Change your gamertag through your Microsoft account settings

To change your Xbox gamertag, sign into your Microsoft account on Xbox.com or through your console, go to your profile settings, and select the option to change your gamertag. Xbox allows you to change your gamertag once for free; after that, each change costs money. The process takes a few minutes and the new name becomes active immediately across all your Xbox devices and services tied to that account.

You can make the change from a web browser, your Xbox console, or the Xbox app on Windows or mobile. Whichever method you use, you need to be signed into the Microsoft account associated with your gamertag. If you share a console with other players, make sure you are signed into the correct account before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; any change after that costs a set fee that varies by region.
  • The change takes effect immediately across all Xbox services, including Game Pass, Xbox Live, and any games you play online.
  • You can change your gamertag from Xbox.com, your console, or the Xbox app — all three methods use the same account settings.
  • Xbox has rules about what characters and words are allowed in a gamertag; if your chosen name violates those rules, the system will reject it and ask you to pick another.
  • If someone else has already claimed the gamertag you want, you cannot use it — you will need to choose a different one.

Change your gamertag on Xbox.com

Go to Xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Profile" or "My Profile." Look for an option labeled "Customize profile," "Edit profile," or "Change gamertag" — the exact wording varies depending on your region and whether Xbox has updated the interface recently.

Click on your current gamertag. A text box will appear where you can type your new gamertag. Type the name you want, and Xbox will check whether it is available and whether it follows Xbox's content rules. If the name is taken or violates the rules, you will see a message explaining why. If it is available, you will see a confirmation screen showing the cost (free for your first change, or a fee for subsequent changes). Confirm the change, and your new gamertag will be active within seconds.

Change your gamertag on your Xbox console

On your Xbox console, press the Xbox button to open the guide. Go to "Profile & system" and select "Profile." Choose "Customize profile" or "Change gamertag" — the exact menu path depends on whether you have an Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or an older console. Sign in if prompted.

Select your current gamertag and type the new one you want. Xbox will check availability and content rules in real time. If your chosen name is available and allowed, you will see a confirmation screen. Review the cost (free for the first change, or a fee for later changes) and confirm. The change takes effect immediately, and you will see your new gamertag the next time you view your profile.

Understand Xbox's gamertag rules and restrictions

Xbox does not allow gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or references to illegal activity. The system also blocks names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or Xbox staff. Gamertags must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and certain symbols (spaces and hyphens are allowed; most other punctuation is not).

If you try to create a gamertag that breaks these rules, Xbox will reject it and ask you to choose a different name. The rejection happens automatically — no human review is involved. If you believe a gamertag was rejected by mistake, you can contact Xbox Support, but the decision is usually final. The easiest approach is to try a different name that clearly does not violate the rules.

Know the cost of changing your gamertag after the first time

Your first gamertag change is free, no matter when you make it. Every change after that costs money. The exact price varies by region and currency — it is typically between $7 and $10 USD equivalent, but you should check your local Xbox store for the precise amount in your country. The fee is charged to the payment method linked to your Microsoft account.

If you are unsure whether you have already used your free change, you can check before you attempt a new one. When you go to change your gamertag, the confirmation screen will tell you whether the change is free or will cost money. You can cancel at that point if you want to keep your current name.

What happens to your old gamertag after you change it

When you change your gamertag, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period (usually a few weeks). Your account history, achievements, game progress, and friends list all stay with your new gamertag — nothing is lost. Games you have played and progress you have made will still be tied to your account.

People on your friends list will see your new gamertag the next time they sign in. If you were in the middle of a multiplayer game when you changed your name, you may need to restart the game to see the change reflected in the game itself, though your account is updated immediately.

Troubleshoot if your gamertag change is not working

If you see an error message when you try to change your gamertag, the most common causes are: the name you chose is already taken, the name violates Xbox's content rules, you are not signed into the correct Microsoft account, or there is a temporary problem with Xbox's servers. Try a different gamertag first to rule out a content or availability issue.

If you keep getting an error even with a different name, sign out completely and sign back in, then try again. If the problem persists, restart your console or refresh your browser. If you still cannot change your gamertag after trying these steps, contact Xbox Support with a screenshot of the error message — they can investigate whether there is an account-level issue preventing the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Your old gamertag becomes available for others to use after a waiting period, so if you want to reclaim it, you may need to act quickly. If someone else has already taken it, you cannot use it again.

Do I lose my achievements or game progress if I change my gamertag?

No. Your achievements, game progress, friends list, and account history all stay with your account. Only your display name changes — everything else remains the same.

What if the gamertag I want is already taken?

You cannot use a gamertag that someone else has claimed. You will need to choose a different name. You can try variations, like adding numbers or hyphens, or pick a completely different name.

Can I change my gamertag on mobile?

You can change it through the Xbox app on your phone by going to your profile settings, but the easiest method is usually Xbox.com or your console. All three methods access the same account settings and produce the same result.

How long does it take for my new gamertag to show up everywhere?

Your new gamertag is active immediately in your account settings and on Xbox.com. It may take a few minutes to appear in games or on your console if you are already signed in — restarting the game or console speeds this up.