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

Your gamertag is the name that appears when you play online and in your Xbox profile. Microsoft lets you change it once for free, and additional changes cost $9.99 each. The process takes about five minutes and works the same whether you're on an Xbox console, Windows PC, or the Xbox app — you just need to sign into your Microsoft account and navigate to your profile settings.

The change takes effect immediately across all Xbox services, including Game Pass, Xbox Live multiplayer, and your profile on Xbox.com. Your old gamertag becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period, usually a few weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; any changes after that cost $9.99 each through your Microsoft account.
  • You can change your gamertag on an Xbox console, Windows PC, or through Xbox.com without downloading anything extra.
  • The new gamertag shows up everywhere you play within minutes, including multiplayer games and your profile.
  • Gamertags must be between 3 and 15 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or certain symbols.

How to change your gamertag on an Xbox console

On your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or older console, press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Select your profile icon in the top left, then choose Profile. Scroll down and select Customize profile, then tap Gamertag.

You'll see a text box where you can type your new gamertag. Xbox will check whether it's available as you type — if the name is taken or breaks the naming rules, you'll see a red X next to it. Once you find one that works, select it and confirm. If this is your first change, it will be free. If you've already used your free change, you'll be asked to pay $9.99 before the system saves it.

How to change your gamertag on Windows or through Xbox.com

On a PC or Mac, go to xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select View profile. Look for the Customize profile option and select Edit gamertag.

Type your new gamertag into the box and watch for the availability indicator. Once you've chosen a name that's available, select Check availability to confirm, then Save. You'll see the same payment screen if you've already used your free change. The new name will appear on your profile and in games within a few minutes.

Gamertag rules and what names won't work

Xbox gamertags must be 3 to 15 characters long and can include letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and spaces. You cannot use special characters like hyphens, underscores, or periods. Names that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names are rejected automatically by Microsoft's filter.

If you try a name and see an error message, it usually means the name is already taken, violates the naming policy, or contains a word Microsoft's system flagged. Try a variation — adding a number, changing the spelling slightly, or using a different word entirely. The system tells you immediately whether a name works, so you can experiment without penalty.

What happens to your old gamertag

When you change your gamertag, your old one doesn't disappear right away. Microsoft holds it for a waiting period (typically a few weeks) before making it available for someone else to claim. During that time, your old name won't show up in searches or on profiles, but the system knows it belongs to you if you want to change back.

Your game history, achievements, and friends list all stay attached to your account — they follow your new gamertag automatically. People on your friends list will see your new name the next time they log in, and any messages or party invites will still reach you.

If you've already used your free change

Microsoft gives every account one free gamertag change. After that, each additional change costs $9.99 and must be purchased through your Microsoft account. You can change your gamertag as many times as you want, but you'll pay for each one after the first.

Before you spend money on a change, think about whether you want to keep the new name long-term. There's no limit to how many times you can change it, but the cost adds up if you change frequently. Some players keep the same gamertag for years; others change it once and never touch it again.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the system says your gamertag is unavailable but you don't see it on anyone else's profile, it might be held by someone's old account that's no longer active. Wait a few days and try again — inactive accounts sometimes release their names. If a name is genuinely taken, try adding numbers to the end or beginning, or swap out one letter for a similar-looking number (like using 1 instead of I).

If you see an error message that doesn't mention availability, try signing out of your account completely and signing back in. Clear your browser cache if you're using Xbox.com. If the problem persists, restart your console or close and reopen the Xbox app on your PC. These steps usually fix temporary glitches that prevent the system from processing your change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag back to my old one?

Yes, but only if the waiting period hasn't ended and Microsoft still holds it. If someone else has claimed your old gamertag, you cannot get it back. You can change to any available name, including a completely new one, at any time.

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

Yes. Your friends list, achievements, and game history all stay with your account. Your friends will see your new gamertag the next time they log in, and you'll still appear on their friends list under the new name.

What if I see a gamertag I want but it says it's unavailable?

The name is either taken by an active account or held by Microsoft from someone's old account during the waiting period. Try a variation with numbers or different letters. If you really want that specific name, check back in a few weeks — old names sometimes become available again.

Do I have to pay $9.99 every time I change my gamertag?

No. Your first change is free. After that, each additional change costs $9.99. You can change as many times as you want, but you'll pay for every change after the first one.

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

The change usually appears within a few minutes across all Xbox services, including multiplayer games and your profile. If you don't see it right away, try restarting your game or console — it should update after that.