Xbox charges $9.99 to change your gamertag, or includes one free change when you first create your account

Microsoft charges $9.99 USD each time you change your Xbox gamertag after your first one. That first gamertag is free — you set it when you create your Microsoft account. Every change after that costs the same flat rate, whether you are changing it once or changing it ten times over the life of your account.

The price is the same across all regions where Xbox operates, though it may display in your local currency. If you are in Canada, for example, you will see the price in Canadian dollars. The charge appears on your Microsoft account billing method — the same card or payment method linked to your Xbox Game Pass or other Microsoft services.

You can change your gamertag through the Xbox app on your console, through the Xbox website, or through the Xbox mobile app on iOS or Android. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes for the new name to appear to other players in games and on your profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first Xbox gamertag is free when you create your Microsoft account, and every change after that costs $9.99.
  • You can change your gamertag from your Xbox console, the Xbox website, or the Xbox mobile app.
  • The new gamertag takes effect right away, though it may take a few minutes to show up to other players.
  • Microsoft does not refund the $9.99 charge if you change your mind within a certain time period — the change is final once you pay.
  • Some gamertags are reserved by Microsoft or blocked because they contain offensive language, and you cannot use a name that is already taken by another player.

Where to change your gamertag and what to expect

On your Xbox console, go to Settings, then Account, then Personalisation, then Gamertag. Select Change Gamertag, type in your new name, and confirm the $9.99 charge. The system will tell you right away if the name is available or if it is already taken.

On the Xbox website at xbox.com, sign in to your account, go to your profile, and select Edit Profile. Choose Change Gamertag from the menu. You will see the same $9.99 charge and the same availability check before you confirm.

The Xbox mobile app works the same way: open the app, go to your profile, tap Edit Profile, and select Change Gamertag. All three methods charge the same amount and show you availability in real time, so you can try different names until you find one that is not taken.

Gamertags that Microsoft will not let you use

Microsoft reserves certain gamertags for its own use and blocks others because they contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people without permission. If you try to use a name that is blocked, the system will reject it before you are charged. You will see an error message saying the name is unavailable, and you can try a different one at no cost.

Names that are already taken by other players will also show as unavailable. There is no way to buy a gamertag from another player through Xbox — you can only use a name if no one else on Xbox has claimed it. If you want a specific name that someone else has, your only option is to choose a different variation.

What happens if you change your mind after paying

Microsoft does not refund the $9.99 charge once you have paid and the gamertag change is complete. The change is permanent from a billing standpoint, even if you change your gamertag again the next day. Each new change is another $9.99 charge.

Before you confirm a gamertag change, take time to make sure you want it. The system shows you exactly what the new name will look like on your profile and in games. Once you tap Confirm and the charge goes through, you own that choice.

How often you can change your gamertag

There is no limit to how many times you can change your gamertag, but each change costs $9.99. Some players change their gamertag once and keep it for years. Others change it several times a year. Microsoft does not restrict the number of changes you can make, only the cost of each one.

If you change your gamertag and then want to go back to your old one, you will have to pay $9.99 again. Your old gamertag does not stay reserved for you — once you change away from it, another player can claim it.

Gamertags and your Xbox profile visibility

Your gamertag is what other players see when you play online. It appears in game lobbies, on your profile, in your friends list, and in chat. When you change your gamertag, the new name shows up everywhere, but your account history, achievements, and game progress stay the same. You do not lose anything by changing your name.

Your Microsoft account email address and password do not change when you change your gamertag. You still sign in with the same email and password. The gamertag is just the display name that other players see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my first gamertag change free if I created my account a long time ago?

No. The free gamertag change is only available when you first create your Microsoft account. If you did not use it then, you cannot use it later. All changes after account creation cost $9.99, no matter how long ago you created the account.

What if I type in a gamertag and it says it is unavailable, but I have never seen anyone use it?

Microsoft reserves some gamertags for internal use or blocks them because they contain hidden profanity or offensive references. The system will not tell you why a name is unavailable — it will only say it is not available. Try a different variation of the name you want.

Do I have to pay $9.99 every time I change my gamertag, or is there a monthly subscription?

You pay $9.99 per change, not a subscription. If you change your gamertag once a year, you pay $9.99 once a year. If you change it five times in one month, you pay $9.99 five times. There is no monthly fee or yearly fee for the ability to change your name.

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

Yes. Your friends list does not change when you change your gamertag. They will see your new name in their friends list, and you will still be able to play together. Your account history and achievements stay with your account no matter what name you use.

Can I change my gamertag to something someone else used before?

Yes, if they changed away from it. Once a player changes their gamertag, their old name becomes available for someone else to claim. You can use any name that is not currently taken and is not blocked by Microsoft, regardless of who used it before.