You can change your Xbox gamertag through your Microsoft account settings in about five minutes, and you get one free change every 30 days after that

Your Xbox gamertag is the name that appears to other players when you're online. If you want a different one, you change it through the Microsoft account that's linked to your Xbox console or the Xbox app on your computer. The process is straightforward: you sign in, navigate to your account settings, find the gamertag option, and type in what you want instead. Microsoft will check that the name isn't already taken or against their code of conduct, and if it passes, the change happens immediately.

The first change is free. After that, each additional change costs $9.99 USD (pricing may vary by region). You can change your gamertag as often as you want, but you have to wait 30 days between changes once you've used your free one.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your gamertag through your Microsoft account settings, not through Xbox itself, and the change takes effect immediately across all Xbox services.
  • Your first gamertag change is free, and subsequent changes cost $9.99 USD each with a 30-day waiting period between them.
  • Microsoft checks new gamertags against their code of conduct, so names with profanity, slurs, or impersonation will be rejected.
  • If someone else has already taken the gamertag you want, you'll see that message during the change process and can try a different name.

Change your gamertag on a web browser

This is the fastest way if you're at a computer. Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account connected to your Xbox. Look for "Your info" or "Account" in the left menu, then find the option that says "Manage your Microsoft account" or similar wording (the exact label changes occasionally, but it's always in the account settings area).

Once you're in your account settings, look for a section labeled "Gamertag" or "Xbox profile." Click on it, then click "Edit" or "Change gamertag." Type in the new name you want. Microsoft will tell you right away if it's available or if it violates their code of conduct. If it's available and acceptable, click "Change" to confirm. The new gamertag shows up on your Xbox profile and in-game immediately.

Change your gamertag on Xbox console

If you're using an Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360, you can change your gamertag directly from the console. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then go to "Profile & system" and select "Profile." Choose "Customize profile," then select "Gamertag." Type in your new name and follow the same process as the web version — Microsoft checks availability and code of conduct, and if it passes, the change is instant.

The console method works exactly the same way as the web browser method. You'll see the same availability and code-of-conduct checks, and the change takes effect immediately across your entire Xbox account.

What names Microsoft will reject

Microsoft has a code of conduct for gamertags. Names that contain profanity, slurs, hate speech, or references to illegal activity will be rejected. Names that look like you're impersonating a real person, a celebrity, or a Microsoft employee will also be turned down. If you try a name and it gets rejected, the system will tell you why and you can try a different one.

Names that are already taken by another player will show as unavailable. If that happens, try adding a number, an underscore, or a different spelling. You can also check if a specific gamertag is taken by searching for that player's profile on Xbox.com before you try to claim it.

Understanding the 30-day waiting period

After you use your free gamertag change, you have to wait 30 days before you can change it again. This waiting period starts the moment you make the change, not when you pay for it. If you change your gamertag on day one and want to change it again, you can't do so until day 31.

The 30-day rule applies whether you're paying for the change or not. If you have another free change coming to you (which you don't — you only get one free change ever), you'd still have to wait 30 days. This is a system-wide rule that applies to all Xbox accounts.

What happens to your old gamertag

When you change your gamertag, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period. Your Xbox profile, achievements, game library, and friends list all stay with your account — they're tied to your Microsoft account, not to the gamertag itself. Other players will see your new gamertag in games and on your profile, but your history and progress don't change.

If you're worried about someone else taking your old gamertag, you don't have to be. After you change it, there's a grace period before it becomes available to others, so it's not instantly claimable. Your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they look at your profile or play with you.

Troubleshooting a rejected gamertag change

If your gamertag change is rejected, the system will show you a message explaining why. The most common reasons are that the name is already taken, it contains profanity or slurs, or it looks like you're impersonating someone. Read the rejection message carefully — it tells you exactly what the problem is.

If you think your gamertag was rejected by mistake, you can contact Xbox Support through support.xbox.com. They can review your specific case, but they won't override the code of conduct. If your name was rejected for a legitimate reason, you'll need to choose a different one. Try being more creative with spelling, adding numbers or underscores, or picking a completely different name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to change my gamertag the first time?

No. Your first gamertag change is free. Every change after that costs $9.99 USD, though pricing may vary depending on your region. You only get one free change, so choose carefully if you think you might want to change it again later.

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but you'll have to pay for it like any other change (unless it's your first change). Your old gamertag becomes available after a grace period, so you can reclaim it if you want. You still have to wait 30 days between changes.

Will my friends see my new gamertag right away?

Yes. The change takes effect immediately across all Xbox services. Your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they look at your profile or play with you online. Your friends list and game history stay the same — only the name changes.

What if the gamertag I want is already taken?

Try a variation: add a number at the end, use an underscore, or change the spelling slightly. You can also search for the gamertag on Xbox.com to see if it's taken before you try to claim it. If it's taken, you'll see that message during the change process and can pick something else.

Can I change my gamertag on mobile?

You can start the process on the Xbox mobile app, but you'll likely be directed to complete it through a web browser or your console. The web browser method at account.microsoft.com is the most reliable way to change your gamertag from any device.