Change your Xbox Gamertag through the Xbox app or website

Your Xbox Gamertag is the name other players see when you play online. You can change it once every 30 days at no cost, though Microsoft charges $9.99 if you want to change it again within that window. The fastest way is through the Xbox app on your console, but you can also do it on the web.

On your Xbox console, go to Settings, then Account, then Personalisation, then choose Change my profile. Select Gamertag and enter your new name. The system checks instantly whether the name is available. If it is, confirm the change and you are done — it takes effect immediately across all your games and online play.

If you prefer to use a computer or phone, sign into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, go to Your Info, then select Manage your Microsoft account, and look for the Gamertag section. The steps are the same: enter the new name and confirm if it is available.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Gamertag once every 30 days for free through the Xbox app, Settings menu, or your Microsoft account online.
  • The name you choose must be available and follow Xbox's content policy — no profanity, hate speech, or impersonation of real people or brands.
  • Your Gamertag change takes effect immediately across all Xbox services, games, and your profile visible to other players.
  • If you want to change your Gamertag again within 30 days, Microsoft charges $9.99 for each additional change in that period.
  • Your Microsoft account email address (used to sign in) is separate from your Gamertag and does not change when you update your gaming name.

What names are not allowed

Xbox rejects Gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or references to illegal activity. The system also blocks names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or major brands, or that are sexually explicit. If you try to set a name that violates these rules, the system will tell you it is unavailable and suggest you try something else.

Names that are simply offensive to other players but do not fall into those categories may pass the initial check but can still be reported by other users. If enough reports come in, Xbox can force you to change your Gamertag without warning and without refunding any paid name changes you made recently.

Change your Microsoft account display name separately

Your Microsoft account display name is different from your Gamertag. It is the name that appears on your Microsoft account profile, in emails, and in some Microsoft services. You can change it independently of your Gamertag.

To change your display name, sign into account.microsoft.com, go to Your Info, and select Edit name. Enter your first and last name (or whatever name you want to display), then save. This change does not affect your Gamertag or your sign-in email address. Some games and services may show your display name instead of your Gamertag depending on how they are set up.

What happens to your old Gamertag

When you change your Gamertag, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim after a short delay. Your game library, achievements, and play history stay attached to your Microsoft account — they do not disappear. Other players who were on your friends list will see your new Gamertag the next time they log in.

If you had a custom URL for your Xbox profile (like xbox.com/en-US/youroldname), that URL will no longer work after you change your name. Your profile will still exist, but you will need to use your new Gamertag in the URL or share your profile link from your account settings.

Troubleshooting: name change not working

If the system says your chosen name is unavailable but you do not see why, it may contain a word or phrase that Xbox flags automatically — even if it does not seem offensive to you. Try a different spelling, add numbers, or use a hyphen. The system is more lenient with names that include numbers or punctuation.

If you cannot access the Gamertag change menu at all, make sure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account and that your console or browser is up to date. On Xbox consoles, restart the system and try again. On the web, try a different browser or clear your browser cache. If the option still does not appear, your account may have a restriction — contact Xbox Support to check.

Changing your Gamertag on mobile or PC

You do not need an Xbox console to change your Gamertag. The Xbox app for Windows, the Xbox mobile app for iOS or Android, and the web portal all let you make the change. Sign in with your Microsoft account, navigate to your profile settings, and follow the same steps as on a console.

The change syncs across all devices within a few minutes. If you are in the middle of playing a game when you change your name, you may need to restart the game or sign out and back in to see the new Gamertag reflected in that game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Gamertag more than once every 30 days?

Yes, but each change after the first free one in a 30-day period costs $9.99. If you change your name on day 1 and want to change it again on day 15, you pay $9.99 for the second change. After 30 days from your first change, your next change is free again.

Will my friends still see my old Gamertag?

No. Your friends list will update to show your new Gamertag the next time they log in. Anyone looking at your profile or game history will see your current Gamertag, not the old one.

What if someone else took the Gamertag I want?

If the name is taken, you cannot use it. Try adding numbers, a hyphen, or an underscore. You can also check whether the name is reserved by Xbox (some official brand names and celebrity names are locked). If you believe a name is being held by an inactive account, Xbox does not have a process to reclaim it — you will need to choose a different name.

Does changing my Gamertag affect my Game Pass or subscriptions?

No. Your Game Pass membership, Xbox Live Gold, and any other subscriptions stay active and attached to your Microsoft account. The Gamertag change is purely cosmetic and does not touch your billing or service status.

Can I change my Gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, if no one else has claimed it. After you change your name, your old Gamertag enters a holding period before it becomes available to others. If you change your mind quickly, you can change back to it for free within the 30-day window. After 30 days, if someone else has taken it, you cannot reclaim it.