You can change your Xbox gamertag through your Microsoft account settings, and Xbox allows one free change every 30 days after your first change

Your gamertag is the name other players see when you play online. To change it, you sign into your Microsoft account on Xbox.com or through your console, go to your profile settings, and select the option to change your gamertag. The first change is free. After that, each change costs $9.99 USD, though the price may vary by region. You can change your gamertag as often as you want, but you must wait 30 days between changes.

The process takes a few minutes and the new name appears when ready across all your Xbox devices and games. Your game progress, achievements, and friends list stay exactly the same — only the name changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free, and every change after that costs $9.99 USD in most regions.
  • You must wait 30 days between gamertag changes, even if you pay for a change.
  • You can change your gamertag on Xbox.com, through the Xbox app on Windows, or directly on your console under profile settings.
  • Your achievements, game saves, and friends list all stay with your account when you change your gamertag.
  • Xbox blocks certain words and phrases from gamertags, and you cannot use a name that is already taken by another player.

How to change your gamertag on Xbox.com

The easiest way to change your gamertag is through the Xbox website. Go to Xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select "My profile". On your profile page, look for the option that says "Customize profile" or "Edit profile" — the exact wording depends on your region.

Click on your current gamertag name. A window will open where you can type your new gamertag. Xbox will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or contains blocked words. If your name is available, click "Check availability" and then "Save" to confirm the change. The new name appears on your account right away.

Changing your gamertag on your Xbox console

You can also change your gamertag directly from your Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or older console. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu. Go to "Profile & system" and then select "Profile". Choose "Customize profile" and then select your gamertag.

Type your new gamertag and Xbox will check if it is available. If it is, confirm the change and it will update across all your devices. This method works the same way as the website but does not require you to leave your console.

What happens to your account when you change your gamertag

Your gamertag is just a display name. When you change it, everything else on your account stays the same. Your achievements, game progress, game saves, and all your digital games remain attached to your account. Your friends list does not change, and your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they log in.

Your Xbox Live history and statistics in games are also tied to your account, not your gamertag. If you have played 500 hours of a game and earned specific achievements, those records stay with your account even after you change your name. Other players may not recognize you by your old gamertag, but your account history is unbroken.

Gamertags Xbox will not allow

Xbox blocks gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, or references to drugs and alcohol. The system also blocks names that look like they are trying to impersonate Microsoft staff, Xbox support, or well-known streamers. You cannot use a gamertag that is already taken by another player, even if that player has not logged in for years.

If you try to use a blocked word or a name that is taken, Xbox will tell you when ready and suggest alternatives. You can keep trying different names until you find one that is available and passes the filter. There is no limit to how many names you can check before you settle on one.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

After you change your gamertag, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again, even if you pay for the change. This rule applies whether your first change was free or whether you paid $9.99 for it. If you change your gamertag on day one, you cannot change it again until day 31.

The 30-day timer starts the moment you confirm your new gamertag. There is no way to speed this up or get an exception. If you change your mind about your new name, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can pick something different.

Regional pricing and payment methods

The cost to change your gamertag is $9.99 USD in the United States. In other countries, the price is converted to the local currency. The exact amount you pay depends on your region and the current exchange rate. When you try to change your gamertag and the free change is no longer available, Xbox will show you the price in your local currency before you confirm.

You can pay for a gamertag change using any payment method linked to your Microsoft account — credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Microsoft Store gift cards all work. The charge appears on your statement as a Microsoft purchase. If you have a gift card balance in your Microsoft account, Xbox will use that first before charging a payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my old gamertag back if I change my mind?

No. Once you change your gamertag, the old name goes back into the pool of available names and can be claimed by another player. If you want to use that name again, you would have to wait for it to become available and then claim it like any other name. There is no way to reserve or recover a gamertag you have already changed away from.

Will my friends know I changed my gamertag?

Your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. You will still appear in their friends list, but under your new name. They can still message you and play with you — the change is only cosmetic. If your friends do not know it is you, you may want to tell them your new name so they do not think you have a new account.

Can I change my gamertag if I have an active Xbox Live ban or suspension?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your gamertag until the suspension is lifted. Xbox prevents any account changes while a penalty is active. Once your suspension ends, you can change your gamertag normally.

Does changing my gamertag affect my Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold subscription?

No. Your subscriptions are tied to your Microsoft account, not your gamertag. Changing your name does not cancel, pause, or affect any active subscriptions. You will keep all the same access to Game Pass games and online multiplayer that you had before.

What if the gamertag I want is taken but the player has not logged in in years?

Xbox does not release old gamertags, even if the account has been inactive for a long time. The name remains reserved for that account permanently. You will need to choose a different name. You can try adding numbers, underscores, or slight variations to get close to the name you want.