You can change your Xbox gamertag through your account settings on any device

Your Xbox gamertag is the name that appears when you play online and in your profile. To change it, you log into your Microsoft account on Xbox.com, go to your profile settings, and select the option to edit your gamertag. The process takes a few minutes and you can do it from a phone, computer, or directly on your console. Your first change is free; after that, each change costs money.

The gamertag you choose has to follow Xbox's content rules — no profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names without permission. If you pick a name that breaks those rules, Xbox will reject it and ask you to try again. You can change your gamertag as often as you want, but only the first change is free.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; subsequent changes cost a small fee that varies by region.
  • You can change your gamertag on Xbox.com, through the Xbox app on Windows, or directly on your console under account settings.
  • Your new gamertag takes effect when ready, but it may take a few minutes to show up in all games and on your profile.
  • Xbox rejects gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, or real people's names, so your choice must follow their content policy.
  • Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to use after you change it.

Changing your gamertag on Xbox.com

Go to Xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "My profile." On your profile page, look for the "Customize profile" button or link. From there, select "Edit profile" and find the gamertag field. Click on your current gamertag to edit it.

Type in your new gamertag and Xbox will check it against their content rules in real time. If the name is available and follows the rules, you'll see a green checkmark. If it's taken or breaks a rule, you'll see a message explaining why. Once you've chosen an available name that passes the check, click "Save" or "Confirm." Your new gamertag is active when ready.

Changing your gamertag on your Xbox console

On your Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or older console, press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Go to "Profile & system" and select "Profile." Choose "Customize profile" and then "Edit profile." Find the gamertag field and select it to edit.

Type your new gamertag using the on-screen keyboard. Xbox will check it against the content rules as you type. Once you've chosen a name that passes the check, press "Save." The change takes effect right away, though it may take a few minutes to show up in all your games and on other players' screens.

Changing your gamertag through the Xbox app on Windows

Open the Xbox app on your Windows computer and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on your profile picture in the top left corner and select "Profile." Click on your gamertag to edit it. The same process applies: type your new name, wait for the content check to pass, and click "Save."

This method is often the fastest because you can type on a keyboard instead of using an on-screen interface. The change is when ready and will sync across all your devices within a few minutes.

What happens when you change your gamertag

Your new gamertag shows up on your profile, in your friends' lists, and in games you play going forward. Your achievement history, game library, and friends list all stay the same — changing your name doesn't affect any of that. Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it.

If you were in the middle of a game when you changed your gamertag, you may need to restart the game or sign out and back in for the new name to appear to other players. Most games update within a few minutes, but some older games may take longer.

The cost of changing your gamertag after the first time

Microsoft gives you one free gamertag change. After that, each change costs money. The price varies by region — in the United States it is typically a few dollars, but check your local Xbox store to see the exact amount in your currency. You can see the current price before you confirm the change, so there are no surprises.

If you want to change your gamertag multiple times, you'll pay the fee each time after the first. Some people save their free change for when they're sure about the name they want to keep long-term.

Gamertag rules and what Xbox will reject

Xbox's content policy blocks gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or references to real people's names without permission. The system also rejects names that are too similar to existing Xbox staff accounts or that impersonate public figures. If you try a name and it gets rejected, Xbox will tell you why and you can try a different one.

Names that reference drugs, violence, or sexual content are also blocked. If you're unsure whether a name will pass, try it on Xbox.com first — the system will give you when ready feedback before you commit to the change. You can try as many names as you want until you find one that works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. If someone else took your old gamertag after you changed it, you cannot use it again. If it's still available, you can change back to it, though you'll pay the fee for any change after your first free one.

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

Your gamertag is active when ready on your profile and in new games you start. It may take a few minutes to show up in games you're already playing, in your friends' lists, and on other players' screens. Restarting the game or signing out and back in speeds this up.

What if someone else already has the gamertag I want?

You'll see a message saying the name is taken. Try a variation — add a number, an underscore, or a different spelling. Xbox allows numbers and some special characters like underscores and hyphens in gamertags, which gives you more options if your first choice is taken.

Do I lose my games or achievements if I change my gamertag?

No. Your game library, achievements, friends list, and account history all stay exactly the same. Only your display name changes. Everything else is tied to your Microsoft account, not your gamertag.

Can I change my gamertag on mobile?

You can view your profile on the Xbox mobile app, but you cannot edit your gamertag from the app itself. You'll need to use Xbox.com on a mobile browser, the Xbox app on Windows, or your console to make the change.