Change your Xbox gamertag through your Microsoft account settings

You can change your Xbox gamertag (the name other players see) by going to your Microsoft account online or through your Xbox console. The process takes a few minutes and costs nothing the first time you change it. After that, Microsoft charges a fee for each change — currently around $10, though this varies by region and may change.

Your gamertag is separate from your Microsoft account email. Changing your gamertag does not affect your email, your saved games, your achievements, or anything else tied to your account. Your friends list stays the same, and people who know your old name can still find you by searching your new one for a short period after the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; subsequent changes cost money, usually around $10 each.
  • You can change your gamertag on Xbox.com, through the Xbox app on Windows, or directly on your console.
  • The change takes effect immediately, but your old name remains searchable for a few days.
  • Changing your gamertag does not affect your achievements, game saves, or friends list.
  • Some names are blocked by Xbox's filter system and cannot be used, even if they seem acceptable.

Change your gamertag on Xbox.com

Go to xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select My Profile. Look for the option that says Customize Profile or Edit Profile — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it is always near your current gamertag.

Click on your gamertag itself. A window will open asking you to enter a new name. Type your desired gamertag and click Check Availability. If the name is available, you will see a green checkmark. If it is taken or blocked by Xbox's content filter, you will see a message saying so. Once you confirm the name is available, click Save or Confirm. The change happens immediately.

Change your gamertag on your Xbox console

On your Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360, press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu. Navigate to Profile & System, then select Profile. Highlight your profile and press A. Select Customize Profile.

Choose Gamertag from the menu. Enter your new name and select Check Availability. If it is available, confirm your choice. The system will either complete the change immediately (if it is your free change) or prompt you to pay before proceeding (if you have already used your free change).

What happens if your desired name is unavailable

If your first choice is taken, Xbox will suggest similar alternatives. These suggestions are generated automatically and may not be names you like. You can ignore them and type a completely different name instead. There is no limit to how many names you can check before you settle on one.

Some names are blocked even if they seem ordinary. Xbox's filter catches words it considers offensive, profane, or tied to real people or brands. If you get a rejection message, try a slight variation — adding a number, changing a letter, or using an underscore often works. You can also try a completely different name.

Understanding the cost after your first change

Microsoft gives you one free gamertag change. After that, each change costs money. The price is usually around $10 USD, but it varies by country and currency. Before you confirm a paid change, the system will show you the exact cost in your region.

If you are unsure about a name, use your free change carefully. Once you have used it, every future change has a cost attached. There is no way to undo a paid change and get your money back, so think through your new name before you confirm it.

What does not change when you update your gamertag

Your achievements, game progress, and saved files all stay with your account. Friends who had you on their list will still see you there under your new name. Your Xbox Live subscription, Game Pass membership, and any games you own remain exactly as they were.

Your email address and Microsoft account login do not change. You still sign in with the same credentials. The only thing that changes is the name other players see when they interact with you online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my old gamertag after I change it?

Your old gamertag remains visible in your profile history for a few days, and people who knew your old name can still search for you during that window. After about a week, the old name is released back into the system and can be claimed by someone else. You cannot change back to an old gamertag unless no one has claimed it in the meantime.

What if I want to change my gamertag back to my original one?

If your original gamertag has not been claimed by someone else, you can change back to it. However, you will have to pay the standard fee (unless it is still your free change). If someone else has claimed your old name, you cannot use it again.

Do I need to change my password when I change my gamertag?

No. Your gamertag and your Microsoft account password are separate. Changing your gamertag does not affect your password or your account security. You only need to change your password if you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission.

Can I change my gamertag on mobile?

You can view your profile on the Xbox mobile app, but you cannot change your gamertag through the app itself. You must use Xbox.com, the Xbox app on Windows, or your console to make the change.

What if my new gamertag is rejected for being offensive?

Xbox's filter is automated and sometimes blocks names that are not actually offensive. If you believe your name was rejected in error, try a small variation like adding a number or underscore. If the same word keeps getting blocked, choose a different name instead — there is no appeal process for the filter.