You can change your Xbox gamertag through your Microsoft account settings on any device

Your Xbox gamertag is the name that appears to other players and on your profile. You change it by logging into your Microsoft account online, navigating to your profile settings, and entering a new name. The process takes about five minutes and works the same whether you own an Xbox console, play on PC, or use Xbox Game Pass on mobile.

Microsoft lets you change your gamertag once for free, then charges $9.99 for each change after that. You cannot use a name that is already taken, contains profanity, or violates Xbox's code of conduct. The new name takes effect immediately across all your games and devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; subsequent changes cost $9.99 each through your Microsoft account.
  • You change your gamertag online at account.microsoft.com, not on your console.
  • The new name appears everywhere you play within minutes, including on your profile, in-game, and in your friends list.
  • Names that are already taken, contain profanity, or violate Xbox's code of conduct will be rejected during the change process.

Change your gamertag on a computer or phone

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account connected to your Xbox profile. If you are not sure which account that is, check your Xbox console by going to Settings > Account > Your Info.

Once you are signed in, select Your Info from the left menu, then find and click Manage your Microsoft account. Look for the section labeled Gamertag and click Edit next to it. Type your new gamertag into the field that appears. Microsoft will tell you immediately if the name is taken or violates their policies. If it is available, click Save and the change is complete.

The new name shows up on your Xbox console, in the Xbox app on PC, and in any games you play within a few minutes. Friends will see the new name in their friends list right away.

Change your gamertag on your Xbox console

You can also change your gamertag directly from your Xbox Series X, Series S, or Xbox One. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu, then go to Profile & system > Profile > Your profile.

Select Customize profile, then choose Gamertag. Enter your new name and confirm it is available. If you see a green checkmark, the name is free to use. Select Save and you are done. Like the online method, the change takes effect across all your devices within minutes.

What happens to your old gamertag

When you change your gamertag, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period. Your game progress, achievements, and friends list all stay with your account — they are tied to your Microsoft account, not your gamertag.

Games you have purchased remain in your library under your new name. Your game saves and statistics carry over as well. The only thing that changes is the name other players see when they look at your profile or encounter you in multiplayer.

Gamertags that will not be accepted

Microsoft rejects gamertags that are already in use, contain profanity or slurs, include impersonation of real people or celebrities, or violate Xbox's code of conduct. Names that are too similar to existing ones may also be rejected.

If your chosen name is rejected, you will see an error message explaining why. Try a different name — you can attempt as many times as you want during the change process without being charged. Only when you successfully save a new name does the $9.99 charge apply (if it is not your free change).

Understanding the free change and paid changes

Every Xbox account gets one free gamertag change. After you use that free change, each additional change costs $9.99. Microsoft charges this fee to prevent people from changing their names constantly to avoid consequences for bad behavior in games.

You can see whether you have used your free change by going to account.microsoft.com, selecting Your Info, and looking at the Gamertag section. It will tell you if you have a free change remaining or what the cost will be. If you want to change your name again, you will need to pay through your Microsoft account using a credit card, debit card, or balance from a Microsoft gift card.

Troubleshooting a stuck or failed change

If your gamertag change does not go through, first check that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account. Your Xbox gamertag is tied to a specific account, and you can only change the name on that account. If you have multiple Microsoft accounts, make sure you are on the one you use for Xbox.

If the change still fails, sign out of your console completely, wait 30 seconds, and sign back in. This refreshes your account connection. Try the change again through the console or online. If the problem continues, restart your console or clear your browser cache if you are using a computer, then try once more. If you still cannot change your name after these steps, contact Xbox Support through support.xbox.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. After you change your gamertag, your old name enters a holding period before it becomes available to others. If you change your mind quickly, you can change back to your original name for free (if it was your free change) or for $9.99 (if you have already used your free change).

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

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and your friends will see your new gamertag in their friends list within minutes. You stay in all the same groups and parties — only your name updates.

Does changing my gamertag affect my Game Pass or Xbox Live subscription?

No. Your subscription, Game Pass membership, and any games you own stay exactly the same. The change only affects the name displayed on your profile and in games.

What if my desired gamertag is taken?

Try a variation of the name you want — add numbers, underscores, or different letters. Microsoft will show you whether each name is available as you type it. You can keep trying different names until you find one that is free.

How long does it take for my new gamertag to show up everywhere?

The change is usually visible within a few minutes across your console, the Xbox app, and in games. In rare cases it may take up to an hour to appear in all games, especially older titles that do not update player names in real time.