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, though the process depends on whether you've changed it before and whether you're willing to pay. The fastest route is through your account settings on Xbox.com or the Xbox app on your console, and it takes about five minutes once you know where to look.

You get one free gamertag change when you first set up your account. After that, each change costs money — the exact amount varies by region, but in the US it's typically around $10. If you haven't used your free change yet, you can do this at no cost right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; subsequent changes cost money, usually around $10 in the US.
  • You can change your gamertag on Xbox.com, through the Xbox app on your console, or on the Xbox mobile app.
  • The new name must be between 3 and 15 characters, cannot contain spaces, and cannot match a name already in use.
  • Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days, so choose carefully if you're switching.
  • Changing your gamertag does not affect your game progress, achievements, or friends list — those stay tied to your Microsoft account.

Change your gamertag on Xbox.com

Go to Xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "My profile." On your profile page, look for the option to change your gamertag — it's usually labeled "Edit profile" or "Change gamertag." Click it.

Type in the new name you want. Xbox will tell you immediately if it's already taken or if it breaks the naming rules. Names must be 3 to 15 characters long, can only use letters, numbers, and hyphens (no spaces or special characters), and cannot be offensive or impersonate someone else. Once you find a name that works, confirm the change. If it's your first change, it will process for free. If you've already used your free change, you'll be asked to pay before the change goes through.

Change your gamertag on your Xbox console

On your Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360, press the Xbox button to open the guide. Go to "Profile & system," then "Profile," then "Customize profile." Select "Change my profile name." You'll see the same naming rules and availability check as on the website.

This method works the same way as the website — you type in your new name, Xbox checks if it's available, and you either confirm for free or pay the fee. The console method is useful if you're already playing and want to change your name without switching to a computer.

Change your gamertag on the Xbox mobile app

Open the Xbox app on your phone or tablet and sign in. Tap your profile picture at the bottom of the screen, then tap "View profile." Look for the option to edit your profile or change your gamertag. The process is the same — type the new name, check availability, and confirm.

The mobile app is the quickest option if you're away from your console or computer. The change takes effect across all your devices within a few minutes.

What happens to your old gamertag

When you change your gamertag, your old one doesn't disappear immediately. It stays reserved under your account for 30 days. After 30 days, it becomes available for anyone else on Xbox to claim. If you think you might want to go back to your old name, you have that window to change back for free (since you've already used your free change, you'd normally pay, but changing back within 30 days is often treated differently — check the confirmation screen).

Your friends, achievements, game progress, and purchase history all stay attached to your Microsoft account, not your gamertag. Changing your name doesn't affect any of that. People on your friends list will see your new gamertag the next time they log in.

Naming rules and what gets rejected

Xbox has specific rules about what names are allowed. Your gamertag cannot contain spaces, cannot start or end with a hyphen, cannot have consecutive hyphens, and cannot use special characters like @, #, or $. It also cannot impersonate a real person, a celebrity, or a brand, and it cannot contain slurs or offensive language.

If you try a name and Xbox says it's not available, it either means someone else already has it or it violates the naming policy. Try a variation — add a number, use a hyphen in a different spot, or pick a different word entirely. You can test as many names as you want before you commit to paying.

When you've already used your free change

If you've changed your gamertag before, the next change will cost money. The fee is typically $9.99 in the US, but it varies by country and region. You pay through your Microsoft account payment method — the same way you'd buy games or Xbox Game Pass.

Some people hold onto their gamertag for years to avoid paying again. If you're thinking about changing it, make sure the new name is one you'll be happy with for a while. You can always change it again later if you want, but you'll pay each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my gamertag affect my game saves or achievements?

No. Your game progress, achievements, and purchases are all tied to your Microsoft account, not your gamertag. When you change your name, everything stays exactly where it is. Your friends will see your new gamertag, but your history doesn't change.

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but only within 30 days of changing it. After 30 days, your old gamertag becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you change back within that window, it's usually free, but check the confirmation screen to be sure.

What if the name I want is already taken?

Try a variation. Add numbers, use hyphens in different places, or pick a different word. You can test as many names as you want without paying. If a name is taken, it means someone else has it — there's no way to reserve it or get on a waitlist.

Do I have to pay to change my gamertag the first time?

No. Every Xbox account gets one free gamertag change. After you use it, each additional change costs money. If you haven't changed your gamertag yet, do it now if you want to — it won't cost anything.

How long does it take for the change to show up?

The change usually takes effect within a few minutes across all your devices. If you're still seeing your old name somewhere, sign out and back in, or restart your console. It should appear everywhere within an hour.