Change your gamertag directly in the Xbox App settings

Open the Xbox App on your computer or phone. Go to your profile picture in the top right corner and select Profile. From there, choose Customize profile. You will see an option to edit your gamertag — the name other players see when you play online.

The change takes effect immediately in the app, but it may take a few minutes to update across all Xbox services and games. If you have played online recently, other players may still see your old name for a short time until their systems refresh.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your gamertag through the Xbox App by going to your profile and selecting Customize profile.
  • Your new gamertag must follow Xbox's content policy — no profanity, hate speech, or impersonation of real people or brands.
  • The first gamertag change is free; each change after that costs money (the price varies by region).
  • Your change takes effect immediately in the app but may take several minutes to show up in online games and on other devices.
  • If you cannot find the Customize profile option, make sure you are signed into your Microsoft account and have the latest version of the Xbox App.

What happens to your old gamertag after you change it

Once you change your gamertag, your old name becomes available for someone else to use. Your achievement history, game library, and friends list stay attached to your account — they do not disappear. Other players will see your new name going forward, but your past game statistics and playtime remain under your account.

If you want to keep your old gamertag, you can change it back within a certain window, though this still counts as a change and may cost money depending on your region and how many changes you have already made.

Cost and frequency limits for changing your gamertag

Your first gamertag change is free. After that, each change costs money — the exact amount depends on your region and your Xbox subscription level. You can change your gamertag as often as you want, but you must wait a set amount of time between changes (usually 30 days).

If you change your gamertag and then want to change it again, you will need to wait the full waiting period before making another change. Check the Xbox website or your account settings to see the current cost in your area and how long you must wait between changes.

Gamertag rules and why your change might be rejected

Xbox will reject your new gamertag if it violates their content policy. This includes names that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or attempts to impersonate real people, celebrities, or brands. Names that are confusing or designed to trick other players may also be rejected.

If your chosen name is rejected, the Xbox App will tell you why and ask you to pick a different one. You can try again immediately with a new name. If you believe your name was rejected by mistake, you can contact Xbox Support to appeal the decision.

Changing your gamertag on console versus the app

You can change your gamertag on an Xbox console (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) through the same profile settings, or you can do it through the Xbox App on your computer or phone. The process is the same regardless of which device you use — go to your profile, select Customize profile, and enter your new name.

Your new gamertag will sync across all your devices once the change is complete. If you are signed into multiple devices, you may need to sign out and sign back in to see the updated name everywhere.

Troubleshooting: gamertag change is not showing up

If you changed your gamertag but it is still showing your old name in games or on other devices, wait 15 to 30 minutes and then restart the Xbox App or your console. Sometimes the change takes longer to sync, especially if you were in the middle of playing a game when you made the change.

If the old name is still showing after an hour, sign out of your Microsoft account completely, close the app, and sign back in. If the problem continues, check that you are using the latest version of the Xbox App — go to your app store and look for updates. If you still see your old gamertag after trying these steps, contact Xbox Support with a screenshot showing what you see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, you can change your gamertag back to your previous name if no one else has claimed it. However, changing it back still counts as a gamertag change and will cost money (except for your first free change). You must also wait the required time between changes before you can switch back.

What if someone else took my old gamertag?

If your old gamertag was claimed by another player, you cannot get it back. You will need to choose a different name. If you believe someone is impersonating you or using your name to deceive other players, contact Xbox Support with details about the account.

Do I lose my games or friends when I change my gamertag?

No. Your game library, achievements, friends list, and all account data stay with your account. Only your display name changes. Your friends will see your new gamertag, but your friendship and shared game history remain intact.

Why is the Customize profile option not showing up?

Make sure you are signed into your Microsoft account in the Xbox App. If you are signed in but still do not see the option, update the Xbox App to the latest version. You may also need to restart the app or your device. If the option still does not appear, try changing your gamertag on an Xbox console instead, or contact Xbox Support.

Can I change my gamertag if I have an unpaid balance on my account?

If you have an outstanding balance or your account is suspended, you may not be able to make a paid gamertag change. Resolve any account issues first by visiting your Xbox account settings or contacting Xbox Support. Once your account is in good standing, you can change your gamertag.