You can change your Xbox gamertag through the Xbox app on your phone, but the actual change happens in your Microsoft account settings, not in the game itself
Your gamertag is tied to your Microsoft account, not to Xbox directly. When you change it on your phone, you're changing it across your entire Microsoft account — which affects your Xbox profile, your Outlook email display name, your OneDrive, and anywhere else you use that account. The Xbox app on your phone gives you access to your account settings, but the change process routes you to Microsoft's web interface.
The whole process takes about five minutes. You'll need your phone, your Microsoft account password, and to know whether you want to keep your old gamertag reserved (which costs money) or let it go. If you've never changed your gamertag before, Microsoft gives you one free change; after that, each change costs $9.99.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Xbox app on your phone, tap your profile picture, and select "View profile" to reach your account settings.
- Your gamertag change affects your entire Microsoft account, not just Xbox, so your email display name and other Microsoft services will show the new tag.
- The first gamertag change is free; every change after that costs $9.99 through Microsoft.
- You can keep your old gamertag reserved for $9.99 per month, or release it so someone else can use it.
- The change takes effect immediately, but it may take a few minutes to show up in games and on your profile across Xbox services.
Steps to change your gamertag in the Xbox app
Open the Xbox app on your phone and tap your profile picture in the top left corner. This opens a menu with several options. Select "View profile" — this takes you to your Xbox profile page within the app.
On your profile page, look for a settings icon or gear symbol, usually near your gamertag at the top. Tap it. You'll see options including "Change gamertag" or "Edit profile." Tap "Change gamertag." The app will redirect you to a web browser and ask you to sign in to your Microsoft account if you're not already signed in.
Once you're signed in, you'll see a page showing your current gamertag with a button to change it. Enter your new gamertag in the text field. Microsoft checks the name against its database in real time — you'll see a green checkmark if the name is available or a red X if it's taken. Choose a name that's available and tap the button to confirm the change.
If this is your first gamertag change, the change is free and goes through immediately. If you've changed your gamertag before, you'll be asked to pay $9.99 before the change completes. After payment, your new gamertag is active right away, though it may take a few minutes to show up in games and on your profile across all Xbox services.
What happens to your old gamertag
When you change your gamertag, Microsoft asks whether you want to keep your old one reserved or release it. If you choose to reserve it, you pay $9.99 per month to keep that name from being used by anyone else. Most people release it, which means someone else can claim it immediately.
Releasing your old gamertag does not affect your game progress, achievements, or friends list. Your account history stays with your new gamertag. The old name simply becomes available for another player to use. If you think you might want your old gamertag back later, reserving it is the only way to may provide it stays yours.
Why the change routes through a web browser
The Xbox app on your phone is designed to show you your profile and manage basic settings, but account changes — especially ones that affect your entire Microsoft account — are handled through Microsoft's secure web interface. This is why the app redirects you to a browser instead of letting you change the name inside the app itself.
This routing also protects your account. Microsoft's web interface has additional security checks, including password confirmation and, if you have two-factor authentication enabled, a code sent to your phone or email. These extra steps make it harder for someone else to change your gamertag if they gain access to your phone.
If your old gamertag is already taken
If you released your old gamertag and someone else claimed it before you changed your mind, you cannot get it back unless that person releases it. Microsoft does not restore old gamertags or hold them for previous owners.
If the name is important to you, you can try contacting the player who has it and asking them to release it, but Microsoft does not mediate these disputes. This is why reserving your old gamertag for $9.99 per month is worth considering if you think you might want to switch back later.
Changing your gamertag if you forgot your password
If you don't remember your Microsoft account password, you cannot change your gamertag through the app because the web interface requires you to sign in. You'll need to reset your password first.
Go to account.microsoft.com on your phone's browser and select "Can't access your account." Follow Microsoft's recovery process, which usually involves confirming your identity through a recovery email or phone number. Once you've reset your password, return to the Xbox app and follow the steps above to change your gamertag.
Gamertag rules and restrictions
Microsoft has rules about what characters and words you can use in a gamertag. Your name must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. You cannot use special characters like @, #, or &. Gamertags are not case-sensitive — "Player123" and "player123" are treated as the same name.
Microsoft also blocks gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names without permission. If you try to use a blocked word, the system will tell you the name is unavailable and suggest alternatives. If you believe a blocked name should be allowed, you cannot appeal the decision through the Xbox app — you would need to contact Microsoft Support through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my gamertag delete my achievements and game progress?
No. Your achievements, game progress, and friends list all stay with your account. Only the name displayed changes. When you load a game, you'll see your new gamertag, but your stats and unlocks are unchanged.
Can I change my gamertag more than once?
Yes, but only your first change is free. Every change after that costs $9.99. There's no limit to how many times you can change it, as long as you're willing to pay each time.
How long does it take for my new gamertag to show up in games?
The change is active immediately in your account, but it may take a few minutes to appear in online games and on other players' friend lists. If a game is already running, you may need to restart it to see the new name.
What if the gamertag I want is taken?
If a name is taken, you cannot use it. Microsoft's system shows you in real time whether a name is available. You'll need to choose a different name or wait to see if the person using it releases it later.
Can I change my gamertag if I'm under 18?
If your account is a child account managed by a parent or guardian through Microsoft Family, you may not be able to change your gamertag without permission. Check with the adult managing your account, or ask them to change it for you through their own device.