Where to change your username on Xbox

You change your Xbox username through your Microsoft account settings, not through the Xbox console itself. The actual change happens on the Microsoft website or through the Xbox app on your PC or phone — the console just reflects what your account already says. This matters because if you try to find a username-change option in your Xbox settings, you won't find one.

Microsoft lets you change your username once every 30 days at no cost. If you change it and then want to change it again, you'll have to wait 30 days from the date of your last change. After that waiting period passes, the option becomes available again.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username through your Microsoft account on the web or Xbox app, not through your console settings.
  • Each username change costs nothing, but you can only make one change every 30 days.
  • Your new username appears on your profile, in multiplayer games, and on your friends' friend lists within a few minutes.
  • If your desired username is already taken, you'll see that message when ready and can try a different one.
  • You cannot change your username back to one you used before unless 30 days have passed since you stopped using it.

Changing your username on the Xbox website

Go to account.xbox.com in your web browser and sign in with the Microsoft account connected to your Xbox. Once you're logged in, look for your profile picture or account menu — this is usually in the top right corner of the page. Click it and select Your info or Profile.

On your profile page, find the section that shows your current gamertag or username. Next to it, you should see an Edit button or a pencil icon. Click that, and a text box will appear where you can type your new username. Type what you want, and the system will when ready tell you whether that name is available. If it's taken, try a different one. Once you find one that's available, click Save or Confirm.

The change takes effect right away. Your new username will show up on your profile, in your friends' lists, and in any multiplayer games within a few minutes. If you're already in a game when you change it, you may need to restart the game to see the new name appear.

Changing your username through the Xbox app

If you're on a Windows PC or have the Xbox app on your phone, you can change your username there too. Open the Xbox app, sign in if you're not already, and tap or click your profile picture in the top left corner. Select Profile or View profile.

On your profile screen, look for your current username and tap or click the Edit button next to it. Type your new username in the box that appears. The app will show you right away whether the name is available. If it is, confirm the change and you're done. The new name will sync across all your devices within a few minutes.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to use after a short time. You cannot claim it back unless at least 30 days have passed since you stopped using it. This is why it's worth thinking through your new username before you confirm — you can't just switch back and forth.

Your Xbox profile, achievements, game history, and friends list all stay exactly the same. The change only affects the name that appears. Anyone who had you as a friend will still have you as a friend, and they'll see your new username the next time they check their friends list.

Troubleshooting a username that won't change

If you see a message saying you can't change your username, the most common reason is that you've already made a change within the last 30 days. Check when your last change was by going back to your profile page — it usually shows the date of your most recent change. You'll have to wait until 30 days have passed from that date.

If you're getting an error message that doesn't mention the 30-day rule, try signing out completely and signing back in. Sometimes the system needs a fresh login to process the change. If that doesn't work, try using a different browser or the Xbox app instead of the website, or vice versa. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Xbox Support through their website — they can see your account history and tell you exactly when you'll be able to change again.

Names that won't be accepted

Xbox has rules about what usernames are allowed. You can't use names that contain profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity. You also can't use names that impersonate real people or public figures, or names that are just numbers or symbols with no letters. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, the system will reject it and ask you to try something else.

If you've already changed your username to something that violates these rules and Xbox later flags it, they may force you to change it again without waiting the 30 days. This is rare, but it's worth keeping your username appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

Your new username appears on your profile and in your friends' lists within a few minutes. If you're in the middle of a multiplayer game when you change it, you may need to restart the game to see the new name appear to other players. It's not when ready, but it's usually done within five to ten minutes.

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No. You can change your username once every 30 days at no cost. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, the system will show you a message telling you when you'll be able to change it next. After 30 days from your last change, the option becomes available again.

What if someone else takes the username I want?

If the username you want is already in use, the system will tell you when ready when you try to claim it. You'll need to choose a different name. You can try variations — adding numbers, underscores, or slight spelling changes — to get something close to what you wanted.

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

No. Your achievements, game progress, friends list, and everything else tied to your account stays exactly the same. Only the name that displays changes. All your history and unlocks remain connected to your account.

Can I change my username on my Xbox console without going online?

No. You have to change your username through your Microsoft account on the web or through the Xbox app. The console itself doesn't have a username-change option. Once you change it online, it syncs to your console automatically.