Change Your Username Through the Xbox App or Web Browser

You can change your Xbox username on PC using either the Xbox app (which comes with Windows 10 and later) or by signing into your Microsoft account online. Both routes take about five minutes and don't require you to own an Xbox console — your username is tied to your Microsoft account, so the change applies everywhere you use that account.

The Xbox app method is faster if you already have it open. Open the app, select your profile picture in the top right corner, choose "View profile," then select "Edit profile." Look for the "Gamertag" field and click the pencil icon next to it. Type your new username and confirm the change. The app will tell you when ready if the name is taken or contains blocked words.

If you prefer the web browser, go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select "Your info" on the left side. Scroll down to find "Gamertag" and click "Edit." The process is identical from there — type the new name and submit. Either way, the change takes effect right away across all your devices and games.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Xbox username through the Xbox app on Windows or through your Microsoft account online at account.microsoft.com.
  • Your new username appears when ready on PC, mobile, and any other device where you use that Microsoft account.
  • Xbox usernames can be 3 to 15 characters long and cannot contain spaces, though you can use numbers and some symbols.
  • If your desired username is taken, the system will suggest alternatives or you can try a different name.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days at no cost; additional changes within that period require payment.

What Names Are Allowed and What Gets Blocked

Xbox has a filter that blocks usernames containing profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity. The system also rejects names that are too similar to existing ones — if someone already has "ShadowNinja," you cannot use "ShadowNinja1" or "ShadowNinjaa." Names must be between 3 and 15 characters and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols like hyphens and underscores, but not spaces.

If the name you want is rejected, the Xbox app or website will show you why and suggest similar available names. You can also see a list of names that are reserved by Microsoft or used by Xbox staff. If a name seems unfairly blocked, you can report it through your account settings, though Microsoft rarely overturns these decisions.

The 30-Day Waiting Period Between Changes

After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before changing it again. This rule applies whether you change it through the app, the web, or on a console. The timer starts the moment you confirm the change, not when you first tried to change it.

If you need to change your username before 30 days have passed, you can pay a fee to do so when ready. The cost varies by region but is typically a few dollars. You can check the exact price in your region by attempting a second change within the 30-day window — the system will show you the fee before you pay.

Changing Your Display Name vs. Your Gamertag

Xbox accounts have two separate name fields: your Gamertag (your username) and your Display Name (what appears in some games and on your profile). On PC, most games and the Xbox app show your Gamertag. The Display Name is optional and rarely visible unless you set it yourself.

If you want to change your Display Name instead of your Gamertag, go to account.microsoft.com, select "Your info," and look for "Display name" below the Gamertag field. You can change this as often as you want with no waiting period. However, most PC games and the Xbox app prioritize your Gamertag, so changing the Display Name alone won't change what other players see in most situations.

What Happens to Your Old Username After You Change It

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. There is no way to reserve it or reclaim it later. If you think you might want to use the old name again, consider whether the new name is truly worth losing it.

Your game library, achievements, and friends list all stay with your account and follow your new username. Other players will see your new name in their friends list and in games, but they can still message you and play with you normally. Your old username does not appear anywhere on your account after the change.

Troubleshooting a Change That Won't Go Through

If the Xbox app or website won't let you change your username, the most common reason is that you have already changed it within the last 30 days. Check your account settings to see when your last change was made. If the timer has not expired, you will need to either wait or pay the fee for an when ready change.

Less commonly, your account may be restricted due to a violation of Xbox's code of conduct. If you see an error message saying your account is restricted, you will need to contact Microsoft support through account.microsoft.com. They can tell you whether the restriction is temporary or permanent and what you need to do to resolve it.

If you are having trouble signing into the Xbox app itself, restart the app and make sure you are using the correct Microsoft account password. If you have forgotten your password, go to account.live.com and use the "Can't access your account" option to reset it before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your friends list and all your existing friendships stay with your account. They will see your new username in their friends list and in games, and they can still message and play with you normally. You do not need to re-add anyone.

Can I change my username on my phone or tablet?

You can change it through the Xbox app on Android or iOS, or through your web browser on any device by going to account.microsoft.com. The process is the same as on PC — sign in, find your Gamertag, and edit it. The change applies to all your devices when ready.

What if the username I want is taken?

The Xbox app or website will tell you it is unavailable and suggest similar names that are open. You can try a different variation, such as adding a number or symbol. If you really want a specific taken name, there is no way to request it or put yourself on a waiting list.

Do I have to pay to change my username?

Your first change is free. After that, you must wait 30 days before changing again at no cost. If you want to change it sooner, you can pay a fee (typically a few dollars, varying by region) to change it when ready.

Will changing my username affect my game saves or achievements?

No. All your game saves, achievements, and progress stay with your account and follow your new username. Nothing is lost or reset when you change your name.