Sign in using your username on any Xbox device
To sign into Xbox with your username, go to the sign-in screen on your console or the Xbox app, select "Sign in," and enter your username in the email or username field. Then enter your password when prompted. Your username is the display name you chose when you created your account — not your email address, though Xbox accepts both.
The sign-in process is the same whether you're using an Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or the Xbox app on Windows. The screen will ask for your username or email, your password, and may ask for a security code if you have two-factor authentication turned on.
Key Takeaways
- Your Xbox username is the display name you created, separate from your email address, though both work at the sign-in screen.
- On a console, select "Sign in" from the home screen and type your username and password into the fields provided.
- If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need to enter a security code sent to your phone or email after you enter your password.
- If you forget your username, you can recover it by signing in with your email address instead, then checking your account settings.
Where to find the sign-in screen on your console
On Xbox Series X and Series S, the sign-in option appears on the home screen in the top left corner. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then navigate to your profile icon and select "Sign in." On older Xbox One models, the sign-in screen is also in the top left — look for your profile picture or a blank profile space.
If someone else is already signed in, you can add a new profile by selecting "Add new" from the profile menu. This takes you to the sign-in screen where you enter your username and password. You only need to do this once per console; after that, your profile will appear on the home screen and you can select it to sign in faster.
Signing in on the Xbox app for Windows
Open the Xbox app on your Windows computer and look for the sign-in button, usually in the top right corner or on the home screen. Click it and enter your username in the text field. Type your password in the next field and select "Sign in." If you have two-factor authentication on, enter the code when the app asks for it.
The Xbox app remembers your sign-in on that computer, so the next time you open it, you may not need to enter your credentials again. If you want to sign in as a different user, select your profile picture in the top right and choose "Sign out," then repeat the process with the other username.
What to do if you don't remember your username
If you can't recall your username but you know your email address, use your email to sign in instead. Xbox accepts both your username and your email at the sign-in screen. Once you're signed in, you can see your username by going to your profile settings.
To find your username after signing in, go to Settings on your console or in the Xbox app, select "Account," then "Profile." Your username appears at the top of your profile page. Write it down or take a screenshot so you have it for next time.
Two-factor authentication and sign-in codes
If you turned on two-factor authentication for your Xbox account, the sign-in process includes an extra step. After you enter your username and password, Xbox sends a security code to your phone number or email address. You have a set amount of time to enter this code on the sign-in screen before it expires.
Check the phone number or email address linked to your account in your Xbox settings to make sure the code is going to a device you can access. If you don't receive the code, wait a few seconds and request a new one. If you lose access to the phone or email on file, you can remove two-factor authentication from your account settings, though this makes your account less find.
Troubleshooting a sign-in that won't go through
If your username and password are correct but you still can't sign in, restart your console or close and reopen the Xbox app. Check your internet connection — a weak or dropped connection can interrupt sign-in. If you're on a console, go to Settings, select "Network," and run a network test to see if you're connected.
If the problem continues, your account may be temporarily locked for security reasons. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again. If you still can't sign in after that, visit the Xbox account recovery page on a web browser and follow the steps to unlock your account or reset your password. You'll need access to the email address linked to your account.
Signing in on a shared or borrowed console
When you sign into Xbox on someone else's console, your profile is added to that device. You can remove it later by going to Settings, selecting "Account," then "Remove accounts," and choosing your profile. This deletes your profile from that console but does not affect your actual Xbox account or your games.
If you want to keep your profile on a shared console but prevent others from accessing it without a password, go to Settings, select "Account," then "Sign-in, security & passkey," and turn on "Password required." After that, anyone who wants to use your profile on that console will need to enter your password first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my email address instead of my username to sign in?
Yes. Xbox accepts both your username and the email address linked to your account at the sign-in screen. If you forget your username, signing in with your email is the fastest way to get back into your account.
What if I enter my username wrong three times in a row?
Xbox may temporarily lock your account for security. Wait 15 to 30 minutes before trying again. If the problem continues, use the Xbox account recovery page to reset your password or unlock your account.
Do I need to sign in every time I turn on my console?
No. After you sign in once, your profile stays on the console and you can select it from the home screen without entering your password again. You only need to sign in again if you remove your profile or if someone signs you out.
Is my username the same as my gamertag?
Your username and gamertag are different. Your username is what you use to sign in. Your gamertag is your display name that other players see. You can change your gamertag in your profile settings, but your username stays the same.