system also rejects names that impersonate real people or public figures, or that are already taken by another player. You cannot use spaces in a gamertag, but you can use a single hyphen or underscore to separate words — for example, Dark-Knight or Night_Rider are both valid.

If you try to enter a name and see an error message, it means either the name is taken, it contains blocked language, or it violates Xbox's code of conduct. The system will tell you which rule it broke. Try a variation: add a number at the end, use an underscore instead of a hyphen, or pick a different name entirely.

The cost of changing your gamertag more than once

Microsoft gives you one free gamertag change. After that, each change costs 9.99 USD if you're in the United States. The price varies by region and currency. You pay this fee through your Xbox account balance or a linked credit card at the moment you confirm the new name.

Because of this cost, many players use their first free change strategically — waiting until they're certain about the name they want. If you're still deciding, write down a few options and test them for availability before you commit.

How long it takes for your old gamertag to open up again

When you change your gamertag, Xbox holds your old name for 30 days. During that time, no one else can claim it, and you can change back to it for free if you change your mind. After 30 days, your old gamertag enters a pool of available names that other players can claim.

This matters if you've built a reputation under your old name and want to preserve it. If you think you might want to return to it later, you have a month to do so without paying the fee again.

Changing your gamertag from the Xbox app or website

If you're not at your console, you can change your gamertag through the Xbox app on Windows or at account.xbox.com. Sign in with your Microsoft account, go to Settings, then Account, then Personalization. Select Gamertag and follow the same steps as on the console — type the new name, check availability, and confirm.

The change syncs to your Xbox One S within a few minutes. You don't need to restart the console or sign out and back in; Xbox handles the update in the background.

What happens to your friends list and achievements when you change your name

Your friends list, achievements, game library, and play history all stay attached to your account. Changing your gamertag does not erase anything or reset your progress. Your friends will see your new name the next time they look at their friends list, and you'll still have access to every game you own and every achievement you've earned.

The only thing that changes is the name displayed next to your profile. Everything else — your account history, your purchases, your saved games — remains exactly as it was.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one after 30 days?

No. After 30 days, your old gamertag is released to the public and anyone can claim it. If you want to use it again after that point, you'd have to pay the 9.99 USD fee like any other gamertag change, and only if no one else has already taken it.

What if the name I want is taken?

Try adding a number at the end, using an underscore or hyphen to split the name into two parts, or choose a different name altogether. Xbox tells you when ready whether a name is available, so you can test multiple options before you decide.

Do I need Xbox Game Pass to change my gamertag?

No. You only need an Xbox account and, after your first free change, the 9.99 USD fee. Game Pass membership is not required.

Will my gamertag change show up in games I'm currently playing?

Yes. Most games pull your gamertag from Xbox Live in real time, so other players will see your new name the next time you load into a match or lobby. Some older games may take a few minutes to refresh.

Can I change my gamertag if my account is suspended?

No. You cannot make changes to a suspended account, including changing your gamertag. You'll need to resolve the suspension first by contacting Xbox Support.