The quickest way to change your Xbox username

You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app on your console, through the Xbox website on any browser, or through the Xbox mobile app. The process takes about five minutes and costs nothing if you have not changed your name in the last 30 days — after that, Microsoft charges $9.99 per change. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a few months of inactivity.

The name you choose must be between 3 and 15 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or special characters. Xbox will reject names that match existing accounts, contain profanity, or look like they impersonate Microsoft staff or celebrities. You cannot use your email address as your username.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; changes after that cost $9.99 each through the official Xbox system.
  • You can change your name on your console, on Xbox.com, or in the Xbox mobile app — all three methods reach the same account settings.
  • Your new username takes effect when ready on your console and in online games, but may take a few hours to update everywhere across Xbox services.
  • If someone else has already claimed the name you want, you will see that message during the change process and can try a different name without being charged.

Changing your username on your Xbox console

Start at the home screen and press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Navigate to Profile & system, then select Profile. Choose your account from the list if more than one is on the console.

Select Customize profile, then choose Gamertag. You will see your current username and a text box to enter a new one. Type your desired name and select Check availability. If the name is available, you will see a green checkmark. If it is taken, Xbox will suggest alternatives or let you try another name. Once you confirm, the change is complete.

Changing your username on Xbox.com

Go to Xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Select your profile picture in the top right corner, then choose My profile. Look for the Customize profile or Edit profile option — the exact wording varies slightly depending on your region.

Find the Gamertag field and select Change gamertag. Enter your new username and select Check availability. If it is available, confirm the change. You will see a confirmation message, and the change takes effect when ready on your account.

Using the Xbox mobile app

Open the Xbox app on your phone or tablet and sign in. Tap your profile picture at the bottom of the screen, then select Profile. Tap Customize profile and look for the Gamertag section.

Tap Change gamertag, enter your new name, and tap Check availability. Once you confirm, the change is saved to your account. The mobile app works the same way as the console and website — you are changing the same account setting through a different device.

What happens after you change your name

Your new username appears on your console and in your profile when ready. In online multiplayer games, other players will see your new name right away. However, Xbox services like achievements, friends lists, and game clips may take a few hours to show your updated name everywhere — this is normal and not a sign something went wrong.

Your old username does not disappear from game history or chat logs. Messages you sent before the change will still show your old name, but your profile and active presence will show the new one. If you change your mind within 30 days, you can change back to your previous name for free — after 30 days, the standard $9.99 fee applies.

If your desired name is already taken

When you check availability and see that a name is taken, Xbox will offer suggestions based on what you typed. These suggestions add numbers or slight variations to your original choice. You can accept one of these suggestions or type a completely different name and check again.

There is no waiting list or reservation system for usernames. If you want a specific name that is currently taken, your only option is to check back later and hope the person using it becomes inactive. Accounts inactive for several months may have their usernames released, but there is no set timeline for this.

Troubleshooting name change problems

If you see an error message saying you cannot change your name, the most common reason is that you have already changed it within the last 30 days. Check when your last change was by going to your profile settings — the system will tell you when you are may be able to access to change again for free.

If a name you want shows as unavailable but you do not recognize it as a real account, it may be reserved by Xbox or held by an inactive account. Try a slight variation instead. If you are charged $9.99 but the change does not go through, check your Microsoft account billing history — the charge will appear there, and you can contact Xbox Support to request a refund if the change failed on their end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one for free?

Yes, but only within 30 days of your change. After 30 days, changing back costs $9.99 like any other name change. Your old username becomes available for others to claim after a few months of inactivity, so if you wait too long, someone else may have taken it.

Will my friends still see me after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and they will see your new username in their friends list within a few hours. You will still have access to all your games, achievements, and game clips — nothing is lost when you change your name.

Do I have to pay $9.99 every time I change my username?

No. Your first change is free, and you can change back to your previous name for free within 30 days. After that, each change costs $9.99. If you change your name and then change it back within 30 days, you have used only one free change.

What characters can I use in my new username?

You can use letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9). You cannot use spaces, special characters like hyphens or underscores, or emoji. Your username must be between 3 and 15 characters long and cannot match an existing account or contain profanity.

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

Your new name appears on your console and in your profile when ready. It may take a few hours to update in all Xbox services like achievements, friends lists, and game clips, but this is normal. In multiplayer games, other players will see your new name right away.