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 allows you to change it, and the process takes about five minutes. You do not need to own an Xbox console — you can make the change on a computer, phone, or tablet by signing into your Microsoft account.

The first change to a new account is free. If you want to change it again, Microsoft charges a fee (the amount varies by region). Your old gamertag becomes available for others to claim after a period of inactivity, usually around 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, not through the Xbox app, to change your gamertag.
  • Your first gamertag change is free; subsequent changes cost money, with the fee varying by your region.
  • The change takes effect immediately across all Xbox services, including Game Pass and online multiplayer.
  • You cannot reserve a gamertag before you change to it — you must change directly to the name you want.
  • If a gamertag is already taken, you will see that message during the change process and must choose a different one.

Steps to change your gamertag on a computer

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email and password for your Microsoft account. This is the account linked to your Xbox profile, not a separate gaming account.

Once you are signed in, look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu. Select it, then find the option labeled "Manage your Microsoft account" or "Edit profile." Look for a section about your Xbox profile or gamertag — the exact wording changes, but it will mention Xbox or your current gamertag name.

Click on your current gamertag. You will see a field where you can type a new name. Enter the gamertag you want, then click the button to confirm the change. If the name is already taken, the system will tell you immediately and you can try another one. Once you confirm, the change is live.

Steps to change your gamertag on Xbox console or mobile app

On an Xbox console, press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Go to "Profile & system," then "Profile," then "Customize profile." Select "Gamertag" and follow the prompts to enter a new name.

On the Xbox mobile app (available for iPhone and Android), open the app and tap your profile picture in the top left corner. Select "Customize profile" or "Edit profile," then tap "Gamertag." Enter your new name and confirm the change.

On a phone or tablet, you can also use the web method described above — it works the same way on any browser.

What happens after you change your gamertag

The change takes effect immediately. Your new gamertag will appear in all Xbox services: online multiplayer, Game Pass, your profile, and any games you play. Friends will see your new name the next time they log in. Your game saves, achievements, and play history stay with your account — nothing is lost.

If you change your mind within a short window (usually 30 days), you may be able to change back to your old gamertag for free. After that period, your old gamertag enters a queue and becomes available for other players to claim. Contact Xbox Support if you want to change back after 30 days; they can sometimes restore it, but there is no may provide.

Gamertag rules and what names are not allowed

Xbox has content policies for gamertags. You cannot use names that contain hate speech, slurs, sexual content, or real names of public figures. You also cannot use names that impersonate Xbox staff or other players. The system checks your entry against these rules before you confirm the change.

Gamertags must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. Some special characters are allowed, but most punctuation marks are not. If you try to use a name that breaks the rules, you will see an error message telling you why it was rejected.

When you have to pay to change your gamertag

Your first gamertag change is free, no matter when you created your account. Every change after that costs money. The fee is set by Microsoft and varies by region — it is typically between $5 and $10 USD equivalent, but check your local pricing when you attempt the change.

If you have not changed your gamertag before, the system will show "Free" next to the change option. If you have already made one change, the price will appear instead. You will need a payment method on file with your Microsoft account to complete a paid change.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see a message that your gamertag is taken, try a variation: add a number, use a different spelling, or add an underscore or space. The system will tell you immediately whether a name is available, so you can try as many times as you need before you confirm.

If the change button does not appear or you cannot access your profile settings, make sure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account — the one linked to your Xbox profile. If you are still stuck, sign out completely, close your browser or app, and sign back in. If the problem continues, contact Xbox Support through their website.

If you forgot which email is linked to your Xbox account, go to xbox.com, click "Sign in," and use the "Can't sign in?" option. Microsoft will help you find or recover your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one after I change it?

You can change back to your old gamertag for free within 30 days. After 30 days, your old gamertag becomes available for others to claim. If you want it back after that, contact Xbox Support — they may be able to restore it, but it is not may provide and may require payment.

Will my friends still see my achievements and game history after I change my gamertag?

Yes. Your gamertag is just your display name. All your achievements, game saves, play history, and friends list stay with your account. Your friends will see your new name, but everything else remains the same.

What if the gamertag I want is taken?

Try a different name. You can add numbers, spaces, or underscores to create a variation. The system checks availability in real time, so you will know immediately whether a name is open. Keep trying until you find one that works.

Do I need an Xbox console to change my gamertag?

No. You can change your gamertag on any device with internet access by signing into your Microsoft account online. You do not need to own an Xbox console, Game Pass, or any Xbox hardware.

Why does it say I have to pay to change my gamertag?

You get one free change when you first set up your account. After that, Microsoft charges a fee for each additional change. The cost varies by region but is typically $5 to $10 USD equivalent. Check your local pricing when you attempt the change.