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 to other players and on your profile. Microsoft lets you change it once for free, and additional changes cost $9.99 each. The process takes about five minutes and happens entirely through your Microsoft account — you do not need to be at your Xbox console, though you can start from there if you prefer.

The change takes effect when ready across all Xbox services: your console, the Xbox app on PC, the mobile app, and Xbox.com. Anyone on your friends list will see the new name the next time they refresh their view.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; each change after that costs $9.99 and can be made once every 30 days.
  • You change your gamertag through your Microsoft account settings, not through Xbox settings on your console.
  • The new name appears everywhere — console, PC app, mobile app, and web — within minutes.
  • You cannot use a gamertag that is already taken, contains banned words, or violates Xbox's code of conduct.
  • If you change your mind within 30 days of a paid change, you can request a refund from Xbox Support.

How to change your gamertag on a web browser

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account connected to your Xbox profile. Click Your info in the left menu, then scroll down to find Manage your Xbox profile and click it.

On the Xbox profile page, look for Gamertag and click Edit next to it. Type your new gamertag in the box that appears. Xbox will tell you when ready if the name is taken or contains words that violate the code of conduct — if so, try a different name. Once you find one that works, click Save. If this is your first change, it will process without charging you. If you have already used your free change, you will be asked to pay $9.99 before the change goes through.

How to change your gamertag on Xbox console

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Go to Profile & system and select Profile, then choose your account. Select Customize profile and then Gamertag. You will be taken to the same Microsoft account page described above, where you enter your new name and confirm the change.

This route is slower than using a web browser because you are navigating with a controller, but it works just as well. The change will sync to your console within a few minutes.

What happens if your chosen gamertag is not available

If the name you want is already taken, Xbox will show you a message saying so. You cannot reserve a gamertag or join a waitlist for one — you must choose a different name. Many players add numbers, underscores, or slight spelling variations to get the name they want.

If Xbox rejects your gamertag because it contains banned words or violates the code of conduct, the system will not tell you exactly which word triggered the block. Common reasons include profanity, slurs, references to drugs or violence, or impersonation of real people or brands. Try removing or changing the word that seems most likely to be the problem.

Costs and timing for multiple changes

Your first gamertag change is free, no matter when you make it. After that, each change costs $9.99 and you can only make one change every 30 days. This means if you change your gamertag on January 15th, you cannot change it again until February 14th at the earliest.

If you made a paid change and regret it within 30 days, you can contact Xbox Support through the Xbox app or at support.xbox.com and request a refund. They will not undo the change itself, but they may refund the $9.99 charge. After 30 days, refunds are not available.

How your old gamertag is handled

When you change your gamertag, your old name becomes available for someone else to use after a short delay — usually within a few hours. Your Xbox Live history, achievements, and friends list all stay with your account and your new gamertag. Old messages and posts you made under your previous name will still show your old gamertag, but your profile and active presence will show only the new one.

If you are worried about someone else taking your old gamertag, there is no way to reserve it. The best approach is to choose a new gamertag you are happy with and not worry about the old one.

Troubleshooting: Your change did not go through

If you paid for a change but the new gamertag did not appear on your console after 15 minutes, sign out completely and sign back in. This forces your console to sync with Microsoft's servers. If the new name still does not appear after that, restart your console entirely.

If you see an error message during the change process, make sure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account — the one actually connected to your Xbox profile. You can check this by going to Settings > Account on your console and looking at which account is listed as your profile. If you are trying to change the gamertag on someone else's profile, you must be signed in as that person or as the account owner who manages the console.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has taken it. Since old gamertags become available for others to use, there is no may provide your previous name will still be free. If it is taken, you would have to wait for that person to change their gamertag or contact Xbox Support to see if they can help — though they rarely intervene in these situations.

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

No. Your gamertag and your password are separate. Changing your gamertag does not affect your account security or password. Your friends will see the new name, but your login credentials stay the same.

Will my achievements and game progress disappear if I change my gamertag?

No. All your achievements, game progress, and game library stay with your account. Only the name displayed changes. Anyone looking at your profile will see all your history under your new gamertag.

Can I change my gamertag on mobile or through the Xbox app?

The Xbox app on PC and the mobile app do not have a direct option to change your gamertag. You must use a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com, or start from your Xbox console. The web browser method is fastest.

What if my gamertag change is stuck pending?

Changes usually process within minutes. If yours has been pending for more than an hour, sign out of your Microsoft account completely, wait five minutes, and sign back in. If it is still stuck, contact Xbox Support through the Xbox app or at support.xbox.com with your account email and the gamertag you are trying to change to.