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

Your Xbox gamertag is the name that appears when you play online and in your profile. Microsoft lets you change it through your account dashboard — you do not need to contact support or create a new account. The process takes a few minutes and costs money only if you want to change it more than once per year.

You can make the change on your Xbox console, a computer, or a phone. The steps are the same regardless of which device you use, and the new gamertag takes effect immediately across all your Xbox services, including Game Pass, Xbox Live, and any games you play online.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your gamertag once per year for free; additional changes within that year cost money.
  • The change happens through your Microsoft account settings, not through Xbox settings on your console.
  • Your new gamertag appears everywhere you use your Microsoft account, including Minecraft and other Microsoft services.
  • You cannot use a gamertag that is already taken, contains profanity, or violates Xbox's code of conduct.
  • The change takes effect immediately, but it may take a few minutes to update across all games and services.

How to change your gamertag on Xbox console

Start on your Xbox console. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then go to Profile & system and select Profile. Choose your account from the list, then select Customize profile. Look for the option that says Gamertag and select it.

When you select the gamertag option, you will see a text box where you can type a new name. Type the gamertag you want, then select Check availability. If the name is available, you will see a confirmation screen. If it is taken or violates Xbox's code of conduct, you will be told to try a different name. Once you confirm your choice, the change is complete.

How to change your gamertag on a computer or phone

Go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in with the Microsoft account connected to your Xbox. Select Your info from the left menu, then look for the section labeled Gamertag or Xbox profile. Click or tap Edit next to your current gamertag.

Type your new gamertag in the text box and select Check availability. If the name is available, you will see a confirmation button. Select it to save the change. The new gamertag will appear on your profile within a few minutes and will sync across all your Xbox services.

What happens if your desired gamertag is taken or rejected

If the gamertag you want is already in use, the system will tell you it is not available. You will need to choose a different name. You can try adding numbers, underscores, or spaces to make a variation of the name you want — for example, if "Player" is taken, you might try "Player_1" or "Player 2".

If your gamertag is rejected because it violates Xbox's code of conduct, it means the name contains profanity, hate speech, or references to illegal activity. The system will not let you use it. Choose a different name that does not include offensive language or symbols.

Cost and frequency limits for changing your gamertag

Your first gamertag change is free. After that, you can change it again, but each additional change within a 12-month period costs money. The exact price varies by region and currency, but it is typically between $8 and $10 USD. You can change your gamertag as many times as you want, but you will pay for each change after the first one in a year.

The 12-month period resets from the date of your last change, not from a calendar year. If you changed your gamertag on March 15, your next free change will be available on March 15 of the following year.

How long it takes for the change to show up everywhere

The gamertag change takes effect immediately in your account settings and on your Xbox profile. However, it may take a few minutes to update in games you are currently playing, in your friends' friend lists, and in other Xbox services like Game Pass or Minecraft. If you are in the middle of a game when you change it, you may need to restart the game to see the new name appear to other players.

In rare cases, the update can take up to 24 hours to appear everywhere, particularly in older games or third-party services connected to your Xbox account. If your new gamertag does not show up after a few hours, sign out of your account and sign back in to force a refresh.

What you cannot change about your profile at the same time

Changing your gamertag does not change your Xbox Live username, your email address, or your Microsoft account name. These are separate identifiers. Your gamertag is what other players see; your email and account name are what you use to sign in. If you want to change your email address or account name, you will need to do that through a different section of your Microsoft account settings.

Your gamertag also does not affect your Xbox achievements, game saves, or friends list. All of those stay with your account regardless of what name you choose. Your friends will still see you as the same person; they will just see your new gamertag next to your profile.

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. If your old gamertag is available, you can change to it just like any other name. If someone else has taken it, you will not be able to use it unless they change their gamertag first.

What if I change my gamertag and then want to undo it?

You can change it again, but you will have to pay for the second change if it is within 12 months of your first change. There is no "undo" button — each change is permanent once you confirm it. Make sure you are happy with your new gamertag before you confirm.

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

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they check your profile or play with you. You will still appear in their friends list under your new name.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my gamertag?

You can use spaces and some special characters like underscores, but not all symbols are allowed. The system will tell you if a character is not permitted when you try to use it. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and underscores if you want to be safe.

Does changing my gamertag affect my Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass for PC?

No. Your Game Pass subscription stays with your Microsoft account regardless of your gamertag. The change only affects the name that appears in games and on your profile.