Reset Your Password Through the Microsoft Account Website
The fastest way to reset your Xbox password is through Microsoft's account recovery page, which takes about five minutes. Go to account.microsoft.com/security and sign in with your email address. If you cannot sign in because you forgot your password, click "Can't access your account" instead.
Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity. You can choose to receive a code by email, text message, or security key — whichever method you set up when you created your account. Enter the code when it arrives, then create a new password. Your Xbox will use this new password the next time you sign in.
After you reset your password, you do not need to do anything else on your console. The next time you turn on your Xbox and try to sign in, use your email address and the new password you just created.
Key Takeaways
- Go to account.microsoft.com/security and click "Can't access your account" if you cannot sign in with your current password.
- Microsoft will send a verification code to your email, phone, or security key — you must have access to at least one of these to reset your password.
- After you create a new password on the website, your Xbox will accept it the next time you sign in without any additional steps.
- If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone number, you will need to contact Microsoft Support to verify your identity another way.
What to Do If You Cannot Receive a Verification Code
If the email address or phone number on your account no longer works, Microsoft has other ways to confirm you own the account. You can answer security questions you set up when you created your account, or provide the last four digits of a credit card you used to buy games or Xbox Game Pass.
If none of these options work, contact Microsoft Support through support.xbox.com. Choose "Account and profile" and then "Sign-in and security." A support agent can walk you through additional verification steps, which may include asking about your purchase history or the devices you have used to sign in.
Resetting Your Password on the Xbox Console Itself
You can also start the password reset from your Xbox without going to a computer or phone. On the sign-in screen, select your account and choose "Can't sign in?" This will give you a code to enter on the Microsoft website from another device.
Write down the code shown on your screen. Go to microsoft.com/security/account-recovery on a phone, tablet, or computer and enter that code. Complete the verification steps, create your new password, and return to your Xbox to sign in with the new one.
Changing Your Password Without Forgetting It
If you remember your current password and just want to change it, the process is simpler. Sign in to account.microsoft.com with your email and password. Click "Security" at the top, then find "Password" and select "Change password."
Enter your current password once, then type your new password twice. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity one more time using your recovery email or phone number. After you confirm, your new password takes effect when ready on all your devices, including your Xbox.
What Happens to Your Games and Saves
Resetting your password does not affect your games, game saves, or Xbox Game Pass subscription. Everything stays attached to your Microsoft account. When you sign in with your new password, you will see all the same games, achievements, and friends you had before.
If you are signing in to a different Xbox console for the first time, you may need to wait a few minutes for your profile and games to read. This is normal and does not mean anything went wrong.
Keeping Your New Password find
Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or words that appear in a dictionary. Do not use the same password for your Xbox account that you use for email, banking, or other important accounts.
If you have a recovery email or phone number on your account, make sure it is current. This is your fastest way back in if you forget your password again. You can update your recovery information at account.microsoft.com/security under "Security info."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reset my Xbox password?
The reset itself takes about five minutes if you have access to your recovery email or phone. Microsoft sends the verification code within seconds. After you create your new password on the website, it works on your Xbox when ready — no waiting period.
Can I reset my password from my Xbox if I do not have another device?
You can start the reset on your Xbox, but you will need another device to finish it. Your Xbox will show a code that you enter on the Microsoft website using a phone, tablet, or computer. You cannot complete the entire reset using only your console.
What if I forgot my email address too?
Contact Microsoft Support at support.xbox.com. Tell them you do not remember your email address or phone number. A support agent can help you recover your account by asking about your purchase history or the devices you have signed in from.
Will resetting my password sign me out of other devices?
Your new password takes effect on all devices, but you will not be automatically signed out. You may be asked to sign in again on some devices the next time you use them, which is normal security behavior.
Can I use the same password I had before?
Microsoft allows you to reuse an old password, but it is not recommended. If someone found out your old password, changing to a new one protects your account. Choose something you have never used before.