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

Your Xbox gamertag is the name other players see when you're online. Microsoft lets you change it once for free, and additional changes cost $9.99 each. The process takes about five minutes and works the same whether you're on an Xbox console, a computer, or a phone — you just need to sign into your Microsoft account and navigate to your profile settings.

The change takes effect when ready across all your devices. Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period, so if you're changing it because you want to keep it private or remove it from public view, understand that it won't disappear from past conversations or game history — it will just show as your old name in those places.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; each change after that costs $9.99 and can be done once every 30 days.
  • You change your gamertag through your Microsoft account settings, not through Xbox itself, and the change shows up everywhere you play within minutes.
  • Your old gamertag becomes available for others to use, and it will still appear in your past game chat history and achievements.
  • If you forget your current gamertag or can't access your account, you'll need to recover your Microsoft account before you can make any changes.

How to change your gamertag on Xbox console

Start on your Xbox home screen and press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu. Navigate to your profile (the icon in the top left), then select Customize profile. From there, choose Gamertag and select Change gamertag. You'll be asked to confirm your identity — Xbox may send a code to your email or phone number on file.

Once you're verified, type in your new gamertag. Xbox will check whether it's available and whether it follows their code of conduct (no profanity, slurs, or impersonation of real people). If the name is taken or violates the rules, you'll see that when ready and can try another one. After you confirm your choice, the change is live on your console and all other devices within a few minutes.

How to change your gamertag on a computer or phone

Go to account.microsoft.com in any web browser and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Xbox. Click on Your info in the left menu, then look for the Manage your Microsoft account section. Select Edit profile and find the Gamertag field.

Click Change gamertag and follow the same verification steps as on console — you may need to enter a code sent to your email or phone. Type your new name, check that it's available, and confirm. The change will sync to your Xbox console and any other devices within a few minutes. If you're on a phone, the steps are identical; just use your phone's web browser instead of a computer.

What happens to your old gamertag and game history

Your old gamertag does not disappear from your account history. Any achievements, game clips, or statistics tied to your account will still show your old name in past records, depending on how the game stores that data. Some games update the name retroactively; others keep the old name in historical records. There's no way to change this — it's how each individual game handles name changes.

Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to claim after about 30 days. If you're changing your name because you want to distance yourself from it online, be aware that people who knew your old name can still find your account if they search for your current one. The change is public and when ready, not private.

Costs and timing for multiple changes

Your first gamertag change is free, no matter when you do it. If you want to change it again, the cost is $9.99 per change. You can change your gamertag once every 30 days, so you cannot change it twice in a row without waiting a month in between. The payment goes through your Microsoft account, and you can use a credit card, debit card, or Microsoft balance (store credit) to pay.

If you're unsure whether you've used your free change already, sign into your Microsoft account and navigate to your profile. It will tell you whether your next change is free or will cost $9.99. There's no way to get a refund on a paid change, so double-check your new name before you confirm the purchase.

If your new gamertag is rejected

Xbox rejects gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or names that impersonate real public figures or celebrities. It also rejects names that are already taken. When you try to claim a name and it's rejected, the system tells you why — either "unavailable" (someone else has it) or "violates code of conduct" (the name breaks the rules).

If you believe your name was rejected by mistake and doesn't actually violate the rules, you can contact Xbox Support through your account settings. However, Xbox's decision on what counts as a violation is final. If your name is straightforward taken, you'll need to choose a different one — there's no waitlist or way to reserve a name you want.

Recovering access if you can't sign in

If you've forgotten your password or can't access the email or phone number linked to your Microsoft account, you'll need to recover your account before you can change your gamertag. Go to account.microsoft.com/security and select I forgot my password. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email, phone number, or security questions you set up when you created the account.

The recovery process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on which verification method you use. Once you regain access to your account, you can change your gamertag through the steps described above. If you can't recover your account on your own, Xbox Support can help, but you'll need to prove you own the account by answering security questions or providing other proof of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but only after someone else claims it and then it becomes available again, which takes about 30 days. You cannot when ready reclaim your old gamertag. If you change your mind within a few minutes of making the change, contact Xbox Support — they may be able to reverse it, but this is not may provide.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my gamertag?

Yes. Your friends list doesn't change, and anyone who has you added will see your new gamertag automatically. However, people who don't have you added and try to search for your old name won't find you — they'll need to search for your new one or have you add them.

Do I need to change my password when I change my gamertag?

No. Your gamertag and your password are separate. Changing your gamertag does not affect your password or your account security. You only need to change your password if you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission.

What if my gamertag has a space or special character in it?

Xbox allows spaces and some special characters in gamertags, but not all. Hyphens, underscores, and spaces are usually allowed. Symbols like @, #, or & are typically not. When you type your new gamertag, Xbox will tell you when ready if a character isn't allowed, and you can adjust it before confirming.

Can I change my gamertag if my account is suspended?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your gamertag until the suspension is lifted. If you believe your account was suspended by mistake, contact Xbox Support to appeal the decision. Once your account is active again, you can change your gamertag normally.