You can change your Xbox gamertag through the Xbox app on your phone or through a web browser

The Xbox app on iOS and Android lets you change your gamertag without needing a console. You can also do it through a web browser on your phone by signing into your Microsoft account. The process takes about five minutes and costs nothing the first time; Xbox charges $9.99 USD for each change after that.

Your gamertag is the name other players see when you play online. Changing it does not affect your account, your games, your achievements, or your friends list — everything stays attached to your Microsoft account. You can change it back to your old name at any time, though you will pay the fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Xbox app on your phone or use a web browser to reach your account settings without a console.
  • You need to sign in with the Microsoft account connected to your Xbox profile before you can change your gamertag.
  • The first gamertag change is free; each change after that costs $9.99 USD.
  • Your new gamertag takes effect immediately, but other players may see the old name for a few minutes while the system updates.
  • You cannot use a gamertag that is already taken, contains profanity, or violates Xbox's code of conduct.

Change your gamertag through the Xbox app

Open the Xbox app on your phone and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Select "Profile" from the menu. Scroll down and tap "Customize profile." Look for the option that says "Gamertag" and tap it.

Type your new gamertag in the text box. Xbox will tell you immediately if the name is taken or breaks the rules. If it is available, tap "Check availability" or the confirm button (the exact label varies by phone type). Review the cost — it will show $0.00 if this is your first change, or $9.99 if you have changed it before. Tap "Confirm" or "Purchase" to finish.

The change happens right away. Your new gamertag appears on your profile immediately, though it may take a few minutes for other players' screens to update and show the new name.

Change your gamertag through a web browser

Go to account.xbox.com in any web browser on your phone. Sign in with the Microsoft account that is linked to your Xbox profile. Tap your profile picture or name at the top right and select "Account" or "My account."

Look for a section called "Personalization" or "Profile settings." Find the option for "Gamertag" and click it. Type your new name and click "Check availability." If it is open, you will see a button to confirm the change. Review the cost and click "Confirm purchase" or "Change gamertag."

The system will process the change and show you a confirmation message. Your new gamertag is active immediately on your account and will show up on your profile right away.

What names Xbox will not let you use

Xbox blocks gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, or hate speech. The system also rejects names that reference illegal activity, sexual content, or real names of public figures without permission. Names that are already taken by another player will be unavailable.

If you try a name and Xbox says it violates the code of conduct, the system will not let you use it even if you think it should be allowed. You cannot appeal the rejection — you have to choose a different name. If you believe the rejection was a mistake, you can contact Xbox Support through the app or the website, though they rarely overturn these decisions.

What happens to your old gamertag

When you change your gamertag, your old name becomes available for another player to use. This usually happens within a few hours. You can reclaim your old gamertag later by paying the $9.99 fee again, but only if no one else has taken it in the meantime.

Your achievements, game progress, friends list, and account history all stay with your Microsoft account and your new gamertag. Other players will see your new name going forward, but your old name will still appear on old screenshots, recordings, and messages you sent before the change.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the app will not let you sign in, make sure you are using the Microsoft account that is actually linked to your Xbox profile. Some people have multiple Microsoft accounts and sign into the wrong one. Check your email to confirm which account you use for Xbox.

If the change button is grayed out or missing, you may have already changed your gamertag recently. Xbox limits how often you can change it — usually you can change it once every 30 days, though this rule can vary. Wait a few days and try again.

If you see an error message after you confirm the change, try closing the app completely and opening it again. If the error persists, try the web browser method instead. Sometimes one route works when the other does not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my gamertag cost money the first time?

No. Xbox gives you one free gamertag change when you first set up your account. After that, each change costs $9.99 USD. You can see the cost before you confirm, so you will know the price before you are charged.

Will my friends still see me after I change my gamertag?

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and your friends will still see you in their list with your new gamertag. They do not have to do anything on their end — the change is automatic.

Can I change my gamertag back to my old name?

Yes, but you will have to pay $9.99 unless no one else has claimed it and you change it back within a short window. If another player takes your old gamertag, you cannot use it again unless they change theirs.

What if I change my mind right after I pay?

Xbox does not refund gamertag changes. Once you confirm the purchase, the change is final. You can change it again, but you will have to pay another $9.99. Plan your new name carefully before you confirm.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my gamertag?

Gamertags can contain letters, numbers, and spaces, but not most special characters like hyphens, underscores, or symbols. Xbox will tell you if your choice contains characters it does not allow when you check availability.