The quickest way to change your Xbox email
You can change the email address on your Xbox account directly from your console or from the Xbox website. The process takes about five minutes and doesn't require you to create a new account or lose your games and achievements. You'll need to know your current password, and the new email address must not already be linked to another Xbox account.
The email address attached to your Xbox account is what you use to sign in, receive security alerts, and recover your account if you forget your password. Changing it doesn't affect your game library, saved data, or any purchases you've made — those all stay with your account.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your email from the Xbox console, the Xbox website, or the Microsoft account website, and the change takes effect immediately.
- Your current password is required to make the change, and your new email address cannot already be linked to another Xbox or Microsoft account.
- If you change your email, you'll sign in with the new address the next time you start your console.
- You can change your email back to the original one at any time using the same process.
Changing your email from the Xbox console
Start on the home screen of your Xbox. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then go to Profile & system and select Settings. From there, choose Account, then Personal info.
Select Email and enter your current password when prompted. Type in your new email address, confirm it by typing it again, then select Next. Xbox will send a confirmation link to your new email address — check your inbox (and spam folder) and click that link within 24 hours to complete the change. Once you confirm, you're done.
Changing your email from the Xbox website
Go to account.xbox.com and sign in with your current email and password. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account. Choose Personal info, then click Email.
Enter your current password, type your new email address, and confirm it. Click Next, and Xbox will send a confirmation link to the new address. Click that link within 24 hours to finish. The change takes effect as soon as you confirm it.
Changing your email through your Microsoft account
Your Xbox account is part of your Microsoft account, so you can also change the email there. Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in. Click Your info on the left side, then select Manage your Microsoft account.
Look for Email & phone and click Change email address. Enter a new email that isn't already linked to a Microsoft or Xbox account, then follow the confirmation steps. This change applies to your entire Microsoft account, which includes Xbox, Outlook, OneDrive, and any other Microsoft services you use.
What happens after you change your email
Your new email becomes active immediately after you confirm it. The next time you sign into your Xbox console, you'll use the new email address instead of the old one. Your old email address is no longer linked to your account, but you can change it back to the original email at any time by following the same steps.
Any recovery options, security alerts, or notifications from Xbox will now go to your new email address. If you've set up two-factor authentication on your account, you may need to update your recovery email there as well — check your security settings at account.microsoft.com/security to make sure everything is current.
If your new email is already in use
Xbox won't let you change to an email address that's already linked to another Xbox or Microsoft account. If you see an error saying the email is already in use, that address is attached to a different account somewhere in the Microsoft system.
If the email belongs to you but you've forgotten which account it's tied to, you can try signing in at account.microsoft.com with that email address to find out. If it belongs to someone else, you'll need to choose a different email address for your Xbox account.
Troubleshooting a stuck or failed email change
If you don't receive the confirmation email within a few minutes, check your spam and junk folders — confirmation emails sometimes get filtered there. If it's not there, go back to your account settings and try the change again. You can request a new confirmation link as many times as you need.
If you're getting an error message when you try to change your email, make sure you're entering your current password correctly. If you've forgotten your password, you'll need to reset it first before you can make any account changes. Go to account.microsoft.com/security and select Change password to reset it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my email delete my games or achievements?
No. Your games, achievements, saved data, and all purchases stay with your account. Changing the email is just changing how you sign in — it doesn't affect anything else on your account.
Can I change my email if I don't remember my password?
No, you need your current password to change your email. If you've forgotten it, reset your password first at account.microsoft.com/security, then follow the email change steps.
How long does it take for the email change to take effect?
The change takes effect as soon as you click the confirmation link in the email Xbox sends you. You'll use the new email address the next time you sign into your console.
Can I use the same email for multiple Xbox accounts?
No. Each email address can only be linked to one Xbox account. If you want to create a second account, you'll need a different email address.
What if I change my mind and want to switch back to my old email?
You can change your email back to the original one at any time using the same process. Just follow the steps for changing your email, and enter your old email address as the new one.