You can change the email on your Xbox account through the Microsoft account settings, not through the console itself
Your Xbox account runs on a Microsoft account, and the email address attached to it is what you use to sign in. If you want to change that email — whether because you no longer use the old one, you've switched providers, or you're consolidating accounts — you do it through Microsoft's website, not through your Xbox console. The process takes about five minutes and doesn't affect your games, achievements, or saved data.
You'll need access to both your current email address and the new email address you want to use. Microsoft sends a confirmation code to both addresses to make sure the change is really you requesting it. If you've lost access to your current email, the process is longer and requires you to verify your identity another way.
Key Takeaways
- Sign into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com using your current email and password.
- Go to the "Your info" section and select "Manage your Microsoft account" to find the email settings.
- Microsoft will send a confirmation code to both your old and new email addresses before the change takes effect.
- Your Xbox games, achievements, and Game Pass subscription stay attached to your account — changing the email doesn't affect them.
- If you can't access your old email, you can verify your identity using a phone number or recovery email instead.
Steps to change your email through Microsoft account settings
Go to account.microsoft.com in a web browser and sign in with your current email address and password. You don't need to be on your Xbox console for this — any computer or phone works.
Once you're signed in, look for the section labeled "Your info" on the left side of the page. Click on it, then select "Manage your Microsoft account". This opens a page showing your account details, including your current email address.
Find the email address listed under your account name and click "Change email" or the edit icon next to it. A form will appear asking you to enter the new email address you want to use. Type it in carefully — you'll need to confirm it in the next step.
Microsoft will send a six-digit code to your new email address. Check that inbox (including spam folders) and enter the code when prompted. You'll also receive a code at your old email address as a security check. Enter both codes to complete the change. Your new email is now your Xbox sign-in address.
What happens to your games and achievements when you change your email
Nothing. Your Xbox games, achievements, Game Pass subscription, and all saved data stay attached to your Microsoft account. The email address is just the key you use to unlock the account — changing it doesn't move or delete anything inside.
The next time you sign into your Xbox console, you'll use your new email address instead of the old one. If you have multiple profiles on your console, only the one linked to that Microsoft account is affected. Other profiles on the same console keep their own email addresses and sign-in details.
If you no longer have access to your old email address
If your old email account is closed, hacked, or you straightforward can't access it anymore, you can't receive the confirmation code Microsoft sends during the change. In this case, you'll need to verify your identity using a backup method.
When you try to change your email and can't access the old one, Microsoft will ask you to confirm your identity using either a phone number on file or a recovery email address you set up previously. If you have a phone number linked to your account, Microsoft will text a code to it. If you set up a recovery email when you created the account, you can use that instead.
If you don't have either of those options, the process takes longer. Microsoft may ask you to answer security questions you set up when you created the account, or they may ask for other proof of identity. Have your Xbox console serial number or a recent receipt handy — these can help speed up verification.
Signing in on your console after changing your email
The next time you turn on your Xbox and try to sign into your profile, the console will ask for your sign-in details. Enter your new email address and your password. If you're already signed in on the console, you don't need to do anything — your profile will continue to work with the new email in the background.
If you want to update the email on the console itself so it shows your new address, go to Settings > Account > Your info and select your profile. The console will sync with Microsoft's servers and display your updated email. This is optional — the account works either way.
Changing email for a child or family account
If you're changing the email on a child's Xbox account, the process is the same, but you'll need to sign in as the account owner or the parent/guardian who set up the account. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with the parent account, and look for the option to manage family members or linked accounts.
Some family accounts have restrictions on what can be changed without parent approval. If you're the parent and you set up the account, you have full control. If the child is old enough to have their own Microsoft account, they can change their own email following the steps above, though you may receive a notification depending on your family settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my email affect my Xbox Game Pass or subscriptions?
No. Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, and any other subscriptions stay active and attached to your account. Your billing information remains the same — the email change only affects how you sign in.
Can I change my email on the Xbox console itself without going to a website?
No. You must go to account.microsoft.com through a web browser. The Xbox console doesn't have an option to change your email address directly.
What if I want to use my old email address again in the future?
You can change it back anytime by following the same steps. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with your current email, and change it to whatever address you want to use.
Do I need to tell my friends my new email address?
No. Your Xbox gamertag and friends list don't change. Your friends will still see you the same way on Xbox. The email is only for signing into your account.
How long does it take for the email change to show up everywhere?
The change takes effect when ready after you confirm both codes. You can sign in with your new email right away. It may take a few minutes to show up on your Xbox console, but usually it's when ready.