You can change your Xbox gamertag through your Microsoft account settings, and the process takes about five minutes

Your gamertag is the name that appears when you play online and that other players see. 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. Xbox lets you change your tag once for free; after that, each change costs money (the price varies by region). The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to show up in all games.

You do not need to create a new account or lose your game progress, achievements, or friends list. Everything stays attached to your Microsoft account — only the display name changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; subsequent changes cost money, with pricing that differs by country.
  • You change your gamertag through Xbox.com in your profile settings, not through the console itself.
  • The change happens right away, though it may take a few minutes to appear in games and on your friends' screens.
  • Your games, achievements, friends, and game pass subscription all stay the same — only the name changes.
  • Xbox has rules about what characters and words you can use in a gamertag, and the system will reject names that break those rules.

How to change your gamertag on a computer

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 option that says "Customize profile" or "Edit profile" — the exact wording depends on which version of the Xbox website you see. Click that button.

You will see a field with your current gamertag. Click on it to edit. Type in your new gamertag, then click "Check availability" to see if another player is already using it. If the name is available, click "Save" or "Confirm". The system will ask you to confirm the change one more time. Once you do, your new gamertag is live.

How to change your gamertag on Xbox console

You cannot change your gamertag directly from your Xbox console. Instead, you must use a computer or phone to go to Xbox.com. However, you can start the process from your console by going to Settings, then Account, then Profile, and selecting "Customize profile". This will show you a link to Xbox.com where you can finish the change.

Some older Xbox consoles may not have this shortcut. If you do not see it, straightforward open a web browser on any device, go to Xbox.com, and follow the steps above.

What names Xbox will not allow

Xbox has a list of words and phrases it blocks in gamertags. These include profanity, slurs, and references to real people's names or public figures. The system also blocks gamertags that look like they belong to Xbox staff or that impersonate official accounts. If you try to use a blocked word, the system will tell you the name is unavailable and suggest you try something else.

Gamertags must be between 3 and 15 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, and some symbols (like hyphens and underscores), but not spaces or special characters like @ or #. If you see an error message saying your name breaks the rules, try removing numbers or symbols, or pick a different word entirely.

The cost of changing your gamertag more than once

Microsoft gives you one free gamertag change. If you want to change it again, you will pay a fee. The price is not the same everywhere — it depends on your country and your local currency. In the United States, a gamertag change typically costs a few dollars, but you should check the current price on Xbox.com before you confirm the change, because the cost can shift.

If you are not sure whether you have used your free change yet, go to your profile on Xbox.com and look for the option to change your gamertag. The system will tell you whether the change is free or paid before you enter a new name.

What stays the same when you change your gamertag

Changing your gamertag does not affect your games, achievements, game pass subscription, or balance in your Microsoft account. Your friends list stays the same, though your friends will see your new name the next time they log in. If you are in the middle of a game when you change your tag, you may need to restart the game to see the new name appear.

Your game progress, saved files, and all purchases tied to your account remain exactly as they were. The change only affects how your name appears to other players.

If your desired gamertag is already taken

When you check availability on Xbox.com, the system will tell you right away if someone else is using the name you want. If it is taken, you have a few options: add a number to the end (like "PlayerName42"), use a symbol like a hyphen or underscore in the middle, or pick a different name altogether.

Some players hold onto gamertags they no longer use. Xbox does not recycle old gamertags or make them available after a player stops using their account. If the name you want is taken, you will need to choose something different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. If your old gamertag is still available, you can change to it again. If someone else has taken it, you cannot use it unless that player changes their name first.

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

The change is usually when ready on Xbox.com and your profile, but it can take a few minutes to appear in online games. If you are already in a game when you change your tag, restart the game to see the new name. Your friends may also need to restart their games or log out and back in to see the change.

Do I lose my achievements or game progress if I change my gamertag?

No. Your achievements, game progress, saved files, and everything else tied to your Microsoft account stays exactly the same. Only the display name changes.

What if I forget my Microsoft account password?

You will need to reset your password before you can change your gamertag. Go to account.microsoft.com, click "Sign in", then select "Can't access your account". Follow the steps to verify your identity and create a new password.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my gamertag?

No. Xbox gamertags can only contain letters, numbers, and a few symbols like hyphens and underscores. Spaces, @, #, and most other special characters are not allowed. If the system rejects your name, try removing spaces or symbols and try again.