Where to find the nickname setting on your Xbox
Your Xbox nickname is the name other players see when you're online. You can change it from your account settings on the console itself, on the Xbox app for Windows, or through the Xbox website. The fastest route is usually your console if you're already signed in.
On Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360, go to the home screen, press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then select your profile picture in the top left. Choose Profile, then Customize profile. You'll see your current gamertag listed near the top — that's the name you're changing.
If you're using the Xbox app on Windows 10 or Windows 11, sign in, select your profile picture in the top right corner, and choose Profile. Look for the option to edit your profile, and you'll find the gamertag field there.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Xbox nickname from your console, the Xbox app on Windows, or the Xbox website — all three methods reach the same account setting.
- The first nickname change is free, but changing it again costs 800 Microsoft Points (roughly $10 USD, though pricing varies by region).
- Your new nickname takes effect when ready across all Xbox services, but other players may see the old name briefly if they're already in a game with you.
- Nicknames must be between 3 and 15 characters, cannot contain spaces, and cannot include words that Xbox's filter flags as inappropriate.
What happens when you change your nickname
Once you enter a new nickname and confirm it, the change goes live right away. Your profile, your friends list, and your game history all show the new name. However, if you're already in a multiplayer game when you change it, other players in that session may still see your old nickname until the game ends or they restart their connection.
Your achievements, game progress, and playtime history stay exactly the same — changing your nickname does not reset anything. The account underneath remains identical; only the display name changes.
The cost of changing your nickname more than once
Microsoft lets you change your gamertag once for free. If you want to change it a second time or more, each change costs 800 Microsoft Points. The dollar amount varies by region, but in the United States this is roughly $10 USD. You can buy Microsoft Points through the Xbox store on your console, through the Xbox app, or on the Xbox website.
If you're not sure whether you've used your free change yet, you can check before you attempt a new one. On your console, go to your profile, select Customize profile, and look for a message that says whether you have a free change remaining.
Rules for what your new nickname can be
Your nickname must be between 3 and 15 characters long. It cannot contain spaces, though you can use numbers and some special characters like underscores or hyphens. Xbox's content filter automatically rejects names that contain profanity or words flagged as offensive.
You also cannot use a nickname that is already taken by another Xbox account. If you try to claim a name that someone else has, the system will tell you it's unavailable and ask you to choose something else. Names are not case-sensitive — Xbox treats "Player123" and "player123" as the same name.
Changing your nickname on the Xbox website
If you prefer to change your nickname from a computer, go to account.xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Select Customize your profile or Profile (the exact wording depends on which version of the site you see). You'll see your current gamertag and an option to edit it.
Enter your new nickname, check that it meets the character rules, and select Save or Confirm. The system will tell you if the name is taken or flagged by the filter. Once you confirm, the change takes effect when ready across all your Xbox devices.
What to do if your desired nickname is taken or rejected
If the name you want is already in use, Xbox will say so and ask you to try another one. There's no waitlist or way to claim a name that's currently taken. You'll need to choose a different variation — adding numbers, changing the spelling slightly, or picking a different name altogether.
If Xbox's filter rejects your name as inappropriate, you won't be told exactly which word triggered it. Try removing or replacing any words that might be flagged, or choose a completely different name. You can test a new name before you spend your free change or pay for a change by attempting it and seeing whether the system accepts it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my nickname back to my old one for free?
No. Once you use your free change, changing back to any previous nickname costs 800 Microsoft Points, the same as any other change. The free change is one-time only, regardless of whether you're switching to a new name or reverting to an old one.
Will my friends see my old nickname if they're offline?
Your friends will see your new nickname the next time they sign in or refresh their friends list. If they're currently offline, their console or app will update the name once they come back online. There's no delay on your end — the change is when ready on your account.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my nickname?
You can use some special characters like underscores, hyphens, and periods, but not spaces or emojis. Xbox's system only accepts standard keyboard characters. If you try to use a character that isn't allowed, the system will reject it and tell you to remove it.
What if I change my nickname and then want to change it again when ready?
You can change it as many times as you want, but the first change is free and every change after that costs 800 Microsoft Points. There's no waiting period between changes — you can change your nickname again right away if you want to, but you'll be charged for the second change.
Does changing my nickname affect my Xbox Game Pass or subscription?
No. Your Game Pass subscription, Xbox Live Gold membership, and any other services tied to your account stay active and unchanged. Only the display name changes — your account status and services remain exactly the same.